Group rate starting at $1,940/Person

The seven day Machame variation is the ideal schedule for summiting Kilimanjaro using this route. On the 7 day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to reaching the summit. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.

The 7 day Machame route is highly recommended and used by most the prominent Kilimanjaro tour operators.

Please make travel plans adding a day before the trek begins and a day after you leave the mountain. (Arrival day & Departure Day)

Day 1

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport - Moshi

On day 1 you will arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and after making your way through customs you will be greeted by your transfer team from Winrica Adventures. You will be transported to the Chanya Lodge in Moshi, where you will get to meet with your Kilimanjaro guide and go over all of your gear and equipment before heading to your room to get a restful night's sleep.

Day 2

Trekking Day 1: Moshi to Machame Camp

Elevation gain: 5,400ft to 9,400ft - Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Day 1 will start with a 50 minute drive from Moshi to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park’s Machame Gate, to start your ascent. You will begin your trek in the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. This part of the trail can be muddy and slippery, so be mindful of your steps. We will arrive shortly at the Machame Camp, where you will spend your first night.

Day 3

Trekking Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation gain: 9,400ft to 12,500 ft - Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

After breakfast, we will leave the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, walking along steep, heather covered, rocky ridge, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. We will stop and rest overnight at the Shira Camp.

Day 4

Trekking Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation gain: 12,000ft to 16,000ft to 13,000ft - Hiking time: 6-8 hours

This day is very important for acclimatization. We will end the day at the same elevation that we started at to help your body prepare for summit day. We will start at the Shira Plateau and continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak. As we continue our direction changes to southeast towards the Lava Tower. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We no continue down to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. This is where we will rest and enjoy dinner for the night.

Day 5

Trekking Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation gain: 13,000ft to 13,100ft - Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and continue on a steep ridge passing Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

Day 6

Trekking Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation gain: 13,100ft to 15,300ft - Hiking time: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, we leave Karanga Camp and meet the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will set up camp and rest to prepare for summit day. You can now see the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.

Day 7

Trekking Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Hut

Elevation gain: 15,300ft to 19,341ft to 10,000ft - Hiking time: Ascent 7-8 hours; Descent 4-6 hours

On day 6, just before midnight we will start our trek to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa!
Be prepared as this is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. This will also be the most physically and mentally challenging day of your adventure.

Most likely by dawn, as the first rays of light start to appear across the Tanzanian landscape, you arrive near the rim at Stella Point, at an altitude of 18,652ft. Here, you are rewarded with the most glorious sunrise you are ever likely to see, appearing over Mawenzi Peak.

Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! Take as many pictures as you can! After a short celebration at the summit, begin the trek down.

Go slowly and enjoy the wonderful rainforest scenery as you head towards Mweka Camp, arriving before dusk. Overnight will be spent at Mweka Camp.

Day 8

Trekking Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation gain: 12,467ft to 5,380ft - Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and at around midday, after arriving at the gate, our driver will meet you to take you back tothe Chanya Lodge for a hot shower, celebration of your accomplishment, certificate ceremony and the memorable tipping ceremony, where you can show your appreciation to your Kilimanjaro Crew! Now you can enjoy a good night's rest after this huge accomplishment.

Day 9

Departure Day: Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport

If your time in Tanzania ends today, our team will make sure you are transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departing flight. If you have booked and extended stay for one of our safaris or a day trip, we will be there to assist you in the next steps for your extended stay.

Hakuna Matata!!