ABOUT 7-Day Majestic Climb Kilimanjaro Machame Route - Kilimanjaro
The seven-day Machame variation is the best plan for this route. On this route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is split into two days. This means there's a shorter day right before the big summit push. This is crucial because summit day starts super early, around midnight, so climbers are already tired before the toughest day. Having a shorter day before helps climbers get more rest.
- Duration: 7 days
- Route: Machame
- Starts at: USD 1750
Highlights for 7-Day Majestic Climb Kilimanjaro Machame Route - Kilimanjaro
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Day 3: Shira Camp , Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu, Summit to Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
>> The drive from Arusha to Machame Gate takes approximately 3 hours, passing through the village of Machame situated on the mountain's lower slopes.
From the park gate, you'll trek through the rainforest along a winding trail up a ridge. The path can be muddy and slippery at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. After a short distance, you'll arrive at Machame Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7 mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
>> Following breakfast, you'll bid farewell to the lush rainforest and ascend along a path, traversing the valley via a steep rocky ridge. Your journey veers westward, leading you through a river gorge until you reach the Shira campsite.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3 mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 3: Shira Camp , Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
>> From the Shira Plateau, you'll head east along a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak. Your path then turns southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Afterward, you'll reach a junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. Descending now, you'll make your way to the Barranco Camp. Despite ending the day at a similar elevation to where we began, this day is crucial for acclimatization, preparing your body for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6 mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
>> After breakfast, you'll start walking from Barranco and climb up a steep hill called the Barranco Wall. It's tough, but we keep going until you reach the Karanga Valley. From there, you'll head to a junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. You'll be climbing from 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft, covering a distance of 5km/3 mi. It'll take you about 3-4 hours to climb. You'll have breakfast, lunch, and dinner along the way. The area you're trekking through is called the Alpine Desert.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
>> You'll keep climbing until you reach the Barafu Camp. This marks the completion of the South Circuit, giving you panoramic views of the summit from various angles. Here, you'll set up camp, take a rest, have dinner, and get ready for the big summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2 mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 6: Barafu, Summit to Mweka Camp
>> In the very early hours of the morning, from midnight to 2 am, you'll press on towards the summit, threading your way between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You'll head in a northwesterly direction, braving heavy scree as you ascend towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This leg of the journey is the most mentally and physically demanding.
Upon reaching Stella Point at 18,600 ft, you'll pause briefly to catch your breath and witness one of the most spectacular sunrises imaginable, weather permitting. From Stella Point, expect snow along the one-hour final push to the summit. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you'll stand atop the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. Those moving swiftly may even witness the sunrise from the summit.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation:Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
>> After breakfast, you'll begin your descent towards the Mweka Park Gate to collect your summit certificates. As you descend to lower elevations, expect wet and muddy terrain. Wearing gaiters and using trekking poles can be helpful. You'll likely find that shorts and t-shirts are sufficient attire, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing within reach.
Upon reaching the Mweka Gate, a Kiliclimb Africa Safaris vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Arusha, approximately a 2-hour drive.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6 mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
- Accommodation:No accommodation (End of tour)
Inclusions
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclusions
- Climbing gear
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)