7 days Machame Route Itinerary

Difficulty

The Machame route is known for its challenging nature. You’ll be trekking for 6-7 hours daily at increasingly high altitudes, and the summit push requires you to be on your feet for 12-15 hours – climbing up for 6-8 hours and then descending for another 6-7. Being in excellent physical condition with a resilient “Tranquil” mindset will be crucial for success.

Novice climbers might feel anxious about navigating the Great Barranco Wall, but it’s essentially a brief scramble, not overly difficult, with your guide assisting you every step. The trickiest part involves one careful step around a rock outcrop. Rest assured, thousands of climbers, including porters carrying heavy loads, traverse this path safely every year.

For training tips, see our training program here.

Food & Drink

Nutrition is vital on your climb, particularly when altitude affects your appetite. Our head chef has crafted appealing, nutritious menus to keep your energy levels up. Daily fresh fruits and vegetables are standard, with meat available at the trek’s start and resupplied at Karanga Camp on southern routes. Post-summit, enjoy an “All Day English Breakfast” at Base Camp, prepared to your egg preference. Before you descend, enjoy local Tanzanian dishes like Njegere and Machalari.

Accommodation

Your itinerary details your hotel stays and meal plans, all based in Moshi for pre- and post-climb, or Arusha for safari-goers. At hotels on a B&B basis, you can buy snacks or meals with Tanzanian Shillings or US Dollars. Familiarize yourself with the hotel layout and fire safety procedures upon arrival.

Be aware that in Tanzania, power and water cuts are not uncommon, potentially affecting hot water availability in hotels.

For the climb, we provide Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 tents, designed for extreme conditions but not for standing room. If zippers jam due to dust, our guides are ready with WD-40. Meals are served in a separate mess tent with comfortable seating, ample headroom, and waterproofing against Kilimanjaro’s weather. A toilet tent with toilet paper is also provided.

Transport

We prioritize high-quality vehicles and drivers for transfers, though rear seatbelts aren’t mandatory in Tanzania. If you’re not content with the transport or driving, notify the driver or our local office immediately. Police checks are routine and not indicative of any issues with your vehicle or driver.

Luggage

• Climbing Bag Weight: Kilimanjaro National Park sets a 15kg limit per porter, including your sleeping bag. Bags are weighed at the hotel; excess weight means either leaving items behind or hiring extra porters at $25 per day.
• Plastic Bag Ban: Since June 1, 2019, single-use plastic bags are banned in Tanzania. Use sustainable alternatives like packing cubes. Airport zip-lock bags for liquids are still permitted.

How Do I Get There?

If you’re from the UK or US, fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). KLM offers flights from major airports with a stopover in Amsterdam. Our tours start in Moshi, a short drive from JRO, where we arrange your transport. Plan a rest day post-flight for acclimatization. We advise against flying through Nairobi due to reported inconveniences. Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar offer good service from North America. For post-climb relaxation, consider flights to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam.

Travelling Responsibly

As of 2025, we offset carbon emissions for your trip from arrival to departure, excluding flights. Use our eCO2 calculator for your flight emissions.

Fitness and Training

Check out our Kilimanjaro Training Guide for physical preparation advice.

Budget & Change

The Tanzanian Shilling isn’t available abroad; bring new US dollars. Use ATMs or airport exchanges for local currency. Inform your bank about international card use.

Tips

We follow Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project guidelines:

• Porters: $6-10/day
• Guides: $20/day
• Assistant Guides & Cooks: $12-15/day per group

For summit support porters, an extra $20 tip is suggested. Tips are announced and distributed on the last night. For security reasons, bring cash for tips to the hotel post-climb, using provided envelopes for distribution.

Passport Requirements:
All travelers must possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond their stay in Tanzania, along with proof of a return ticket and sufficient funds for their visit. It is your responsibility to manage your passport and visa requirements. If you do not have a passport, apply early. If you already have one, ensure it is not nearing expiration.

Visa Requirements:
A tourist visa is required for citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, the US, Canada, and most EU countries visiting Tanzania. Visa costs vary, typically USD 50 for most nationalities, but may be higher for US citizens. Visas are valid for three months from the date of issuance.

Application Process:
Visas can be obtained upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), but delays are common. To avoid long waits, it is strongly recommended to secure your visa in advance. Online applications are now available; ensure you carefully review the guidelines before applying.

Where to Apply:

• Tanzanian Embassies or High Commissions
• Tanzania Immigration Services website
• At international airports upon entry
• In Dar es Salaam at the Director of Immigration Services office
• In Zanzibar at the Principal Immigration Officer’s office

Note: Travel requirements are subject to change, so always verify the latest information or consider using a visa agency such as www.thevisacompany.com.

Vaccinations:
Consult your GP or a travel clinic for up-to-date advice. General recommendations include:

Strongly Advised:

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Diphtheria
• Yellow Fever (if arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow fever risk)

Sometimes Advised:

• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis
• Cholera
• Measles

Insurance:
Climbing Kilimanjaro involves inherent risks, so comprehensive medical and accident insurance is essential. Ensure your policy covers:

• Helicopter evacuation
• Costs incurred if you miss your flight due to health or other issues
• Coverage up to 6,000 meters elevation
• Standard travel risks such as baggage loss

We recommend World Nomads for insurance, ensuring you specify ‘hiking up to 6,000m’. Always review the policy details thoroughly.

Health Considerations:

Malaria and Mosquitoes:
Malaria is a risk below 3,000 meters. Use anti-malarial medication, wear long clothing, and apply DEET-based insect repellent.

Avoiding Diarrhoea:
Maintain good hygiene, avoid untreated water, raw vegetables, and ice. During the trek, we ensure food and water safety. If diarrhoea occurs, stay hydrated and consider rehydration solutions or antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin (consult your doctor).

Preventing Dehydration:
Drink at least 3 liters of water daily, increasing intake during the summit push. Monitor hydration levels through urine color and skin elasticity.

Sunburn and UV Protection:
Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use UV-protective sunglasses. Sun intensity increases at higher altitudes.

Eating Well:
Appetite loss at high altitudes is common. Focus on carbohydrate-rich foods to maintain energy, especially during the summit attempt. Carry light snacks for the climb.

Body Temperature Management:
Layer your clothing to adapt to Kilimanjaro’s varying climate. Invest in high-quality, waterproof, and breathable gear.

Altitude Sickness (AMS):
AMS can occur above 2,400 meters. To reduce risk:

• Follow the “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization strategy.
• Maintain a steady pace to avoid overexertion.
• Stay well-hydrated.
• Consider using Diamox (consult your doctor).

Medication:
While your guide will carry a first aid kit, bring personal supplies such as:

• Painkillers
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Blister prevention and treatment items
• Sunscreen for skin and lips
• After-sun cream
• Any personal medications

Ensure you are fully prepared for the unique challenges of high-altitude climbing.

Personal Equipment Overview
Every Tranquil Kilimanjaro climbing program comes with a detailed personal gear list, tailored to factors like seasonality, route conditions, weather, and altitude. This list is designed to ensure you’re fully prepared without overloading you with unnecessary items.

Gear Rental
Most of the gear listed can be rented or purchased in Moshi or Arusha. Check out this for gear rental suggestions.

Equipment List

Pack & Travel

• Duffel Bags: 2 x 120+ liters, made from durable material with strong zippers. One for trek gear carried by staff; the other for extra items left at the hotel.
  Guide Pick: North Face Base Camp Duffel 132L
• Luggage Locks: Bring TSA-compliant locks as needed.
  Guide Pick: Anvil TSA Luggage Lock (4 Pack)
• Backpack: 35+ liters for carrying daily essentials on the trail. Also useful for travel or sightseeing.
  Guide Picks: Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L, Osprey Mutant 38L
• Pack Cover: To keep your backpack dry during rain.
  Guide Pick: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil
• Day Pack (Optional): 25+ liters for sightseeing or as a carry-on, not for the trek.
  Guide Pick: Black Diamond Speed 30

Sleeping Bag & Pad

• Sleeping Bag: Rated between 20° to 0° F. Down is recommended for warmth and compressibility.
  Guide Picks: Mountain Hardwear Lamina 15°, Women’s Mountain Hardwear Lamina 15°, Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15°
• Compression Stuff Sack: For compact packing of your sleeping bag.
  Guide Picks: Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Bag, Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Compression Sack
• Inflatable Sleeping Pad: Full-length for comfort.
  Guide Picks: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, Therm-A-Rest ProLite Plus, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT
• Closed Foam Sleeping Pad: Adds extra insulation when used with the inflatable pad.
  Guide Pick: Exped FlexMat

Technical Gear

• Trekking Poles: Lightweight and collapsible for support.
  Guide Picks: Black Diamond Expedition 3 Poles, Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles, Women’s Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

Head

• Warm Hat: Wool or synthetic for warmth.
  Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Beanie
• Ball Cap or Sun Hat: For sun protection.
  Guide Picks: Tranquil Kilimanjaro Patch Hat, Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat
• Buff: Versatile for head and neck protection.
  Guide Picks: Original Ecostretch Buff, Merino Lightweight Buff
• Headlamp: With fresh batteries and spares for the trip.
  Guide Picks: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp, Black Diamond Spot 400, Black Diamond Storm 450
• Glacier Glasses: Full coverage for UV protection.
  Guide Picks: Julbo Shield, Women’s Julbo Monterosa, Julbo Explorer 2.0

Hands

• Light Weight Gloves: For UV protection and light warmth.
  Guide Picks: Men’s Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves, Black Diamond Softshell Glove, Black Diamond Crag Gloves
• Medium Weight Gloves: Insulated for colder weather.
  Guide Picks: Black Diamond Patrol Glove, Rab Pivot GTX Glove, Women’s Outdoor Research Arete II GTX Glove
• Heavy Weight Gloves or Mittens: For extreme cold or emergencies.
  Guide Picks: Black Diamond Mercury Mitt, Men’s Black Diamond Guide Glove, Women’s Black Diamond Guide Glove, Men’s Outdoor Research Alti II GTX Mitts

Upper Body
A layering system of at least five layers, including two insulating layers (light and medium).

• Light Weight Baselayer or Sun Hoody: For sun protection.
  Guide Picks: Men’s Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie, Women’s Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie, Men’s Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie, Women’s Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
• Light Weight Insulating Layer: Slightly heavier than a baselayer.
  Guide Picks: Women’s Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Hoody, Men’s Patagonia R1 Air FZ Hoody
• Medium Weight Insulating Layer: For added warmth.
  Guide Picks: Men’s Arc’Teryx Atom LT Hoody, Women’s Arc’teryx Atom Hoody, Men’s Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody, Women’s Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
• Rain Jacket (Hard Shell): Waterproof with a hood.
  Guide Picks: Men’s Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket, Women’s Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket
• Insulated Parka with Hood: Heavy-duty for summit day or emergencies.
  Guide Picks: Phantom Belay Down Parka, Women’s Phantom Belay Down Parka
• Sports Bra: Moisture-wicking for women.
  Guide Pick: Women’s Patagonia Switchback Sports Bra

Lower Body
Four layers for flexibility in warmth and protection.

• Underwear: 2-3 pairs, non-cotton.
  Guide Picks: Men’s Patagonia Sender Boxer Brief, Men’s Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Brief, Women’s Smartwool Seamless Bikini
• Light Weight Baselayer: Synthetic or wool.
  Guide Picks: Men’s Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom, Men’s Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms, Women’s Capilene Midweight Bottoms
• Softshell Climbing Pants: Versatile for varying conditions.
  Guide Picks: Men’s Outdoor Research Cirque II Pant, Women’s Outdoor Research Cirque II Pant, Men’s Black Diamond Alpine Pant, Women’s Black Diamond Alpine Pant
• Rain Pants with Full-Length Side Zippers (Hard Shell): Waterproof with zippers for ease.
  Guide Picks: Men’s Rab Kangri GORE-TEX Pants, Women’s Rab Kangri GORE-TEX Pants, Men’s Black Diamond Stormline Stretch FZ Rain Pants, Women’s Stormline Stretch Full Zip Rain Pants
• Light Weight Trekking Pants or Shorts: For lower, warmer sections of the trek.
  Guide Picks: Men’s Kuhl Renegade Pants, Women’s PrAna Halle Pant II

Feet

• Hiking Boots: Lightweight, waterproof, mid-top for support.
  Guide Picks: Men’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots, Women’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots, Men’s Merrell Moab Speed Mid GORE-TEX, Women’s Merrell Moab Speed Mid GORE-TEX
• Casual Shoes: For travel and camp.
  Guide Picks: Men’s La Sportiva Mutant, Women’s La Sportiva TX Guide
• Gaiters (Optional): For protection against mud and snow.
  Guide Pick: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid Gaiters
• Socks: 4 pairs, wool or synthetic.
  Guide Picks: Men’s Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition, Men’s Smartwool Hike Light Crew Sock, Women’s Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition

First Aid & Medications

• Medications: Consult your doctor. Required:
  • Antibiotics (Azithromycin) for infections.
  • Dexamethasone for altitude illness.
  • Acetazolamide (Diamox) for AMS prevention/treatment.
  • Nifedipine for HAPE prevention/treatment.
  • Anti-malarial (recommended).
• First Aid Kit: Keep it small and light.
  Guide Pick: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Day Tripper

Personal Items

• Meals & Snacks: Refer to the Food tab for details.
• Water Bottles: 2 x one-liter, BPA-free.
  Guide Pick: Nalgene
• Stuff Sacks: For organizing gear.
  Guide Pick: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack
• Reading Material/Journal (Optional):
• Personal Toiletries & Bag: Essentials for hygiene.
• Sunscreen: SPF 30+ for face and body.
  Guide Pick: Z Blok Sunscreen SPF 45
• Lip Balm: SPF 15+.
  Guide Pick: Joshua Tree Lip Balm
• Insect Repellent:
  Guide Pick: Ben’s Tick Repellent
• Ear Plugs:
• Spare Contact Lenses/Eyeglasses (Optional):
• Chemical Toe and Hand Warmers: For warmth.
  Guide Pick: Ignik Hand Warmer
• Pee Funnel (For Women): For convenience.
  Guide Pick: Women’s Freshette Funnel
• Pee Bottle (Optional): For overnight use.
  Guide Pick: Metolius G-Whiz Pee Bottle
• Small Hand Towel:
• Camera (Optional): For capturing your adventure.
• Power Bank (Optional): To charge devices.
  Guide Pick: Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank
• Travel Power Adapter: For international use.
• Binoculars:

Travel Clothes
Clothing for travel, sightseeing, and dining.

• Sunglasses, Swimsuit, Sandals/Flip Flops:

Travel Documents

• Passport: Valid for six months beyond your return.
• Copy of Passport: First two pages.
• Copy of Flight Itinerary:
• Extra Passport Photos: 2 photos.
• Immunization Record:

Pre-Trip Checklist

• Purchase travel insurance.
• Purchase airplane tickets.
• Reserve rental equipment.
• Get in the best shape possible.

Provided Equipment
Tranquil Kilimanjaro supplies sleeping tents, dining tents, cooking equipment, fuel, tables, chairs, and a private biological toilet at each camp. Guides carry rescue equipment, first aid kits, two-way radios, and a satellite phone for emergencies.

Though the Machame Route is considered difficult, this 7 days Machame Route itinerary will make it easier for you due to the extra time for acclimatization as compared to the shorter 6 Days Machame itinerary that excludes the extra acclimatization day.

Normally trekking days on Machame Route feature 6-8 hours of trekking, gaining around 900m to 1000m of altitude per day or 1,100m to 1,200m on exceptional days. Since the route is shorter and steeper, it is more difficult compared to other routes that are more gradual and longer, giving you more time to acclimatize..

Bear in mind that the Machame route is not the most difficult route on Mount Kilimanjaro, in fact, it is one of the most frequented routes up the mountain, all you need is great fitness levels, and confidence to hike for many days over difficult terrain and weather conditions. Having previous hiking experience is an added advantage plus having mental and physical preparedness.

The prices for this 7-day Machame route trip will cost at a price starting from $1,985 for a group of 6 people to $2,775 for a single person. These costs include all taxes and requirements as indicated in the “price” tab under the items included and excluded section.

As for the meals on this trek, rest assured that our chef has expertise in preparing delicious and serving energy-giving foods while on the mountain. Also, be sure to indicate if you have any dietary restrictions that you would like us to be aware of.