Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing 2026/2027
The 7 Days Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular ways to summit the mountain, offering climbers stunning scenery, varied landscapes, and an extra day for acclimatization to improve summit success. Learn more about all our Kilimanjaro climbing options on our main Kilimanjaro hub. This itinerary takes you through lush rainforests, open moorlands, and rugged high-altitude terrain, providing incredible views and a truly unforgettable experience.
One of the highlights of the Machame Route is the diversity of environments you’ll encounter. From forested sections where you might spot monkeys, to alpine deserts and rocky highlands, the trek is challenging but rewarding. Each night, you’ll camp in scenic locations, allowing you to rest and take in the breathtaking beauty of the mountain under the stars.
Upon your arrival a per-arranged driver will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport in Moshi and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Depending on your schedule, you will meet your Chief Mountain guide for your climb on the same day or early the next morning. The guide will provide a pre-trekking briefing at your hotel and will also review your gear and assist you in renting any missing equipment which is needed.
The first day trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro via the 7 days Machame route begins with meeting the head tour guide at your hotel in the morning (after breakfast of-course) and you will be briefed about the day’s schedule. We will then start the journey to Machame Gate. An hour’s drive from Moshi will get you to Machame gate. You will be introduced to the rest of your trekking crew of assistant guides, porters and cooks.
Your Chief Guide will head on to the park rangers office and finalise the necessary registration formalities at the gate, mean while you can spend your time taking photos and changing your clothes if necessary while waiting for the climbing permit. After obtaining the permit, will hike up through the Montane forests full of corners, hills and slopes. After a 4 to 5-hour hike you’ll arrive at the Machame Camp
After arriving at Machame camp, you will be welcomed by our friendly team, the waiter will provide you with hot water for washing up, tea/coffee with popcorn to regain your energy while waiting for your first late lunch and finally dinner on Kilimanjaro Mountain.
After a hearty breakfast amidst the Montane forests of Machame camp this is your second day of the 7 days Machame route trek. We will hike slowly through short Savannah, soaking in the scenery as we make our and ascend through heather and open moorland for approximately 4 to 5hrs, with picnic lunch en-route before arriving in the highest point of the day, at the Shira Camp 2
The camp sits on a plateau which provides you with the first views of Kibo in the North-West and Mount Meru in the East. Dinner will be served early/late evening depending on your preferences
From the Shira Plateau, we continue and our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (a 300ft tall volcanic rock formation) where our skilled chef will provide a nutritious feast for lunch, and eventually we will hike on descending to the Barranco valley.
We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization and that is why the 7 days Machame route has a high summit success rate.
Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight.
At day four of your 7 days Machame route hike you’ll continue to acclimatize and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push. We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall.
Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly terrifying 900 foot cliff. Despite the Wall’s seemingly daunting height and steepness the actual climb is rather simple and takes only an hour or so to complete. The top of the wall provides a great photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as the backdrop.
From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga valley. Here, there’s a stream of pure mount Kilimanjaro water and usually crews and hikers spend a few moments for refreshing. We will then start hiking up from the valley through a steep series of zig-zags until reaching the Karanga Camp
If you still have enough energy, we will go for a late-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
This is a shorter but tough day meant for acclimatization. We will stay overnight at Karanga campsite.
In regards to distance, day five is the shortest. We will depart after breakfast and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax upon arrival. A scrumptious cooked lunch will be served to you. Since tomorrow is the summit day, it is important for you to relax and prepare for the hard work ahead.
Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early supper in the evening in order to prepare you for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. It is better to spend the remaining time sleeping as you will start tomorrow’s summit ascent after midnight with chief mountain guide and a few crew members.
Today is summit day and so we face our greatest challenge. After an early wake up at around midnight for preparation and light breakfast we hike for the summit.
We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At sunrise we should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) where spectacular ice cliffs surround us and the views of Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m).
Congratulations! You‘ve made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Enjoy and cherish this moment.
From the summit, we now make our descent and stop at Barafu Hut for a well-deserved lunch and continue slowly straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site. The terrain is very rocky and so trekking poles will be helpful. Mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon at Mweka camp. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a victorious sleep after conquering Mt. Kilimanjaro through the 7 days machame route.
This is your last day upon Mt. Kilimanjaro. After a thrilling breakfast upon your adventurous victory of conquering the highest peak in Africa, you will then continue with a gentle trek that takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate with our whole crew of porters, cook(s) & guides. It can be wet and muddy so trekking poles will help. Also shorts and t-shirts will be suitable.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will be served a delicious lunch meal as we have chief guide of your 7 days Machame route hike will complete park formalities and obtain your international recognized certificates for conquering the roof of Africa.
There, From the gate, we will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi town, where you can choose to relax – or, if you have any energy left, to celebrate!
All our Head Guides are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) able to handle emergencies, ensuring a secure and well-guided climb. We are invested in comprehensive staff training, quality medical kits & operate in accordance with established emergency protocols.
During your Mount Kilimanjaro hike, we will provide purified,boiled drinking water & all meals. Our trekking crew includes a cook(s) who is(are) accustomed to catering to different dietary requirements, so feel free to inform us in advance if you have any specific dietary needs or restrictions.
When hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Machame route (7 days), you will sleep in 4-season tents that provide a cozy atmosphere. At designated campsites along the trail. These camps provide basic camping facilities, and you’ll sleep in tents that are set up and taken down by our trekking crew.
For your Mount Kilimanjaro tours 2026/2027, our best selling 7 day Machame Route is clearly detailed on our interactive map, showcasing this premier Kilimanjaro trekking experience. Observe on the map how the Machame route winds through diverse Kilimanjaro landscapes, highlighting key camps like Machame, Shira Cave, Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu, essential for optimal Kilimanjaro acclimatization and high Kilimanjaro summit
This visual guide allows you to trace each stage of your Kilimanjaro climb to Uhuru Peak and clearly see why the 7-day itinerary outperforms shorter options, as explained in our detailed Machame Route 6-Day vs 7-Day comparison
Together, the map & route breakdown confirm why the Machame Route remains a top choice for climbers planning a well-paced and successful Kilimanjaro adventure.
The 7 Days Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a favorite for trekkers who want a scenic and challenging climb. Prices usually range from USD $1,700 to $2,500 per person, depending on the season, group size, and any extras. This route is great value, offering a high success rate, stunning landscapes, and a well paced 7-days itinerary.
Climbing with a group can lower the cost per person, while private climbs are available for those who want extra flexibility and support. Picking the right season makes a big difference, see the best time to climb Kilimanjaro to plan your trek.
| GROUP SIZE | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX & ABOVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOUR PRICE |
$2000 |
$1890 |
$1830 |
$1750 |
$1700 |
The dates listed below are confirmed climbs for clients who have already booked our 7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro tour. While these expeditions are set, you don’t have to stick to these specific dates unless you want to share the adventure with other trekkers in a group.
Many climbers prefer to set their own personalized climb dates at no extra cost, but joining one of our scheduled group climbs is a popular option for those who enjoy camaraderie and shared experiences. Our groups are intentionally kept small ensuring close support, careful health monitoring, and plenty of individual attention.
Whether you select a private date or join one of our group departures, every climb is fully guided and supported from the base to the summit. Explore all our Kilimanjaro climbing group options here and find the experience that’s right for you.
| Reference | Climb Start | Climb End | Route | Booked | Places |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEBA | 05 February 2026 | 11 February 2026 | 7 Days Machame | 8 | 🔒 |
| FEBB | 20 February 2026 | 26 February 2026 | 7 Days Machame | 2 | 6 |
| JUNA | 10 June 2026 | 16 June 2026 | 7 Days Machame | 4 | 4 |
| JUNB | 22 June 2026 | 28 June 2026 | 7 Days Machame | 8 | 🔒 |
| JULA | 15 July 2026 | 21 July 2026 | 7 Days Machame | 3 | 5 |
| AUGA | 08 August 2026 | 14 August 2026 | 7 Days Machame | 5 | 3 |
| AUGB | 24 August 2026 | 30 August 2026 | 7 Days Machame | 8 | 🔒 |
| SEPA | 12 September 2026 | 18 September 2026 | 7 Days Machame | 2 | 6 |
Climbing Kilimanjaro in 2026/2027 with African Delight Safaris means more than reaching the summit, it’s a handcrafted journey led by a 100% Tanzanian-owned team. Our Kilimanjaro tours combine deep local knowledge, honest advice, and personalized itineraries tailored to your pace and experience level. With expert mountain crews, safety-first operations, and community-driven values, we make your trek meaningful and unforgettable. Every detail is handled with care, from your first inquiry to your final descent. And by choosing us, you directly empower local guides, porters, and businesses who make your journey possible.
We’re your trusted partner for Mt. Kilimanjaro tours in Tanzania.
If our 7 Days Machame Route has caught your attention, there are plenty of other incredible climbing routes on Mount Kilimanjaro that you might want to explore. Each route brings something different, from varying landscapes to unique challenges, giving you the freedom to choose the perfect trek based on your personal preferences and goals.
Looking ahead to climb Kilimanjaro this year? Head over to our Kilimanjaro tours 2026 climbing page to check out all the different options, compare routes, and start your journey towards one of the most unforgettable adventures of your life!
The Machame Route is a scenic and popular trail to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it offers panoramic views, diverse landscapes, and a gradual ascent through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert.
The 7-day Machame Route is a moderately difficult trek. While no technical climbing is involved, hikers face long days, steep sections, and high altitude. Good physical preparation is essential.
The 7-day version includes an extra acclimatization day at Karanga Camp. This increases your success rate and reduces the risk of altitude sickness, making it the preferred choice for climbers.
With the extra acclimatization day, the 7-day Machame Route has a success rate of 85–90%, making it one of the most reliable routes to reach Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The best trekking seasons are January–March and June–October, during Tanzania’s dry months. These periods offer clear skies, stable weather, and optimal trail conditions.
The 7-day Machame Route covers around 62 km (38.5 miles), ascending from 1,800m to 5,895m. Daily distances vary from 5 km to 15 km depending on the day and altitude gain.
You start at 1,800 meters and summit at 5,895 meters. The route incorporates a “climb high, sleep low” strategy to aid acclimatization and reduce altitude-related risks.
The route uses tents only. We provide quality camping gear including high-altitude tents, sleeping mats, and mess tents for meals. Our team handles setup and logistics.
The package includes guides, porters, meals, tents, park fees, drinking water, transfers, and hotel stays before/after the trek. Flights, insurance, and tips are not included.
Begin 8–12 weeks ahead. Focus on cardio (hiking, cycling), strength (legs and core), and long walks with a loaded backpack. Aim for endurance over speed.
Yes, it’s the main challenge. Our guides monitor health daily using pulse oximeters and checklists. We include emergency oxygen and can descend if needed.
Absolutely. Many first-time hikers successfully summit using the 7-day Machame Route. No technical skills are needed, just determination, fitness, and a good support team.
At lower altitudes, it can be warm (20–25°C), but summit night can reach -10°C to -15°C. Layered clothing, insulated jackets, and proper sleeping gear are essential.
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We provide airport transfers to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where your climb will begin after a full briefing.
We’ll help you customize your own itinerary for a once in a lifetime adventure in Tanzania.