Epic Challenge: 7-Day Machame Route to Uhuru Peak”

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), a friendly staff member from Serengeti Landmark Tours will be there to welcome you for your 7-Day Machame Route adventure. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, where you can relax after your journey and prepare for your 7-Day Machame Route climb.

In the evening, you will have a safari briefing, where our team will go over your itinerary, answer any questions, and ensure you are well-prepared for your 7-Day Machame Route experience. Get a good night’s rest—your unforgettable safari begins tomorrow.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Tulia lodge
✓  Type: Hotel
✓  Level: Mid-range

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning to meet you and hold a quick briefing for your 7-Day Machame Route climb. Afterward, you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance: Machame Gate, the starting point of your 7-Day Machame Route adventure.

After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will begin trekking the 7-Day Machame Route up to Machame Camp. The trekking route passes through the rainforest, where tropical showers are highly probable, so we recommend bringing spare clothes and a reliable raincoat for your 7-Day Machame Route journey.

PLEASE NOTE:This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

• Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
• To help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, consider using a preventive measure like a high-altitude aid medicine. Many mountain climbers take such pills in the morning, before they begin their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more specific details together with your travel itinerary. We recommend consulting your doctor prior to the trip to discuss any potential allergies or health concerns.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Trekking time:

5-6 hours

Distance:

5 km (3.1 miles)

After breakfast, you will begin trekking the 7-Day Machame Route toward the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp. On this stage of the 7-Day Machame Route, you will emerge from the rainforest and, for the first time, enjoy stunning views of the Shira Plateau stretching out before you.

Technically, the trek is not very difficult, but you may begin to feel the effects of altitude, so it is important to listen to your body and maintain a steady pace throughout your 7-Day Machame Route journey. Upon arrival at the camp, you will have lunch and time to rest.

Later, the group will embark on an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower Camp, gaining approximately 400 m / 1,312 ft in altitude. Afterward, you will descend back to Shira Camp, where a hot dinner will be served, continuing your acclimatization process on the 7-Day Machame Route.

PLEASE NOTE:The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation:

Shira Camp (3,750 m / 12,303 ft)

Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m / 13,517 ft)

Hiking distance:

2 km (1.2 miles)

Hiking time:

1-2 hours

After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp and continue along the 7-Day Machame Route toward one of the key points of the climb: Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,088 ft). This section of the 7-Day Machame Route includes several ascents and descents, making it more physically demanding as you reach higher altitude.

Some parts of the trek may feel challenging, and mild discomfort is common, but spending 1–2 hours at Lava Tower is essential for proper acclimatization. For this reason, your group will enjoy lunch at the top, helping your body adjust during the 7-Day Machame Route ascent.

After lunch, you will descend to Barranco Camp, where you will witness the impressive Barranco Wall—massive and steep, yet surprisingly manageable. The next day, you will climb it, but there’s no need to worry, as the trail is straightforward and safe, making this one of the most exciting highlights of the 7-Day Machame Route.

Trekking time:

6-8 hours

Distance:

11 km (6.8 miles)

Your group will have an early start this morning, after enjoying a filling breakfast you will begin climbing Barranco Wall. Wwe recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.

Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to ascend to Barafu Camp where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.

Trekking time:

8-10 hours

Distance:

11 km (6.8 miles)

Your team will depart from Barafu Camp at night and begin the final summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude, which makes even regular physical activity feel strenuous. Each pair of climbers will be under the care of a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental condition. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and enjoy a 2-hour rest before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp.

PLEASE NOTE:Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

Trekking time:

8-12 hours

Distance:

15 km (9.3 miles)

Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to your hotel.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Tulia lodge
✓  Type: Hotel
✓  Level: Mid-range

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

PLEASE NOTE:Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.