7-Day Machame Route Climb

The drier months, roughly January to early March and late June to October, give the most reliable conditions on Kilimanjaro. The long rains of April and May make trails wet and muddy, and November brings short rains. There are no fixed departures listed for this climb, so ask us for dates and we'll help you pick a window.

In two ways. On day three you climb high to Lava Tower at 4,630 metres, then sleep lower at Barranco Camp at 3,960 metres. On day four a night at Karanga Camp, 3,995 metres, splits the stretch between Barranco and Barafu, so your body has more time to adjust before the summit push.

You start at Machame Gate (1,800 m) and camp at Machame Camp (3,020 m), Shira Camp (3,840 m), Barranco Camp (3,960 m), Karanga Camp (3,995 m) and Barafu Camp (4,673 m). After the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) you descend to Mweka Camp (3,068 m) and finish at Mweka Gate (1,640 m). Every night is spent camping.

It's steep but not technical. You'll use your hands now and then at the start of day four, but you don't need climbing experience, and your guides lead at a steady pace. From the top there are wide views of the southern glaciers before the trail crosses a series of ridges to the Karanga Valley.

You leave Barafu Camp around midnight by headlamp and switchback up steep scree in freezing temperatures to Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,756 metres. From there it's roughly an hour along the rim to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 metres, as dawn lights the glaciers. Then you descend to Barafu for a rest and carry on down to Mweka Camp.

No technical skills, but you should be fit and comfortable on steep ground, with cold nights and a long summit push ahead. Regular hill walking with a loaded daypack in the months before you come is the best preparation. Our Arusha team can suggest a training plan when you book.

It starts at Machame Gate on the southern side of Kilimanjaro, where you register and meet your porters before entering the rainforest. It finishes at Mweka Gate, where you collect your summit certificate and celebrate with your crew before the transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Ask us about hotel nights before and after the climb.

Layers for every zone, from warm rainforest to sub-zero summit night: base layers, a fleece, an insulated down jacket, a waterproof shell, warm gloves and hat, and a headlamp with spare batteries. Well broken-in boots and trekking poles help on the scree descent. Pack your main kit in a soft duffel for the porters and carry a daypack yourself.

Tell your guide straight away about headaches, nausea or breathlessness. Mild symptoms are common and often ease with rest, water and a slower pace, but if they get worse the answer is to go down. The team carries emergency oxygen and a first aid kit, and the gradual profile of this route is designed to reduce the risk.

The 7-Day Machame Route Climb is 7 days and 6 nights. The day-by-day itinerary on this page shows where you go and stay each day.

This trip visits Mount Kilimanjaro.

It is rated challenging: good fitness is recommended.

It runs for groups of 2 to 12 travellers.

Included: Professional mountain guides, All camping equipment, All meals and water, Park fees and permits, Airport transfers, Emergency oxygen and First aid kit.

Not included: International flights, Travel insurance, Personal gear, Tips for guides, Visa fees and Personal expenses.