Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Popular 7-Day Machame Route

What’s better than climbing Kilimanjaro? Climbing it via the Machame route, known as the most beautiful climbing route in the world! Prepare for stunning views of Mount Meru, an impressive ascent along the Barranco wall, well-maintained hiking trails, and diverse landscapes since the descent follows a different route – a two-for-one adventure! 

Once you reach the summit, take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the unforgettable moment. It’s an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Tanzania Specialist guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax after your flight.

Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

Day 2: Machame route (1/7) | Machame Gate (1,800 m/5,905 ft) - Machame Camp (2,835 m/9,301 ft)

Our guide picks you up from the hotel in the morning and takes you to Machame Gate, where your unforgettable Kili climb begins! As you ascend through the stunning landscapes, lush rainforests gradually transition into heather moorlands. After a five to six-hour hike, you reach the Machame Camp on the edge of the forest area with a heath zone. This is your first day at this altitude, so remember to drink plenty of water!

Day 3: Machame route (2/7) | Machame Camp (2,835 m/9,301 ft) - Shira Camp (3,839 m/12,595 ft)

This second day on the mountain starts with another nice climb that is a little steeper. You first pass to a small circular cliff known as the picnic rock, where you are rewarded with stunning views of Kibo (a peak of Kilimanjaro) and Shira (one of the other volcanic peaks). From the picnic rock, you hike on to Shira Camp via a beautiful route to have lunch and rest. If you wish, you can take an acclimatisation walk towards the Lava Tower (to an altitude of 4,630 meters and a distance of 2 km).

Day 4: Machame route (3/7) | Shira Camp (3,839 m/12,595 ft) - Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) - Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,959 ft)

From Shira Camp, you trek to the beautiful Lava Tower for lunch. This part of the climb has many ascents and descents and offers beautiful views along the way. It is important to find the right pace, as this is a longer hike and you might feel a bit uncomfortable due to the increased altitude. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp at the foot of the imposing Barranco Wall, which is impressive in both its sheer size and steepness.

Day 5: Machame route (4/7) | Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft) - Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft)

After breakfast, you depart from Barranco Camp to the Barranco Wall. For many people, this is their favorite part of the climb. Once at the top of the Barranco Wall, you have a spectacular view of the Kibo Volcano and Mount Meru.

A more difficult hike starts later on to reach Karanga Camp. This route has many ascents and descents, so keep the right pace. You have lunch at the camp, and after a rest, you can take an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp.

Day 6: Machame route (5/7) | Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft) - Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft)

Today you hike to Barafu Camp, the starting point for your ascent to Uhuru Peak - the top of Kilimanjaro! You arrive at the camp around lunch. Have a rest, and after you regain your strength, take an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870m) and back. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and experience the thrill of high-altitude camping as you prepare for the final push to the summit around midnight.

Day 7: Machame route (6/7) | Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millennium Camp (3,820 m/ 12,532 ft)

The big day has arrived! Around midnight, you start from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak. The climb leads over good trails, and the most challenging part is the high altitude. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a short time at the top, where you celebrate your ultimate triumph, you descend slowly to the scenic Millennium Camp.

Day 8: Machame route (7/7) | Millennium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel

The Millennium Camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up today, you feel a sense of relief from the reduced altitude and satisfaction from reaching the summit the day before. After breakfast, you take an easy walk to Mweka Gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Your driver then brings you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Unforgettable memories, breathtaking views, and a true sense of accomplishment await and will stay forever with you!

Day 9: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday, and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!