7 Days of Climbing Kilimanjaro Via the Popular Machame Route

7-day Machame route Kilimanjaro climbing tour Overview

The 7-Day Machame Route is one of the most popular and effective ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This tour is designed to give climbers enough time to acclimatize to the increasing altitude while offering a gradual and steady ascent. Over the seven days, you will trek through a variety of landscapes, from lush rainforests to the arid alpine desert, all leading up to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The slow pace of this climb reduces the risks associated with altitude sickness and increases your chances of a successful summit.

Starting your adventure in the dense forests on Day 1, you’ll gradually ascend through scenic moorlands and rocky terrains. As you gain altitude, each day builds toward the ultimate goal—the summit of Kilimanjaro. On Days 4 and 5, the climb gets more challenging as you ascend through the steep Barranco Wall and continue to Barafu Camp, where you'll rest before making your final ascent. On Day 6, you’ll embark on the most challenging part of the journey—the summit climb to Uhuru Peak, where you’ll experience the thrill of standing at the highest point in Africa. Afterward, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp, and on Day 7, you’ll complete your journey at Mweka Gate. This 7-day itinerary offers a comprehensive, well-paced approach to climbing Kilimanjaro, ensuring the best chance to reach the summit while enjoying the incredible natural beauty along the way.

Summit Success Rate

The 7-Day Machame Route boasts a summit success rate of approximately 85%, which is significantly higher than the shorter routes like the 5-Day option. This success rate is attributed to the longer duration, which allows climbers more time to acclimatize to the altitude. With proper training, hydration, and adherence to the pace, climbers on this route are better equipped to reach Uhuru Peak. The gradual ascent reduces the risks of altitude sickness, increasing the chances of a successful summit.

Distance Covered

During this 7-Day Machame Route climbing tour, you'll cover a total distance of approximately 62 kilometers (about 38 miles). The trek is broken down into manageable daily segments, with each day’s distance ranging from 4 to 12 kilometers. On Day 1, you’ll trek 11 km from Machame Gate to Machame Camp. On subsequent days, the distances vary as you ascend through different terrains, with the longest day being the summit push on Day 6, which covers about 6-7 km up to Uhuru Peak, followed by a descent of 13 km.

Highlights of the 7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro climbing Tour

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• Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
• Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
• Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit) and descent to Mweka Camp
• Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Affordable Price/Costs

The affordable cost of climbing Kilimanjaro via the 7-day Machame route starts at $1,570 to $2,500 per person. The price varies depending on the service level and the number of trekkers if you choose to join a group. Joining a group is a great option if you're on a budget. For a more personalized experience, we recommend our private Kilimanjaro climbing packages.

Departure Dates 2025 - 2026

Explore our Kilimanjaro climbing departure dates for the 7 days Machame route from 2025 to 2026. These dates have been carefully selected to ensure the best conditions for your expedition, providing you with unforgettable Kilimanjaro climbing memories.

How to Book for Your 7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing

To book your 7-day Kilimanjaro climbing via the popular Machame route, you can reach us through WhatsApp at: +255 676 063 791, or you can contact us via email: info@redetoursandsafaris.com. We invite you to inquire directly about the 7-day Kilimanjaro climbing Machame route. Get in touch with us today! We are available 24/7 and would be more than happy to assist you in planning and creating an unforgettable experience on your Kilimanjaro climbing expedition via the 7-day Machame route!

Day 0: Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you can relax and prepare for your climb. You’ll meet your trek guides for a pre-trek briefing to go over the details of the trek, review your gear, and ask any questions. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and rest up for your adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (Dinner included)

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Machame Gate (1,800m) and begin your ascent through the lush rainforest. This 5-6 hour trek takes you to Machame Camp (3,000m). Expect dense vegetation, monkeys, and tropical bird sounds. Upon reaching Machame Camp, settle into your tent and relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Machame Camp (Tents)

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

A 5-6 hour trek through the moorland zone leads to Shira Camp (3,800m). The landscape opens up with breathtaking views, providing a perfect spot to rest and acclimatize.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira Camp (Tents)

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

The day begins with an ascent to Lava Tower (4,600m), followed by a descent to Barranco Camp (3,900m), allowing for effective acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Tents)

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Begin with the thrilling Barranco Wall climb, followed by a trek to Karanga Camp (4,000m). This is a crucial acclimatization day before moving higher.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Tents)

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Trek to Barafu Camp (4,600m), the base camp for your summit attempt. Rest and prepare for the final push to Uhuru Peak.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Tents)

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Begin your summit attempt around midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Tents)

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

A 3-4 hour descent through lush rainforest leads to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate before transferring back to Moshi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (Dinner included)