7 Days Advetures in Kilimanjaro Mount via Machame Route

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The seven-day Machame variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 7-day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt.

This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep-deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.

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Day 1: Machame gate – Machame Camp

Drive from Arusha to Machame Gate takes about 3 hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping

  • On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2: Machame camp to Shira camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping

  • On Mt Kilimanjaro
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping

  • On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4: Barranco camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping

  • On Mt Kilimanjaro
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping

  • On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6: Barafu to Summit to Mweka Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Budget camping

  • On Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Mountain Warriors tour and safari vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (around 2 hours).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
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Prices are Per Person and Valid for Trips from December 31, 2025, to

December 31, 2026

# People in Group:23, 4 – 56+
Price per person$2300$2100$2000
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IncludedExcluded
  • Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents:
  •  Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  •  All Park fees, Rescue fees
  •  All meals while on the Mountain
  •  Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
  •  Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
  •  Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
  •  Clean, purified drinking water
  •  Fair and ethical treatment of porters
  •  Accommodation in Arusha
  •  Airport transfers
  • Tips for guides, cook, and porters
  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania Visa fee
  • Mountain gear

Note: We have a discount for kids under 15 years old

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Clothing

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferably moisture-wicking and non-cotton. Layers work best! You will want active wear for daily activities and casual dressy clothes for the evening.

  • Long pants
  • Shorts
  • Short-sleeved shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Undergarments, sports bra
  • Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
  • Rain jacket and/or rain poncho
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit and cover
  • Belt
  • Sun hat with brim and chin strap
  • Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)

Footwear

Your daily activities may get your shoes dirty or muddy. Streets can be uneven. Light sandals are not good for daily tours and hikes, but they are nice for relaxing at your hotel.

  • Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed-toe, preferably waterproof
  • Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip-flops
  • Comfortable, breathable socks

Baggage

  • Suitcase or duffel (check weight restrictions for internal flights)
  • Day pack for daily activities and easy access + rain cover
  • Waterproof/plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (Ziplocs and garbage bags work)
  • Packing cube, compression bag, stuff sacks, toiletry bag, foldable shopping bag
  • Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
  • NOTE: A carry-on bag on most flights is limited to 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

Electronics

Store electronics in sealed waterproof bags. Remember to set the date and time on your cameras.

  • Cell phone, cord, plug, headphones (check on international charges)
  • Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
  • GoPro, camera, video camera, SD cards, batteries, charger/power cord
  • Tripod (travel size), selfie-stick
  • Air Tags
  • Lens cleaning cloth
  • Electrical adapter

Day Pack

Take along any items you need for the day in a separate day pack:

  • Binoculars
  • Camera + disks, batteries, lenses, tripod, cleaning cloth
  • Video camera, cell phone, Go Pro, etc.
  • Water
  • Snacks + to share with guides, other travelers, etc.
  • Wet wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Passports
  • Money
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug repellent
  • Hat
  • Bandana
  • Hair binder
  • Jackknife
  • Magazines/books/headphones/kite/frisbee
  • Safari notebook + pen
  • Safari wildlife book

Toiletries

  • Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
  • Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
  • Shaving supplies
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
  • Deodorant
  • Lotion
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
  • Facial tissue, Toilet paper
  • Moist towelettes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Q-tips
  • Sewing kit
  • Insect repellent
  • Small travel towel
  • Cosmetics, feminine products, travel jewelry

First Aid

You only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.

  • Prescription drugs
  • Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
  • Band-aids/blister tape
  • Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
  • Throat lozenges
  • Vitamins
  • Antihistamines
  • Melatonin or other sleep aid
  • Gauze bandages and tape
  • Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar), Ginger, and Ginkgo can be helpful for stomach problems
  • Antibiotics (talk to a doctor)

Documents

  • Passport (make sure it is valid > 6 months after the end of your trip)
  • Visas for all countries as necessary
  • Airline e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
  • Copy of AWR travel itinerary
  • Travel insurance information + Medical insurance card
  • Document organizer
  • Make copies of passports, visas, driver’s licenses, airline tickets/schedules, travel itineraries, credit cards (front and back), frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and email it to yourself (or store it in the Cloud). Put copies of your travel itinerary in each checked bag.

Pool/Beach

  • Swimsuit and cover-up
  • Beach sandals
  • Reef shoes (for sharp rocks and coral)
  • Scuba card
  • Waterproof camera

Other

  • Cash (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be new with no tears)
  • Credit cards (check for international fees)
  • Water bottle and Camelbak
  • Sunglasses, strap
  • Eyeglasses, contacts/case/solution
  • Binoculars
  • Pocket knife (put in checked luggage)
  • Notebook, lots of pens
  • Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
  • Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
  • Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)

Packing for the flight

  • Passport, flight e-tickets, AWR travel itinerary
  • Books, magazines, e-readers, cards, games
  • Cell phone, headphones
  • Toiletries
  • Snacks
  • Water bottle (empty through security)
  • U-shaped neck pillow
  • Eye shades, ear plugs
  • Kleenex, wet wipes
  • Melatonin or other sleep aid
  • Compression socks

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