Duration

7 Days 6 Nights

Country

Tanzania, United Republic of

Maximum Traveller

Min Pax

7-Day Scenic Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro & Meru Climbing

Kilimanjaro climb 7 Days Machame Route – A challenging yet scenic trek that takes you through rainforest, heath, and alpine desert, providing gradual acclimatization and stunning views on your way to Uhuru Peak

Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info
Price Range
What to Pack
Gallery

Overview

The 7-day Machame Route is widely considered the best and most effective itinerary for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This variation allows the trek from Barranco to Barafu to be divided into two days, creating a shorter and easier day just before the summit attempt.

This is especially important because summit day begins around midnight, making it the most demanding part of the climb. By having a shorter trekking day beforehand, climbers arrive at Barafu Camp better rested, improving both comfort and the chances of successfully reaching Uhuru Peak.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 – Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, drive from Arusha to Machame Gate (about 3 hours), passing through Machame village on the lower slopes of the mountain. After registration, begin your trek through lush rainforest on a winding trail. The path can be muddy, so trekking poles and gaiters are helpful. Continue to Machame Camp for dinner and overnight.

Elevation: 1,830m to 3,050mDistance: 11 kmHiking Time: 5–6 hoursMeals: Lunch & DinnerOvernight: Machame Camp
Day 2 – Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Leave the rainforest and ascend through moorland, crossing valleys and a rocky ridge before reaching the wide Shira Plateau. Enjoy beautiful views as you arrive at Shira Camp.

Elevation: 3,050m to 3,850mDistance: 5 kmHiking Time: 4–5 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOvernight: Shira Camp
Day 3 – Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
Trek east across the Shira Plateau toward the Lava Tower (4,650m) for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” day is essential for preparing your body for the summit.

Elevation: 3,850m to 4,000mDistance: 10 kmHiking Time: 5–6 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOvernight: Barranco Camp
Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, climb the famous Barranco Wall and continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, which lies below the southern glaciers.

Elevation: 4,000m to 4,050mDistance: 5 kmHiking Time: 3–4 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOvernight: Karanga Camp
Day 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue your climb to Barafu Camp, completing the scenic South Circuit of Kilimanjaro. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for your summit attempt.

Elevation: 4,050m to 4,700mDistance: 4 kmHiking Time: 3–4 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOvernight: Barafu Camp
Day 6 – Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Depart around midnight and climb through scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. After a short rest, continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp for overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOvernight: Mweka Camp
Day 7 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha
Descend through lush forest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. Your Chimera African Safaris vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha.

Elevation: 3,090m to 1,680mDistance: 10 kmHiking Time: 3–4 hoursMeals: Breakfast & Lunch

Cost Info

Price includes

Professional, experienced mountain guides, porters, and cook
All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and rescue fees
All meals on the mountain (fresh, healthy, and nutritious)
Quality four-season private mountain tents
Mess tents with tables and chairs
Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Accommodation in Arusha (before and after the climb)
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)

Price excludes

Tips for guides, cook, and porters
International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
Personal mountain gear (sleeping bags, clothing, trekking poles, etc.)
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs

Price Range

What to Pack

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking. Layers work best. Bring active wear for daytime and casual dressy clothes for the evening.

Clothing

Long pants & shorts
Short-sleeved & long-sleeved shirts
Undergarments & sports bras
Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
Rain jacket or poncho
Pajamas
Swimsuit & cover-up
Belt
Sun hat with brim & chin strap
Bandana (dust or sun protection)

Footwear

Sturdy, comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes (preferably waterproof)
Tennis shoes, sandals, or flip-flops (for hotel or pool)
Breathable socks

Bags & Luggage

Suitcase or duffel (check weight limits for internal flights)
Day pack for daily activities (+ rain cover)
Waterproof/plastic bags for dirty clothing
Packing cubes, compression bags, stuff sacks
Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
Foldable shopping bag

Electronics

Mobile phone, charger, headphones
Camera, GoPro, video camera
Extra batteries, SD cards, power bank
Travel adaptor
Headlamp or flashlight
Tripod or selfie stick
Lens cleaning cloth
AirTags or tracking devices

Day Pack Essentials

Water bottle
Snacks (for yourself & guides)
Binoculars
Camera & accessories
Passport & money
Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
Sunscreen & insect repellent
Hat & sunglasses
Safari notebook & pen
Safari wildlife book

Toiletries

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Soap, shampoo, conditioner
Hairbrush, comb, hair ties
Deodorant, lotion, sunscreen, lip balm
Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
Feminine hygiene products
Small travel towel
Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, Q-tips
Insect repellent
Sewing kit

First Aid / Health

Prescription medications
Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
Band-aids & blister care
Antiseptic cream & antibiotic ointment
Throat lozenges, antihistamines, vitamins
Diarrhea medicine, ginger, or natural remedies
Gauze, tape, melatonin or sleep aid

Documents

Passport (valid >6 months)
Visas (if required)
Airline e-tickets
Travel insurance & medical insurance card
Copy of itinerary
Backup copies of passports, credit cards, tickets

Pool / Beach

Swimsuit & cover-up
Beach sandals & reef shoes
Waterproof camera
Scuba/snorkel certification card

Other Essentials

Cash (small bills, USD preferred)
Credit cards (check international fees)
Water bottle / Camelbak
Sunglasses, strap, eyeglasses, or contacts
Pocket knife (in checked luggage)
Notebook, pens, games, books, frisbee, kite
Snacks / energy bars / comfort food
Duct tape (wrap around bottle or gear)

Packing for the Flight

Passport, e-tickets, itinerary
Cell phone & headphones
Toiletries & snacks
Water bottle (empty through security)
Neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs
Compression socks
Books, magazines, e-readers, games

Gallery

Please select date

from $2,600.00

Booking Form
Enquiry Form

Full Name* :

Email* :

Country :

Phone Number :

Number of Adults :

Number of Children :

Message :