7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

TANZANIA MOUNTAINS

Embark on an epic 7-day journey along the Machame Route with World Compass Adventures, discovering the diverse landscapes and challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. Our expert team will accompany you, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout this unforgettable adventure to Africa’s highest peak. Experience the gradual ascent through lush rainforests, across expansive plateaus, and up challenging terrain, culminating in a sunrise summit bid from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak. Trust us to guide you through this incredible experience, making every step towards the summit memorable and rewarding.

What to Bring

Warm clothing, including thermal layers and a down jacket
Sturdy hiking boots and gaiters
Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
Headlamp and extra batteries
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Personal first aid kit and medications
Trekking poles (optional but recommended)

Safari Highlights

Trek through diverse landscapes: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert.
Reach the summit of Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Enjoy stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Experience the camaraderie of fellow climbers and support from experienced guides.

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be greeted by the warm Tanzanian air and transferred to your hotel in either Moshi or Arusha, depending on your preference or tour operator's arrangements. After settling in, you'll have an initial meeting with your climbing team and guide. This meeting serves as an opportunity to discuss the upcoming trek, go over the itinerary, and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment. Take this time to rest and prepare mentally and physically for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The journey officially begins as you depart from your hotel and drive to the Machame Gate, the starting point of the Machame Route. Here, you'll register with the park authorities and commence your trek into the dense rainforest. The trail winds through lush vegetation, offering glimpses of endemic flora and fauna unique to the region. After several hours of trekking, you'll arrive at Machame Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,000 meters (9,840 feet). Here, you'll enjoy your first night under the starlit African sky, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the mountain.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Leaving Machame Camp behind, you'll ascend further into the mountainscape, gradually transitioning from the forested terrain to the open heath zone. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning panoramas of the Shira Plateau, a vast expanse of moorland that stretches out before you. By day's end, you'll reach Shira Camp, perched at an elevation of 3,840 meters (12,600 feet). Take in the breathtaking views and relish the sense of accomplishment as you settle in for another night on the mountain.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Today's trek presents both challenges and rewards as you navigate your way to Barranco Camp. The route takes you past the iconic Lava Tower, a towering rock formation that stands at 4,600 meters (15,100 feet) above sea level. As you ascend to this high point, you'll have the opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude, a crucial aspect of successful summit attempts. From there, the trail descends into the scenic Barranco Valley, where giant senecio plants dot the landscape, earning it the moniker "Garden of Senecios." Your day concludes at Barranco Camp, nestled at an elevation of 3,950 meters (12,960 feet), where you'll rest and recharge for the days ahead.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day begins with a thrilling ascent up the Barranco Wall, a challenging yet exhilarating section of the trek. With the help of your guides and fellow climbers, you'll navigate the rocky terrain and conquer the wall, gaining confidence with every step. Beyond the wall, the landscape opens up as you traverse the alpine desert, crossing valleys and ascending ridges along the way. Your efforts are rewarded upon reaching Karanga Camp, situated at 4,035 meters (13,235 feet) above sea level. Here, you'll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks and prepare for the final push to the summit.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

As you depart from Karanga Camp, the anticipation of reaching the summit begins to mount. The trail leads you steadily upwards, culminating at Barafu Camp, your last base camp before the summit bid. Located at an elevation of 4,600 meters (15,100 feet), Barafu Camp offers a stark contrast to the lush vegetation of the lower slopes, with its rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. Here, you'll have time to rest and prepare for the challenging ascent ahead, ensuring that you're mentally and physically ready for the final push to the summit.
Day 7: Summit Attempt - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

The most anticipated day of the trek has arrived – summit day. In the darkness before dawn, you'll set out from Barafu Camp, guided by the light of your headlamp and the collective determination of your team. The trail ascends steeply, winding its way up the slopes of Kilimanjaro under the vast expanse of the starlit sky. As the first light of dawn breaks on the horizon, you'll reach Stella Point, a crucial milestone on the path to the summit. From there, it's a final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent, where you'll stand atop the roof of Africa and bask in the glory of your achievement. After savouring the moment and capturing photos to commemorate the occasion, you'll begin your descent, retracing your steps back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and brunch. From there, the trail leads you down to Mweka Camp, located at an elevation of 3,100 meters (10,170 feet), where you'll spend your final night on the mountain.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

With the summit conquered and memories made, it's time to bid farewell to the mountain and begin the descent to Mweka Gate. The trail winds its way through the lush rainforest, offering one last opportunity to soak in the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you'll receive your summit certificates as a testament to your accomplishment. Here, amidst hugs and handshakes, you'll bid farewell to your guides and porters, whose expertise and support were instrumental in your success. From there, a transfer awaits to take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can reflect on your journey and celebrate the memories forged on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Tour Includes

Guides and Porters
Permits and Fees
Accommodation
Meals
Safety Equipment
Transportation
Briefings and Training

Tour Does Not Includes

International flights
Personal Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips and Gratuities
Personal Expenses
Optional Extras
Medical Expenses

TANZANIA MOUNTAINS