7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour Package

Overview of the 7-day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour

The 7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Package covers approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) from the Machame Gate to the summit and back. Unlike the 6-day option, this package includes an extra day specifically for acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and improving the overall success rate. The additional day is spent at the Karanga Camp, allowing your body to better adjust to the higher altitudes.

This route is renowned for its "climb high, sleep low" strategy, which enhances acclimatization by ascending to higher altitudes during the day and descending to lower elevations to sleep. This method is widely recognized as the best way to prepare your body for the final ascent to the summit. The 7-day itinerary is ideal for those who have the time and want to increase their chances of reaching the summit, offering a balanced combination of physical challenge and acclimatization time.

Detailed Schedule of the 7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

• Altitude: 870 meters (2,850 feet)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: Dinner

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. This day is for rest and final preparations. In the evening, you will meet your guide for a detailed briefing on what to expect during the climb, including safety measures, equipment checks, and an overview of the route. This is also an opportunity to ensure you have all the necessary gear and to ask any questions you might have.

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Starting Altitude: 1,800 meters (5,905 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 2,835 meters (9,300 feet)
• Distance: 11 kilometers (7 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Machame Camp
• -Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your adventure begins with a drive to the Machame Gate, where you will complete registration formalities before starting your trek. The trail begins with a steady climb through the dense rainforest, where the air is humid and the path is often muddy. This section is rich in biodiversity, and you may spot various bird species and monkeys among the trees. The day's hike ends at Machame Camp, where you will have your first night on the mountain.

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Starting Altitude: 2,835 meters (9,300 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 3,750 meters (12,300 feet)
• Distance: 5 kilometers (3 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Accommodation: Shira Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The landscape changes dramatically as you leave the rainforest and enter the moorland. The path becomes steeper, but the views are more open, offering stunning vistas of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. The air is thinner here, and you will feel the altitude more keenly. Shira Camp is located on the western edge of the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert that was once a volcanic crater. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and the clear night sky.

Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower, then Barranco Camp

• Starting Altitude: 3,750 meters (12,300 feet)
• Highest Altitude (Lava Tower): 4,630 meters (15,190 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 3,900 meters (12,800 feet)
• Distance: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Semi-Desert
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is a crucial day for acclimatization as you ascend to Lava Tower, a large volcanic rock formation at 4,630 meters. The trek to Lava Tower is challenging, and you may start to feel the effects of the altitude. After reaching Lava Tower, you will descend to Barranco Camp, following the "climb high, sleep low" principle. The descent to Barranco Camp allows your body to recover and acclimatize to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Starting Altitude: 3,900 meters (12,800 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 4,035 meters (13,238 feet)
• Distance: 5 kilometers (3 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s hike is relatively short but includes the challenging Barranco Wall, a 257-meter (843-foot) rock face that requires some scrambling. Despite its intimidating appearance, the wall is manageable, and the views from the top are spectacular. After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail leads through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp. This camp is strategically placed for acclimatization, allowing your body more time to adjust to the altitude before the final ascent.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Starting Altitude: 4,035 meters (13,238 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 4,673 meters (15,331 feet)
• Distance: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail to Barafu Camp is steep and rocky, with increasingly sparse vegetation as you move higher into the alpine desert. Barafu, meaning "ice" in Swahili, is the base camp for your summit attempt. The camp is located on a narrow, windswept ridge, with views of the summit and the surrounding plains. You’ll have an early dinner and then rest, as the summit push begins around midnight. Despite the anticipation, it’s important to get as much sleep as possible to prepare for the long day ahead.

Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Descend to Mweka Camp

• Starting Altitude: 4,673 meters (15,331 feet)
• Summit Altitude: 5,895 meters (19,341 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 3,068 meters (10,065 feet)
• Distance (Ascent): 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)
• Distance (Descent): 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 5-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic Zone
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your summit attempt begins in the dark of night, with headlamps lighting your way up the steep switchbacks leading to Stella Point (5,756 meters). The air is thin, and the temperature can drop to -20°C (-4°F), making this the most physically and mentally challenging part of the climb. Upon reaching Stella Point, you will take a short rest before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The sense of achievement at reaching the summit is indescribable, and the panoramic views are truly awe-inspiring. After celebrating your success and taking photos, you will begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp, where you’ll rest briefly before continuing down to Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi

• Starting Altitude: 3,068 meters (10,065 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 1,640 meters (5,380 feet)
• Distance: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The final descent takes you through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will complete your trek and receive your summit certificate. The descent is relatively easy compared to the previous days, and you can take your time to enjoy the final stretch of the journey. A vehicle will be waiting at the gate to transfer you back to Moshi, where you can relax and enjoy a well-earned rest.

Day 9: Departure

• Meals: Breakfast

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Moshi or do some last-minute shopping before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.

Package Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

• Professional Mountain Guides: Certified and highly experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the Machame Route and altitude acclimatization strategies.
• Porters and Cook: Dedicated porters to carry your equipment and a cook to prepare nutritious meals during the trek.
• Accommodation: 2 nights in Moshi (before and after the climb) and 6 nights in mountain camps along the Machame Route.
• Meals: All meals during the trek and breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your stay in Moshi.
• Park Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
• Transport: Round-trip transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi and to the Machame Gate.
• Drinking Water: Treated water throughout the climb.
• Summit Certificate: Official Kilimanjaro certificate upon successful completion of the climb.

Exclusions

• International and Domestic Flights: Flights to and from Tanzania.
• Travel Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
• Personal Gear: Climbing gear, such as boots, clothing, and sleeping bags, which can be rented upon request.
• Tips for Guides, Porters, and Cook: Tips are not included in the package but are customary and greatly appreciated.
• Visa Fees: Tanzanian visa fees are not included and must be obtained before arrival.
• Additional Accommodation: Extra nights in Moshi or elsewhere in Tanzania before or after the climb.

How the 7-Day Machame Route Differs from the 6-Day Machame Route

1. Acclimatization and Success Rate: The primary difference between the 6-day and 7-day Machame Route packages is the extra day for acclimatization. The additional day spent at Karanga Camp in the 7-day package allows your body to better adjust to the altitude, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness. This extra day improves the summit success rate, with the 7-day route boasting a success rate of around 85% compared to 75% for the 6-day route.

2. Physical Demands: While both routes are physically challenging, the 7-day route is slightly less strenuous due to the more gradual ascent. The extra day of acclimatization means shorter daily hiking times, allowing for more rest and recovery. This makes the 7-day route a better option for those who are concerned about the physical demands of the climb or who have experienced altitude sickness on previous high-altitude treks.

3. Time and Budget Considerations: The 7-day route is more time-consuming and slightly more expensive than the 6-day route. However, the additional cost and time commitment are often seen as worthwhile investments for the increased chances of a successful and enjoyable climb. If your schedule allows and you want to maximize your chances of reaching the summit, the 7-day Machame Route is the superior choice.

Conclusion

The 7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Package offers an unparalleled opportunity to reach the summit of Africa's highest peak. With its stunning landscapes, effective acclimatization strategy, and a higher summit success rate compared to shorter itineraries, this package is ideal for those seeking both challenge and safety. While the 6-day route is suitable for trekkers with time constraints, the 7-day option provides a more relaxed pace, reducing physical stress and increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

Whether you choose the 6-day or 7-day package, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a life-changing adventure. However, if time and budget allow, the 7-Day Machame Route is the best choice for maximizing your chances of standing on the "Roof of Africa." Book your 7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Package today and take the first step toward one of the greatest adventures of your life!