7 Days Machame Route Climbing Kilimanjaro Itinerary
|9 Days, 4 Destinations |Starts from Kilimanjaro International Airport
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Duration

9 days

Max Group Size

300

Departure Type

Request

Guiding Method

Fully guided

Physical level

moderate

Operated In

Age Requirement

- 90 Ages

Tour Overview

The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro due to its scenic beauty and high success rate for summit attempts. This 7-day itinerary gives climbers an optimal acclimatization schedule, increasing the chances of reaching the summit. Here is a comprehensive day-by-day breakdown of what to expect on this adventure: With Kilimanjaro Wings Expedition’s experienced guides and detailed planning, this 7-day Machame Route trek is designed to provide a balanced experience, maximizing your chances of summiting while enjoying the beauty of Kilimanjaro's varied landscapes.

All InclusiveAccessible ToursAdventureHiking & TrekkingFamilyDiscoveryNational ParkSpecial DaySightseeingSpecial DaysWildlifeWalking TourPhotographySafari

Route

Starts from

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Ends in

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Pickup Location

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Dropoff Location

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Tour route map

Itinerary

  • Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you'll be picked up and transferred to a hotel in Moshi. After checking in, you will meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing and equipment check.
  • Evening: Relax at the hotel, followed by dinner and overnight stay.
  • Accommodation: Parkview Inn, Moshi (Midrange)
  • Elevation: 1,800m (5,900ft) to 3,000m (9,800ft)
  • Distance: 11km (7 miles)
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Your journey begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate, the starting point of your trek. After completing park formalities, you start your ascent through the lush, dense rainforest. The path can be steep and muddy, but it's filled with towering trees, ferns, and a variety of bird species. As you progress, you’ll reach Machame Camp, situated in a moorland zone.

  • What to expect: A relatively moderate start to the hike. Ensure you wear good waterproof gear as the rainforest can be wet and slippery.


  • Elevation: 3,000m (9,800ft) to 3,850m (12,600ft)
  • Distance: 5km (3 miles)
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

This day begins with a short but steep climb out of the rainforest and into the moorlands. The trail becomes rockier as you ascend, with panoramic views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge, and the plains below. You will arrive at Shira Camp, located on the Shira Plateau, where the air becomes noticeably thinner.

  • What to expect: This is your first encounter with higher altitudes. It's essential to pace yourself and drink plenty of water to aid acclimatization.
  • Elevation: 3,850m (12,600ft) to 4,600m (15,000ft) then down to 3,900m (12,800ft)
  • Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Habitat: Semi-desert

Today is crucial for acclimatization. You will hike up to Lava Tower, a striking rock formation at 4,600 meters. Spending time at this altitude helps your body adjust to the thinner air. Afterward, you descend to Barranco Camp, where you’ll spend the night. The drop in elevation helps improve acclimatization, and you'll sleep at a lower altitude than the day’s highest point.

  • What to expect: Although this day includes a lot of ascending and descending, it is an important day for adapting to altitude. Some climbers may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness.
  • Elevation: 3,900m (12,800ft) to 4,040m (13,250ft)
  • Distance: 5km (3 miles)
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

This day begins with a challenging scramble up the Barranco Wall. Although it looks daunting, it is not a technical climb, and your guides will assist you. Once over the wall, you continue through the alpine desert towards Karanga Camp. This shorter hiking day allows for more rest and better acclimatization.

  • What to expect: The Barranco Wall can be intimidating, but it’s manageable. Afterward, the hike becomes more relaxed, giving you time to enjoy the views.
  • Elevation: 4,040m (13,250ft) to 4,600m (15,100ft)
  • Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

You’ll continue ascending through the desolate alpine desert, reaching Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. Upon arrival, you'll have time to rest and prepare for the summit push. The views at Barafu Camp are dramatic, with glaciers in the distance.

What to expect: This is a shorter day in terms of distance, but you will be preparing for the most challenging part of the climb. Early rest is vital as the summit attempt starts around midnight.

  • Elevation: 4,600m (15,100ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) then down to 3,100m (10,170ft)
  • Distance: 17km (10.5 miles)
  • Hiking Time: 11-14 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic to rainforest

This is the most physically and mentally challenging day of the trek. You’ll begin the summit ascent around midnight. The path is steep, and you’ll be trekking in the cold, dark night. After several hours, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,739m), the rim of the crater. From here, you’ll continue to the summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

After spending time at the summit to take photos and enjoy your achievement, you’ll begin the descent to Mweka Camp. This is a long and tiring day, but the sense of accomplishment will keep you going.

  • What to expect: The summit night is tough due to the cold and altitude. It is essential to dress in layers and move slowly. Reaching Uhuru Peak is a rewarding experience, followed by a long descent.
  • Elevation: 3,100m (10,170ft) to 1,640m (5,380ft)
  • Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Your final day on the mountain is a descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. At the gate, you will receive your certificate for successfully reaching the summit. A vehicle will then drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

·         What to expect: This is a relatively easy day after the strenuous summit push. You’ll be greeted with lush greenery as you descend and celebrate your success upon reaching Mweka Gate.


Additional Considerations

  • Acclimatization: The Machame Route is known for its excellent acclimatization profile, with gradual ascents and descents. Remember the phrase, "climb high, sleep low" to help your body adjust to the altitude.
  • Porter and Guide Support: Kilimanjaro Wings Expedition provides well-trained guides and porters who assist with carrying gear, setting up camps, and offering medical support. The guide-to-client ratio is typically 1:2, ensuring personalized attention.
  • Preparation: It is vital to train before the climb, focusing on cardiovascular endurance, strength, and altitude acclimatization. Trust Tours and Safaris can offer advice on the best training regimen.
  • What to Pack: Essentials include layered clothing for varying temperatures, a sleeping bag rated for cold weather, hiking boots, a headlamp for the summit night, and plenty of high-energy snacks.
  • Summit Night: The climb to Uhuru Peak requires mental resilience and physical stamina. Ensure you have proper gear for extreme cold, and keep hydrated throughout the trek.

Why we’re different

1. Focus: Unlike most of our competitors, we focus exclusively on providing affordable tour packages and group tours to foreign, largely exotic destinations. In the travel business, it is particularly easy to get distracted by new trends and themes, but we have chosen to focus on what we do best. We are extremely deliberate in introducing new tours because we have set a standard that our loyal customers have come to rely on, and we are committed to meeting and exceeding your expectations. 

2. Phenomenal Tour Guides: 

If you ask anyone who has been on an escorted tour, they will tell you that the tour guides are an essential ingredient to making the trip a success. The importance of tour guides is not lost on us at Trust Tours And Safaris Company Limited, which is why we are relentless in our pursuit and retention of the very best tour guides. We are proud to say with confidence that our tour guides are phenomenal, and many of them have become celebrity-like figures within the Trust Tours And Safaris Company community.

Package Price 2025/2027

Price for 1–3 pax: US$ 2,480 per single Climber.

What is included in Kilimanjaro Package?

Transfers:

• Pick-up and drop-off at Arusha/Kilimanjaro International Airport;

• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park.

• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;

Entry fees:

• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fees, rescue fees, and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).

Accommodation:

• One night at a 3*-4* hotel (Paroti Hotel) before the expedition. The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, a restaurant and swimming pool, and a hot shower.

• Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Please note:

All accommodation is on a sharing basis (i.e., you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike). If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer.

Meals:

• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;

• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks. A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost.

• Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

• Meals not listed above on those arrival and departure days

• Optional Tours (short safari after your climb, etc.)

• Tips for per climber 250-350 per trip.

• Any items of a personal nature. 

• All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water).

Hiking and safety equipment

• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;

• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);

• The Helicopter rescue is free (book with us so we can give you the helicopter)

• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;

• GPS-tracking service;

• Complete medical kits.

Climbing crew:

• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or

Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have years of successful mountaineering experience.

• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)

Kilimanjaro Price Excludes:

• Local airfares, international airfares.

• International Travel Insurance

• Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival.

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Currently, the cost of portable toilets is not included in the tour package to reduce trip expenses. Public restrooms are available in camps along the way. However, for those who prioritize comfort, renting a portable toilet is highly recommended, $270 for entire trip.

How Many Porters Are Required to Conquer Kilimanjaro?

 Embarking on a daring expedition up the majestic Kilimanjaro warrants meticulous planning, dear adventurer. Rest assured, for we have accounted for every aspect of your conquest. Picture this: your personal porter, unwavering and valiant, shall bear the weight of your gear, from trekking essentials to culinary apparatus. And should your journey necessitate the comforts of a private lavatory, fret not, for your porter will dutifully transport it as well.

Adventure awaits! 

                            NO. OF CLIMBER                                NO OF PORTERS

                               1 Climber                                               3 To 4 Porters                          

                               2 Climbers                                              5 To 6 Porters                  

                               3 Climbers                                              8 To 9 Porters                 

                               4 Climbers                                              11 To 12 Porters                         

                               5 Climbers                                             12 To 15 Porters

                               6 Climbers                                             17 To 18 Porters

                                     

But, dare I say, we go above and beyond mere adequacy! Any bespoke needs you may harbor shall be met with an additional porter by your side, ready to offer unwavering support. No request is too great!  Of course, dear explorer, we are well aware of the limitations our tireless porters face. A weight threshold exists, as a sanction upon the burdens they may shoulder. Fear not, however, for the finest of companies, such as ours, uphold a remarkable porters-to-clients ratio. This ensures that our gallant companions can tackle their duties with unparalleled efficiency, permitting them to provide you with the best possible experience. Rest easy, knowing that your needs shall be zealously met. Now, without further ado, let us dive into the captivating specifics. 

NB: Tips should be submitted to the office.

PAYMENT PLAN:

PAYMENT PLAN:

Payment according to the Schedule should be made.

 

Date Due

Description

v   First payment will be done online upon booking.

v   Full payment will be done by cash on your arrival at the airport or hotel.

The full amount of the 20% payment.

Then the full amount of 80% remains.

 

 

 

BANK DETAILS:

 

Account Holder:        Trust  Tours and Safaris Company Limited

Account Number:       0110013634 for USD $

Involved Bank:           Exim Bank (T) Limited

Postal address:            Box 1431

                                   9, Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam Tanzania

Swift Code :               EXTNTZTZ

Chips UID :                370780

Note this: Bank charges & transactions you must clear for 100%; no deductions into Trust Tours And Safaris Company Limited.

 

Trip includes

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