Kilimanjaro route guide
Varied scenery, strong acclimatisation and the famous Barranco Wall.
The route
Machame approaches from the south-west and is one of Kilimanjaro’s most varied routes. Forest, moorland, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and the southern glaciers make every day feel different. Edward recommends it for good acclimatisation, generally favourable conditions and a strong summit profile.
Edward’s adviceA great all-round choice. The seven-day version gives a better pace than the six-day climb.
Day by day
After registration, start through the rainforest with the guide and mountain crew. For day 1 of the 7-day Machame Route, the park formalities and team briefing are completed before the walking starts. Edward introduces the terrain ahead on Hotel pickup to Machame Gate to Machame Camp and uses the opening kilometres to find a comfortable group pace.
Leave the forest for heath and moorland before reaching the Shira Plateau. The terrain on day 2 of the 7-day Machame Route determines where the group pauses and how Edward divides the walking time. On arrival after Machame Camp to Shira Camp, the crew serves a warm meal while the guide reviews that day’s altitude response and the next morning’s plan.
Climb high to Lava Tower and descend to Barranco for an effective acclimatisation day. The altitude reached on day 3 of the 7-day Machame Route is used deliberately before the route drops towards its overnight point. During the evening after Shira to Lava Tower to Barranco, Edward compares appetite, energy and any symptoms before discussing the next section.
Tackle the Barranco Wall and traverse beneath the southern ice fields. The terrain on day 4 of the 7-day Machame Route determines where the group pauses and how Edward divides the walking time. On arrival after Barranco to Karanga, the crew serves a warm meal while the guide reviews that day’s altitude response and the next morning’s plan.
Continue to high camp, prepare for summit night and rest early. The terrain on day 5 of the 7-day Machame Route determines where the group pauses and how Edward divides the walking time. On arrival after Karanga to Barafu, the crew serves a warm meal while the guide reviews that day’s altitude response and the next morning’s plan.
The summit stage of the 7-day Machame itinerary starts before midnight from Barafu Camp following a shorter approach from Karanga. Headlamps trace the upper slopes towards Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), where the first light reveals the crater and glaciers. After the summit, descend for food and recovery before continuing to Mweka Camp. Before day 6 of the 7-day Machame Route begins, Edward checks the clothing, water and headlamps needed for the night ascent. The rhythm and rest stops on this Machame Route summit stage are adjusted to the group rather than fixed to a race against the clock.
A final forest descent brings you to the gate and transport back to your hotel. For day 7 of the 7-day Machame Route, the park formalities and team briefing are completed before the walking starts. Edward introduces the terrain ahead on Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and uses the opening kilometres to find a comfortable group pace.
Walking times are estimates. Weather, trail conditions and the group’s safe pace can change the daily schedule.
Final route prices
Every listed amount is a final price per person in your selected currency for the stated route duration and group size. The inclusions and exclusions are listed directly below the table.
What’s included
What’s not included
Airport transfers
Pickup$50 per car
Drop-off$50 per car
Pickup$25 per car
Drop-off$25 per car
Rental equipment
Sleeping bag$35
Sleeping mattress$10
Duffle bag$30
Small backpack$25
Walking poles · pair$10
Warm hat$5
Sun hat$5
Sunglasses$10
Down jacket$20
Summit trousers$20
Hiking boots$30
Gloves · pair$5
Gaiters · pair$10
Trekking trousers$15
Rain jacket$10
Rain trousers$15
Poncho$25
Sweater$10
Leggings$10
Long-sleeve top$10
Ready when you are
Share your preferred dates, group size and itinerary length. Edward will prepare a clear personal quote.
Talk to Edward ↗