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7 Day Machame Route Itinerary

Tiffany Watson

Adventure Manager
Climb Kili & Safari

Climb Kili Info

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Hi ! Welcome to your fully customized itinerary. Any changes or updates we make will be reflected here. As discussed, we have a few start dates (first day on the mountain) in early Feb that might work- Feb 1, 6 or 12. We like to keep our open groups to a maximum of 6 so everyone has a personalized experience. 

📞 Reach Out Anytime!

Our dedicated support teams are ready to assist you at any time, day or night. Whether you have questions or need more information, you can reach out to us via chat, phone, or email anytime. Don’t hesitate to contact us—let’s make your Kilimanjaro adventure a reality!

Arrival Day

Arrival

Welcome to Tanzania!

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, proceed through customs, collect your luggage, and exit past the security area. Our friendly driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. They will assist with your luggage and guide you to our comfortable, air-conditioned transfer van, where you’ll find cold water to help you refresh. We offer flexible pick-up times, day or night, at no extra charge. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the reassurance that you’re now in the capable hands of Climb Kili.

Departure - 1 hour

Transfer to Summit Lodge Arusha

Check-in

Our team will warmly welcome you at their office, conveniently located within the hotel. Summit Lodge offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a delicious breakfast each morning, and a secure storage locker for any items you prefer not to take on your mountain trek or safari. Enjoy comfortable beds and relax in their stunning rooftop dining area, where you can savor your meals while taking in beautiful views.

Meet Your Guide

Sit down for an in-depth meeting with your seasoned lead guide. This is your opportunity to address any last-minute questions, receive your rental gear from our on-site facility, and get excited for the adventure that lies ahead!

*At Climb Kili, safety is our top priority. We employ Wilderness First Responder certified guides, each with extensive experience on Kilimanjaro. Our safety protocols include comprehensive pre-climb health assessments, rigorous monitoring of acclimatization, and emergency evacuation plans. We provide top-quality equipment and ensure that our staff is well-prepared for any situation. By adhering to these stringent safety measures, we prioritize your well-being and aim to make your climb both enjoyable and secure.

MACHAME GATE to MACHAME CAMP

Today's the Day!

MACHAME GATE to MACHAME CAMP

Altitude: 10,000’ (3,050m)
Distance: 6.2 mi (10 km)
Time: 5-7 hours

After a restful night and a delicious breakfast at the hotel, your Climb Kili adventure begins! Our experienced guide and mountain crew will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the Machame Gate. From here, we embark on a scenic hike through the lush rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. At Machame Camp, your tent and personal belongings will be waiting for you, along with a warm and satisfying dinner. Relax and soak in the excitement of your first night on the mountain!

MACHAME CAMP to SHIRA CAMP

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Altitude: 12,600’ (3,810m)
Distance: 4.3miles (7 km)
Time: 5-7 hours

After breakfast, we leave the rain forest behind and begin our ascent. The trail crosses a small valley and climbs a steep rocky ridge covered with heather. As we continue, we enter the moorland zone, and the route turns west onto a dry river gorge. Arriving at Shira Camp in the early afternoon, you’ll have time to rest and enjoy a hearty dinner, preparing for the days ahead.

SHIRA CAMP to BARRANCO CAMP

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Altitude: 13,000’ (3,962m)
Distance: 5.6miles (9 km)
Time: 6-8 hours

Today, we head east up a ridge, passing the impressive Lava Tower (15,190’ / 4,630m), a striking rock formation also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” After a challenging hike, we descend into the Barranco Valley, reaching Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000 feet. This descent helps your body acclimatize to the altitude, a critical factor for success on Kilimanjaro. Enjoy dinner and rest under the stars, surrounded by the majestic scenery.

BARRANCO CAMP to KARANGA CAMP

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Altitude: 13,100’ (3,993m)
Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km)
Time: 4-5 hours

Today’s adventure includes the Great Barranco Wall—a challenging but thrilling climb! You will scramble over rocks and boulders, guided safely by our expert team, before continuing along the South Circuit path through the Karanga Valley. This route offers some of the best views of the southern ice fields and glaciers. Tonight, we camp at Karanga Camp, where a hot meal and a cozy tent await you.

KARANGA CAMP to KOSOVO CAMP

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Altitude: 16,000’ (4,876m)
Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5 km)
Time: 4-5 hours

We continue our steady climb to Kosovo Camp, passing by the usually crowded Barafu Camp en route. At this higher altitude, we take a slower pace, allowing for more acclimatization. Kosovo Camp, perched on a rocky ridge, provides stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Here, we rest, relax, and prepare for the summit bid tonight. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the terrain as you get ready for the exciting challenge ahead.

🗻The Kosovo Advantage

We offer an exclusive advantage with special permits to camp at the higher Kosovo Camp on summit night. This unique access allows us to start the ascent ahead of the crowd, bypassing the steep, rocky section at the beginning of the summit push. The shorter distance to the summit from Kosovo Camp makes the ascent on summit day less strenuous, leading to a more manageable climb. Our clients have consistently found that this strategic advantage significantly enhances their chances of a successful summit! 

KOSOVO CAMP to SUMMIT to MWEKA CAMP

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Altitude: Summit at 19,341’ (5,895m), Descent to Mweka Camp at 10,065’ (3,068m)
Distance: 13 miles (21 km) (5 km ascent / 16 km descent)
Time: 6-7 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

Tonight is the night! We start around midnight, aiming to reach Stella Point (18,885’ / 5,750m) by dawn to witness a spectacular sunrise. The path is steep, and the altitude makes this stretch one of the most challenging on Kilimanjaro. From Stella Point, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa! After celebrating at the summit, we descend down to Kosovo for some rest and a hot lunch. Finally, we make our way down the trail ending at Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest and a joyful dinner celebration.

MWEKA CAMP to MWEKA GATE

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Altitude: 5,400’ (1,645m)
Distance: 6.4 miles (10.3 km)
Time: 3-4 hours

On your final day, we descend through the lush forest to Mweka Gate, where your Climb Kili vehicle will be waiting to take you back to the hotel. Reflect on the incredible journey and enjoy a much-anticipated hot shower, a rewarding end to your Kilimanjaro adventure! Overnight at Summit Lodge. 

Departure Day

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Departure Day

Your private Climb Kili driver will ensure a smooth departure by transporting you to Kilimanjaro International Airport. We plan to arrive approximately 2 hours before your flight, allowing you ample time to check in and reflect on your incredible adventure. 

Departure - 1 hour

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International

BOOK YOUR SPOT!

If you would like to adventure with us, you can confirm your spot with a USD$350 Lifetime Deposit via our secure 

✅ Online Reservation Form

We’ll send out your Welcome Package right away and you’ll be one step closer to the summit! Final payment isn’t due until approximately 60 days prior to arrival. I receive all the Reservation Forms, so I’ll get you taken care of right away.

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