7 Days / 6 Nights Kilimanjaro Machame Route

The Machame Route is a scenic, varied path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This compact six-day itinerary moves through rainforest, moorland and alpine desert before the final climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. The route includes the Shira Plateau, an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower, the dramatic Barranco Wall and the high camp at Barafu.

This journey adds a dedicated arrival day before the six-day mountain itinerary. Pre-climb preparation is completed on Day 2 before travelling to Machame Gate, and five nights are spent camping on the mountain.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Arusha or Moshi

Meet our representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. The rest of the day is reserved for check-in, relaxation and recovery from your journey.

Day 2

Pre-climb Preparation and Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Complete a morning briefing, gear check and final preparation with your mountain guide. Drive to Machame Gate for registration, then trek through lush montane rainforest to Machame Camp.

Day 3

Machame Camp to Shira Camp (2,835m to 3,750m)

Leave the forest behind and climb onto the open moorland of the Shira Plateau. Expansive views of Kibo and Mount Meru accompany the approach to camp.

Day 4

Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,900m)

Climb into the alpine desert toward Lava Tower for valuable altitude exposure, then descend into the Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” day supports acclimatization.

Day 5

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via Karanga Valley (3,900m to 4,673m)

Climb the Barranco Wall, cross the Karanga Valley and continue to Barafu Camp. This is a long, demanding day, followed by an early dinner and final preparation for the midnight summit attempt.

Day 6

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Begin before midnight for the steep ascent to Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend past Barafu to rest at Mweka Camp.

Day 7

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (3,100m to 1,640m)

Make the final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate for the certificate ceremony, then transfer back to Moshi or Arusha.

What’s Included

Airport arrival transfer
One pre-climb hotel night in Arusha or Moshi
Park fees
Camping fees
Conservation & rescue fees
VAT
Return transport between Moshi/Arusha and the park gates
Guides
Porters
Cook
Meals on trek
Purified water
Sleeping tents & mattresses
Mess tent with table & chairs
Emergency oxygen
Pulse oximeter

Reviews

★★★★★

“It was absolutely worth it. The guide was very warm and welcoming and was quite knowledgeable. Their company was quite enjoyable and made our trip unforgettable.”

Caren S

★★★★★

“Spotted Africa Safaris are the true warriors of giving joy, we really enjoyed our tour at Ngorongoro. The admission fee was affordable to us and the visit was so interesting. The atmosphere made us so cool, and the tour guide took us to nice spots where we saw lots of wildlife. I was amazed for real. Till next time for sure, I cannot say no to Spotted Africa Safaris.”

Joseph V

★★★★★

“My friends and I from Germany desperately needed a safari trip, and our tour with Spotted Africa Safaris was one of the best experiences of my life. The company was great to work with. Angel listened to my needs and created a perfect trip. Our guide was excellent, courteous, engaging, and very knowledgeable about animals and every small detail. They made us very comfortable with amazing accommodation suggestions, and it is an experience we will never forget. It is a new growing company, totally energized, and I highly recommend them.”

Akaro

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