There was an error with your log in

7-Day Kilimanjaro Hike in Tanzania: The Machame Route

Kilimanjaro doesn’t do easy. It does grit. It does altitude. It does sunrises that slap different when you’re standing on the highest point in Africa. This 9-day trek (with 7 days of climbing) will take us from steaming jungle to ice-covered peak through five climate zones that make us question if we’re still on the same planet. We’ll hike through clouds, conquer the infamous Breakfast Wall (no syrup required), and finally—finally—stand at Uhuru Peak, staring down at the world. If adventure’s your love language, this is your kind of romance. Let’s do this!

Adventure highlights

  • Welcome to the jungle
    Start the climb where the trees are tall, the air is thick, and the monkeys have front-row seats to our adventure
  • Five-star terrain
    Rainforest, moorland, desert, ice—we’re hiking through nature’s greatest hits
  • Sky-high sunrise
    Earn the best sunrise ever—nothing beats watching Africa wake up from its highest peak

Itinerary

Climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t just a trek—it’s a fast pass to the most mind-blowing landscapes on Earth. Picture this: one minute, you’re in a tropical rainforest; the next, you’re crossing an alpine desert that looks straight out of Frank Herbert’s “Dune”. Then, just when you think it can’t get wilder, you’re standing at Uhuru Peak, watching the sun rise over Africa from a place only a handful of people will ever reach. This isn’t a vacation. It’s a badge of honor. And if you’re up for the challenge, we’ll see you at the top.

  • Your expert guide will pick you up from the Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. You’ll then be taken to your hotel in Moshi city, the second-largest tourism hub of Tanzania and the capital of Kilimanjaro region. Your guide will brief you on what to expect on this tour and make sure you’re prepared.

    Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort

    Fruit market in Moshi City.
  • Only an hour’s drive from Moshi separates you from beginning this adventure. After completing some final park formalities, your trip will start at Machame Gate. The first section of the trail involves jungle bashing through Afromontane forests. The path is less worn and it can often be wet and muddy. Your trekking for the day ends at Machame Camp at 10,170 ft (3,100 m), which sits near the border of the rainforest zone and the low alpine zone. Spend the night at the camp.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Hiking: 4-6 hours, 9 km (6 mi)
    Altitude gain: 3,870 ft / 1,210 m
    Accommodation: Machame Camp

    Hikers going through rainforests of the Machame Route.
  • Your route continues on up through the forest until you reach the steep ascent to the Shira Plateau. Stretching out over 8 miles (13 km), the Shira Plateau is actually a caldera—what you’re seeing today are remains of a volcano boasting deep valleys and weather-beaten lava flows. Looking back, you’ll be able to see Mt Meru, Tanzania’s second highest mountain and a dormant volcano rising high above Arusha town. Your camping spot for the day are the Shira Caves.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Hiking: 4-6 hours, 5 km (3 mi)
    Altitude gain: 2,430 ft / 740 m
    Accommodation: Shira Caves

    Overnight stay in the Shira campsite.
  • A walk-high-sleep-low day ahead of you! Hiking on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. You’ll traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the monumental Lava Tower in the desert portion of the mountain and finally reach the Western Breach. You’ll spend your day at high altitudes of 15,092 ft (4600 m), but for your night’s sleep descend to the Barranco Camp at 12,795 ft (3,900 m). While it’s a long day, it’s also an opportunity to abide by the mountaineering code in order to aid your body in altitude acclimatization. Spend your night at the Barranco campsite.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Hiking: 6-7 hours, 10 km (6 mi)
    Altitude gain: 197 ft / 60 m
    Accommodation: Barranco Camp

    Lava Tower on Kilimanjaro.
  • Kick of the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. Exit steeply, up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rocks, but not overly technical. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga Valley at 13,123 ft (4000 m) for the night.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Hiking: 4-5 hours, 5 km (3 mi)
    Altitude gain: 328 ft / 100 m
    Accommodation: Karanga Valley

    Flora of the Karanga Valley.
  • The day is characterized by a short hike on terrain formed by scree. Hike arid land towards Barafu Camp at 15,092 ft (4,600 m) where you’ll have the entire afternoon to rest before ascending towards the summit. The terrain here is tough—strong winds often rip over this campsite in the desolate alpine desert. However, the far-reaching views of the Mawenzi peak make the struggle worth it. Take your time to rest and save your energy for tomorrow. Spend the night at Barafu Camp.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Hiking: 2-4 hours, 4 km (2.5 mi)
    Altitude gain: 1,969 ft / 600 m
    Accommodation: Barafu Camp

    Mawenzi peak in Tanzania.
  • Here’s where you get to show what you’re made of! In order to stay away from the heat of the sun as much as possible, depart around midnight and hike steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You’ll be climbing scree for 5-6 hours, but also gain incredible height over a short distance. Arrive to the crater rim at Stella Point as the first rays of sunshine emerge. You’ll be surrounded by ice cliffs within the crater and views of the Mawenzi peak.

    All that’s left to do is to conquer an hour’s walk to your goal—the summit of Uhuru, meaning freedom, at 19,341 ft (5,895 m). Having climbed the celebratory 4,252 ft (1,296 m), take some photos and begin your descent. Continue going down scree slopes back to Barafu Camp for breakfast before finally heading down to Millennium Camp. Spend the night there for a well-deserved rest and rejoice at your victorious climb!

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Hiking: 6-8 hours, 12 km (7.5 mi)
    Altitude loss: 9,501 ft / 2,896 m
    Accommodation: Millennium Camp

  • A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate where park formalities will be completed. You’ll receive your certificate of ascent, courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Drive back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower and a cold beer!

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch
    Hiking: 4-5 hours, 10 km (6 mi)
    Altitude loss: 4,462 ft / 1,360 m
    Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort

    Return to Mweka.
  • Your guides will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport. If you’re planning on staying in Tanzania for a bit longer, you can extend your tour to wildlife safari in the northern circuit to Serengeti and Ngorongoro of Zanzibar, but at an additional cost.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Elephants and Kilimanjaro in the backdrop.
Adventure brochure
Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.
Brochure sent, check your inbox
If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

Incredible Africa Adventures
5.00
Incredible Africa Adventures
Incredible Africa Adventures is a renowned sustainable tour company based in Moshi, Tanzania, offering unforgettable travel experiences across Tanzania and East Africa. Specializing in ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, Mount Meru treks, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, cycling adventures, and Zanzibar beach holidays, the company is known for its expert team and high-quality service. With personalized itineraries tailored to individual preferences, budgets, and schedules, Incredible Africa Adventures ensures exceptional hospitality and expertly guided trips.

Food

5.00(3 reviews)
B
Bhim Gurung

We enjoyed a most memorable experience in Tanzania and it was largely thanks to effortsby Octavian and his team at Incredible Africa Adventures. All the team members looking after us in our Mt Kili trek were very professional, very caring and well able to anticipate our needs. The Safari experience with camping ‘under the stars’ experience was also great. Special mention must got to ‘King’, the agency’s chef..his dishes were varied and a gastronomic experience during our whole trip in Tanzania.

T
Teeny Costa

I went on a 7 day climb up Kilimanjaro via the Machame route with my wife and four friends through Incredible Africa Adventures based in Moshi. Our guide and his team of porters and cooks were amazing we wouldn’t have made it to the top if it weren’t for his years of experience, encourage and hardwork he set on the way up. We had great local food, hot washing water every morning and night and our own private bathroom and eating tent. I would recommend IAA to everyone plan to visit Tanzania.

R
Rike

Outstanding! IAA has a remarkable team which is highly flexible and offers only the best services. We were completely taken care of (transport, food, etc but also personal issues like where to find an atm and how to arrange a sim card) and amazed by the hospitality, engagement, fun, and reliability. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would – they truly deserve it!

Show all reviews
5.00(3 reviews)
B
Bhim Gurung

We enjoyed a most memorable experience in Tanzania and it was largely thanks to effortsby Octavian and his team at Incredible Africa Adventures. All the team members looking after us in our Mt Kili trek were very professional, very caring and well able to anticipate our needs. The Safari experience with camping ‘under the stars’ experience was also great. Special mention must got to ‘King’, the agency’s chef..his dishes were varied and a gastronomic experience during our whole trip in Tanzania.

T
Teeny Costa

I went on a 7 day climb up Kilimanjaro via the Machame route with my wife and four friends through Incredible Africa Adventures based in Moshi. Our guide and his team of porters and cooks were amazing we wouldn’t have made it to the top if it weren’t for his years of experience, encourage and hardwork he set on the way up. We had great local food, hot washing water every morning and night and our own private bathroom and eating tent. I would recommend IAA to everyone plan to visit Tanzania.

R
Rike

Outstanding! IAA has a remarkable team which is highly flexible and offers only the best services. We were completely taken care of (transport, food, etc but also personal issues like where to find an atm and how to arrange a sim card) and amazed by the hospitality, engagement, fun, and reliability. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would – they truly deserve it!

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, local mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 9-day Machame route adventure in Tanzania (7-day climb)
      • Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to and from the accommodation in Moshi
      • 2 nights of accommodation in a hotel resort before and after the climb
      • Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
      • Park entry fees, camping fees, and Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
      • 4-season mountain tents and double-layered sleeping mats
      • Cook and porters for the baggage
      • All meals while on the mountain
      • Treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
      • Hot water for washing
      • Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
      • Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent
      • Emergency first-aid kit

    Not included:

      • Flights
      • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
      • Lunches, dinners and drinks at the hotel before and after the climb
      • Laundry service (available at hotel)
      • Personal items and toiletries
      • Guide, porter, and cook gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
  • This Machame route 7-days adventure is rated moderate, which means that almost anyone can participate, as long as they have a very good fitness level. Expect hiking up to 8 hours and 12 km (7.5 mi) per day, while gaining up to 4,252 ft (1,296 m) in elevation.

    The Machame route is considered a difficult one—compared to some other Kilimanjaro routes, the days are longer and the walks are steeper. It is a demanding trip best suited for people with at least some hiking experience. Still, it does not require technical skills or mountaineering equipment such as ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and ropes. Therefore, even if you’re a first-time trekker with very good fitness and a desire to push yourself in a mountain environment, this climbing tour in Kilimanjaro might be for you.

    For more amazing Kilimanjaro tours, click here!

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

    Technical clothing:

      • Waterproof jacket, breathable with hood
      • Insulated jacket, synthetic or down
      • Soft jacket, fleece or soft-shell
      • Long sleeve shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
      • Short sleeve shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
      • Waterproof pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
      • Hiking pants
      • Fleece pants
      • Shorts (optional)
      • Long underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
      • Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
      • Sport bra (women)

    Headwear:

      • Brimmed hat, for sun protection
      • Knit hat, for warmth
      • Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
      • Bandana (optional)

    Hand wear:

      • Gloves, warm
      • Gloves, thin

    Footwear:

      • Hiking boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in
      • Gym shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
      • Socks, wool or synthetic
      • Sock liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
      • Gaiters, waterproof (optional)

    Accessories:

      • Sunglasses or goggles
      • Backpack cover, waterproof (optional)
      • Water bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
      • Water bladder (Camelback type, 3 liters)
      • Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
      • Urinal bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended)
      • Stuff sacks, dry bags or plastic bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate

    Equipment:

      • Sleeping bag, warm, four seasons
      • Trekking poles, collapsable (highly recommended)
      • Head lamp, with extra batteries
      • Duffel bag, 50-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment
      • Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

    Important note: The most common mistake that climbers make is that they overpack and bring way too much gear. Be selective in what you take with you. Please note that the porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs (15 kg) of your personal belongings. Everything the porters will carry for you between campsites should be placed into the duffel bag, including the sleeping bag, but it is an option to pack the sleeping bag separately if necessary.

    The porters will place your duffel bag and sleeping bag into a large, sturdy, waterproof bag with a roll-top closure. If you have excess weight, you will be required to hire an additional porter.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Machame route 7 days adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 2:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.

    A Machame route 7-days adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Machame route 7-days adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your Machame route 7-days adventure is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

    Once you’re there, your guide will pick you up at a predetermined time and transfer you to the hotel in Moshi city. Your guide will provide more information before the adventure begins.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
From $2,500 ()
Book now
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • NZD - NZ$
    New Zealand Dollar