1. What is the Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and why is it popular for trekking the Roof of Africa?

The Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular trekking routes on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is known for its diverse landscapes, stunning vistas, and a relatively higher success rate of reaching the summit. The route offers trekkers the chance to experience various ecological zones, from lush rainforests to alpine desert, making it a rewarding and unforgettable adventure.

2. How difficult is the 7-day Machame Route trek? Do I need prior trekking experience to attempt it?

The 7 days Machame Route is considered to have a moderate to challenging level of difficulty. While prior trekking experience is not mandatory, it is highly recommended that participants have a good level of physical fitness and some experience with multi-day treks. Adequate preparation and training will significantly enhance your chances of successfully reaching the summit.

3. What is the best time of the year to undertake the Machame Route trek on Mount Kilimanjaro?

The best time to undertake the Machame Route trek is during the dry seasons, which are typically from January to early March and from June to October. These periods offer more stable weather conditions with clearer skies, making it safer and more enjoyable to trek. Avoiding the rainy seasons is crucial to minimize the risk of difficult trails and poor visibility.

4. How does the 7-day itinerary for the Machame Route look like? What are the daily trekking distances and elevations?

The 7-day Machame Route itinerary typically looks like this: Day 1: Arrival at Machame Gate (1,800m) and trek to Machame Camp (3,000m). Day 2: Trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (3,850m). Day 3: Trek from Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower (4,600m). Day 4: Trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,200m). Day 5: Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600m). Day 6: Early morning summit attempt from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m). Day 7: Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,650m) and transfer to the hotel. Daily trekking distances vary, but they generally range from 5 to 12 kilometers. The elevation gain is gradual, allowing for better acclimatization.

5. What kind of physical fitness level is required to successfully complete the Machame Route in 7 days?

To successfully complete the 7 days Machame Route trek, trekkers should have a good level of physical fitness. Regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and hiking on hilly terrain are recommended to prepare for the challenges of the trek. Stamina and endurance are essential for the long days of hiking and the final push to the summit.

7. Are there any age restrictions for participating in the Machame Route trek?

While there is no strict upper age limit for participating in the Machame Route trek, trekkers must be at least 18 years old to join the expedition. Additionally, individuals of all ages must be in excellent physical condition and have a strong determination to face the challenges of the trek.

8. What safety measures are in place during the trek, and how are emergencies handled on the mountain?

Trekking companies that organize the Machame Route expedition prioritize safety. They employ experienced guides who are well-versed in handling emergency situations. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to reduce the risk of altitude-related issues. In case of emergencies, there are communication systems in place to contact rescue teams or medical services if needed.

9. Can I hire porters and guides for the Machame Route trek, and what is the typical tipping etiquette?

Yes, hiring porters and guides is common and highly recommended for the Machame Route trek. Porters will help carry the majority of the camping gear and supplies, allowing you to focus on the trek itself. Guides, on the other hand, are essential for providing valuable information, ensuring safety, and leading the group.

10. What are some of the highlights and stunning viewpoints I can expect to see along the Machame Route?

The Machame Route offers several stunning viewpoints and highlights throughout the journey. As you ascend, you'll witness breathtaking landscapes, including the dense rainforest, the imposing Barranco Wall, the vast Shira Plateau, and the stark beauty of the alpine desert. The summit day itself is a highlight, as you'll experience the awe-inspiring sunrise from the Roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak, with breathtaking panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see.

7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking the Roof of Africa Machame Route

Price $1541 pp

Book this tour

7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking the Roof of Africa Machame Route Package

Set out on the Trekking the Roof of Africa expedition a 7 days odyssey on the iconic Machame Route, ascending Kilimanjaro. Experience lush rainforests, rugged terrain, and camaraderie with fellow adventurers. Guided by experts, conquer Uhuru Peak, savoring the taste of victory and imprinting its beauty upon your soul. Seize the summit, etch your name in history. Join us now

Tour highlights

Arrival Day : Arrival Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 1 : Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Day 2 : Machame Camp to Shira Camp Trekking to Kilimanjaro
Day 3 : Trek to Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Day 4 : From Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via Barranco Wall
Day 5 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 6 : Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak then descending to Mweka Camp
Day 7 : Mweka Camp Back to Mweka Gate
Departure Day : Departure Kilimanjaro International Airport

Arrival Day : Arrival Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), And Our representative will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi town. During this time, your guide will provide a briefing about your upcoming trek and conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. If any gear is missing, you can rent it on this day. You have the flexibility to choose where to have your meals. Lunch and dinner are not included, but you have the option to enjoy them at the hotel or a restaurant in town. However, if you prefer a lower budget option, you can request alternative accommodation at a lower price or no accommodation as part of the package

Accommodation

Kilimanjaro White House Hotel

Included meals and drinks

> Dinner

Kilimanjaro White House Hotel - Kilimanjaro pre and Post Climb Accommodation

Day 1 : Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After breakfast, you'll embark on a half-hour drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, the starting point of the Machame route. Here, you will complete park registrations, and then your 6-day trek begins. The initial part of the route takes you through a magnificent, dense rainforest. As this section is less traveled, parts of the trail may be overgrown, and it can get wet and muddy. Distance: 10km / 6.2mi Duration: 6 – 7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation for day 1

Machame Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 2 : Machame Camp to Shira Camp Trekking to Kilimanjaro

Continuing on the journey, you'll trek through the forest until you reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau. From here, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the mountain, and if you look back, you can see Mt. Meru rising high above Arusha City in the distance. Distance: 4.8km / 3mi Duration: 5 – 6 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Include

Accommodation for day 2

Shira Cave Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 3 : Trek to Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Today's route takes you through high moorland, completely changing the landscape of your trek. You'll traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach before reaching the Barranco Camp. By following the mountaineering principle of 'walk high, sleep low,' your body acclimatizes to the altitude. Distance: 10km / 6.2mi Duration: 7 – 8 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Include

Accommodation for day 3

Barranco Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 4 : From Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via Barranco Wall

After a restful night and breakfast, you'll proceed to Karanga Valley Camp. The trek will take you across desolate scree slopes, and the lack of vegetation will be noticeable. The steep walk becomes more challenging due to the altitude. Upon arriving at Barafu Camp, you'll have an early dinner and rest before beginning the summit trek during the night. Distance: 8.5km / 5.3mi Duration: 7 – 8 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation for day 4

Karanga Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 5 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

This is the big day, where you'll start the ascent to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro. The trek begins around midnight, and you'll walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers, making incredible height gain in a short distance. The views from the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) are breathtaking. From there, you'll continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. After enjoying the magnificent views, you'll descend back to Barafu Camp for breakfast and then proceed to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest. Distance: 13.4km / 8.3mi Duration: 12 – 15 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation for day 5

Barafu Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 6 : Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak then descending to Mweka Camp

On this day, you'll make a gentle trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. At the gate, you'll complete park formalities and receive certificates of achievement. Afterward, you'll be met by vehicles and transported back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a welcome shower and celebrate your successful trek. Distance: 12.1km / 7.5mi Duration: 6 – 7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation for day 6

Mweka Campsite

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Day 7 : Mweka Camp Back to Mweka Gate

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your departure. Depending on your flight times, you can explore Moshi town, shop for souvenirs, and perhaps participate in environmental conservation efforts by planting a tree in the Kilimanjaro region.

Accommodation for day 7

Kilimanjaro White House Hotel

Included meals and drinks

Breakfast

Dinner

Drinking water

Lunch

Departure Day : Departure Kilimanjaro International Airport

Depart Kilimanjaro for your flight back home. We welcome you to consider adding Safari and Zanzibar add-ons if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Accommodation

Included meals and drinks

> Breakfast

Costs for 7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking the Roof of Africa Machame Route

1 pax	2 pax	3 pax	4 pax	5 pax	6 pax	7 pax	8 pax	9 pax	10 pax
$ 1626	$ 1541	$ 1541	$ 1541	$ 1576	$ 1576	$ 1576	$ 1576	$ 1576	$ 1551

Tour activities

Game drive tours

Getting around/Walking

Hotel resting

Photographs

Tour features and style

Private tour
You can do safari privately for solo, couple, family, or in group.

Group tour
Join a group with your fellow tourists through this tour.

Budget tour
You can compute the price for budget for the whole tour

Customizable
You can customize the itinerary, price inclusions, accommodations, and also the price.

First aid/Rescue
First aid and rescue during the tour is assured.

Price inclusions

Sleeping bag or bed linen

Rescue fee

Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)

All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)

Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)

All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)

All Taxes/VAT

Price exclusions

International flights to/from the start/end of the tour

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips: tipping guideline

Personal items

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

TANZANIA BIG 5 EXPEDITION

1032 reviews | Moshi, Tanzania |

Website https://www.tanzaniabig5expedition.com

TANZANIA BIG 5 EXPEDITION CO L.T.D Is a local, family-owned tour operator specializing in adventure travel in Tanzania. We specialize wildlife game drive and hiking tour, cultural tours as well as wildlife safaris, holidays tour. Our mission is to provide the best adventure experiences at fair and competitive prices while ensuring we leave a positive mark on the local community and environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own telescope for wildlife viewing during guided sessions?

Bringing your telescope for wildlife viewing during guided sessions is possible. Consider portability.

What's the policy on interacting with local communities during guided cultural visits?

Guided cultural visits prioritize respectful interactions with local communities to learn and exchange experiences.

Can I request a specific location for a wildlife painting session?

Some operators offer customizable wildlife painting session locations. Inquire about possibilities.

Can I bring my own art supplies for wildlife painting during guided sessions?

Bringing your art supplies for wildlife painting during guided sessions can enhance your artistic experiences.

How are medical supplies handled during guided fishing activities?

Guides often carry basic medical supplies during guided fishing activities for minor incidents.

Can I bring my own fishing equipment for guided fishing activities?

While fishing equipment might be provided, you can inquire if you can bring your own for guided fishing activities.

What's the policy on interacting with marine life during snorkeling trips?

Snorkeling trips prioritize observing marine life while minimizing disturbance to their natural environment.

Can I request a specific location for a marine photography session?

Some operators offer customizable marine photography session locations. Inquire about possibilities.

Can I bring my own camera equipment for photography during snorkeling trips?

Bringing your camera equipment for photography during snorkeling trips can enhance your underwater photography.

How are medical supplies handled during snorkeling trips?

Basic medical supplies might be available during snorkeling trips to address minor incidents.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear for the trips?

While snorkeling gear might be provided, bringing your own well-fitting gear can enhance your comfort and experience.