7-day Machame Route Kilimanjaro group tour: Summit via classic trail

Seven days to Africa's highest peak on the most popular route

A 7-day group hiking tour of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, departing from Moshi with a professional climbing crew, all meals and camping equipment included. The route climbs through rainforest and moorland over six days, summits at Uhuru Peak on day six, and descends to Mweka on day seven. The seven-day duration gives your body time to acclimatize as you gain elevation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Drive Moshi to Kilimanjaro Gate
• Hike through rainforest to Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Hike ascending path to Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Hike ridge past Lava Tower
• Descend to Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Climb Barranco Wall
• Descend to Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Hike to Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

• Ascend to Stella Point
• Summit Uhuru Peak
• Descend to Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi

• Descend to Mweka Gate
• Drive to Moshi hotel

The experience

The Machame Route is the most popular trail on Kilimanjaro, and this 7-day version is built around acclimatization. You start with a 50-minute drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, then hike 11 km through rainforest on day one. The trail is muddy and steep, so trekking poles help. By day two you've crossed into moorland at Shira Camp. Day three takes you past the Lava Tower (called the Shark's Tooth) and down to Barranco Camp. You end at the same elevation you started, but the day trains your body for what's ahead. Days four and five are shorter (5 km and 4 km respectively) moving through alpine desert toward Barafu Camp at 15,300 feet, where you rest before the summit push.

Summit day starts between midnight and 2 am. You climb 5 km over steep scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim, a 7–8 hour push that is the hardest part physically and mentally. If weather allows, you'll see the sunrise from Stella Point or from Uhuru Peak itself, the highest point on the mountain at 19,341 feet. After summiting, you descend 12 km to Mweka Camp, then on day seven you hike down through rainforest to Mweka Gate and receive your trekking certificate. A vehicle meets you at Mweka Village for the drive back to your hotel in Moshi.

Your professional climbing crew includes porters, camp masters and cooks who set up camp, prepare all meals and carry the group equipment: dining tent, sleeping pads, table and chairs. You get three meals a day (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other plans available), clean drinking water throughout, quality tents and sleeping mattresses, and a live English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Moshi are included. Park fees, tips to crew, personal gear and flights are separate.

What’s included

• Professional climbing crew including porters, camp masters and cooks.
• quality tents, sleeping mattresses and group camping equipment.
• all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary options available.
• clean drinking water throughout the trek.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Moshi.
• live English-speaking guide.
• trekking certificate upon completion.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (7 to 90 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 36 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by AFRICA NATURAL TOURS

Is this one for you?The 7-day itinerary includes shorter days on days four and five specifically for acclimatization at altitude, which increases your chances of reaching the summit compared to faster routes. You'll hike between 3 and 11 km per day, with the summit push on day six being the most demanding. If you're comfortable with early mornings, steep terrain and sleeping at high altitude, this pace works well for building fitness as you climb.

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Top questions

What is the Machame Route like compared to other Kilimanjaro trails?

The Machame Route is the most popular and scenic route on the mountain. It takes longer than some alternatives, which is why the 7-day version exists. The extra time means better acclimatization and higher success rates. The route passes through more varied terrain: rainforest on days one and seven, moorland on days two through four, and alpine desert on days five and six.

How much elevation do I gain each day on this 7-day climb?

Day one climbs from 5,400 feet to 9,400 feet (4,000 feet gain). Day two goes from 9,400 to 12,500 feet (3,100 feet). Day three reaches 13,000 feet but is designed for acclimatization, not elevation gain. Day four and five are short days at high altitude. Day six is the summit push from 15,300 feet to 19,341 feet, then a long descent to 10,000 feet. Day seven descends to 5,400 feet.

What time do we start hiking each day?

Most days begin after breakfast at camp. Summit day is different: you leave Barafu Camp between midnight and 2 am to reach the peak during daylight and catch the sunrise if weather permits. This early start is necessary because the final 5 km of steep scree takes 7–8 hours and the descent must happen in daylight.

What meals and water are provided during the trek?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included every day. Your cook prepares meals at camp, and the crew carries all food and equipment. Clean drinking water is provided throughout the trek. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and lactose-free meal plans are available. Let the operator know when you book.

Do I need to bring my own tent and sleeping bag?

No. The operator provides quality tents, sleeping mattresses and all group camping equipment including a dining tent, table and chairs. You bring personal hiking gear (boots, clothing, layers for cold nights), but the major equipment is supplied.

What happens after we reach the summit?

After summiting Uhuru Peak, you descend the same day to Mweka Camp (12 km down over 4–6 hours). On day seven you hike down to Mweka Gate, receive your trekking certificate, and a vehicle meets you at Mweka Village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.