The Machame Route provides incredible views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and a variety of natural habitats. This route gives hikers good acclimatization from the first day until summit day, making it one of the most popular routes.

The seven day Machame variation is the ideal schedule for summiting Kilimanjaro using this route. On the 7 day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to reaching the summit. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.

The 7 day Machame route is highly recommended and used by most the prominent Kilimanjaro tour operators.

Please make travel plans adding a day before the trek begins and a day after you leave the mountain. (Arrival day & Departure Day)

You will have two nights, arrival night & the night you come down from the mountain at our host hotel in Moshi, the Chanya Lodge.  The price for these nights are already included in your balance due. To learn more about the Chanya Lodge, go to their website at: Chanya Lodge

On the mountain, this route requires tent sleeping. Winrica Adventures, provides all tents for our guests. 

Kilimanjaro Recommended Packing List

Sleeping Gear: 

• Sleeping bag rated 0° - 15°F (Also available to rent once you are here)
• Sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth. Can also be rented here)
• Compression sack for sleeping bag

Pack & Bags

• Waterproof duffel bag (80L- 100L)
• Daypack 25L- 35L
• Waterproof pack cover
• (Optional) Packing cubes to organize duffel bag
• (Optional) Bag lock for duffel bag

Footwear & Trekking Poles

• Hiking boots- waterproof mid-weight
• Running shoes/ light hikers (for wearing around camp)
• Gaiters
• 5- 6 pairs liner socks (wool or synthetic, no cotton)
• 4- 6 pairs thick socks (no cotton) - thermal socks for summit day
• Spare laces for hiking boots
• Trekking poles (Can be rented here)

Gloves

• Thin gloves (wool or synthetic, no cotton)
• Thick waterproof gloves or mitten

Clothing: Lower body

• Underwear 4- 5 pairs (no cotton)
• 1 Convertible pants or shorts
• 1- 2 light medium weight base layer
• Hiking pants (no cotton)
• Winter hiking pants
• Waterproof shell pants (recommend size zippers)

Clothing: Upper body

• Comfortable sports bra (ladies only)
• 1- 2 light weight t-shirts (no cotton)
• 1- 2 light weight long-sleeved t-shirts (no cotton)
• 2- 3 light to mid-weight base layer shirts
• 1- 2 fleece (for insulation layer)
• 1 heavy base layer (no cotton, smart wool recommended) for summit day
• Insulated shell jacket
• Down jacket (approx 750-fill)
• Waterproof shell jacket that fits over all layers

Headwear

• Brim hat or cap with neck protection
• Warm hat with ear flaps
• Neck gaiter or “Buff”
• Sunglasses (rated 100% UV protection)

Water & Snacks 

• 2- 3L hydration bladder (Platypus or Camelback or similar)
• 1- 2 One-Liter wide-mouth bottle (Nalgene or similar)
• Electrolyte/Sports drink powder for adding to your water
• Snacks: Energy bars, jerky, nuts, etc.
• Water purification tablets or filter pen, if desired (We provide boiled/ filtered water)

Personal Health & Comfort

• Toiletries: toothbrush & paste, hairbrush/comb, foot powder, hand cream, deodorant, soap
• “Baby wipes” and anti-bacterial, hand sanitizer wipes
• “Dude wipes” for washing
• Any regular medication you are taking
• Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer gel such as Purell
• Fingernail brush
• Nail clippers
• Ear plugs
• Sunscreen SPF 40+
• Small microfiber quick-dry towel
• Pee-bottle for night time “calls of nature”
• Small flashlight
• Headlamp
• Spare contact lenses/ glasses
• Toilet paper - 1-2 rolls. (Take out the cardboard center for easier packing)
• Camera/ phone/ ipod/ Kindle
• Spare batteries

Personal First-Aid Kit

• Blister bandaids- assorted sizes
• Antibiotic cream or ointment
• Bandaids for minor cuts & scrapes
• ibuprofen/Tylenol
• Skin healing ointment such as Aquaphor (Highly recommended)
• Anti-nausea medication
• Immodium for diarrhea
• Any prescription medications
• Diamox (To help prevent Altitude sickness)
• Portable oxygen for high altitude like Boost Oxygen

Ladies Only: 

• During menstrual period, plan to change tampon or pad 3- 4 times daily
• Ziplock bags for used tampons/pads (these must be carried off the mountain)
• Heavy duty wipes for washing
• Pee funnel: If you’ve ever wanted to pee standing up, now is your chance!! :)

Weight of duffle bag should be below 15Kg/ 25lbs

Travel size toiletries recommended to save weight of bags because the duffle bags will be carried by our porters. 

What we provide: 

• Tent

• Sleeping Mats

• Oximeters to check Oxygen levels at altitude for health and safety

• Oxygen tanks for emergency

• Water that has been boiled and purified to refill water bottles and water bladders, daily.

As mentioned in list, some gear can be rented as well as portable toilets for a fee. If you are interested in renting any gear or portable toilet please let us know and we will provide pricing for your planning purposes. 

You can also find this list on our website by clicking HERE

It is very important to Winrica Adventures that our clients understand the importance of our tipping policy. It is one of our missions to raise awareness, advocate for and to help improve the lives and working conditions of our guides, porters, cooks and other staff members who are local Tanzanians.  In doing so, we have established a tipping guideline and process to help ensure all of our staff is advocated for and to safeguard their fair and ethical treatment. 

We recommend you take note and read our guidelines which are provided here. 

If you would like to find out more about our terms & conditions, including our refund policy, please click HERE. 

Please make travel plans adding a day before (Arrival)  the trek begins and a day after (Departure) you leave the mountain. 

Day 1 

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport - Moshi

On day 1 you will arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and after making your way through customs you will be greeted by your transfer team from Winrica Adventures. You will be transported to the Chanya Lodge in Moshi, where you will get to meet with your Kilimanjaro guide and go over all of your gear and equipment before heading to your room to get a restful night's sleep.

Day 2

Trekking Day 1: Moshi to Machame Camp

Elevation gain: 5,400ft to 9,400ft - Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Day 1 will start with a 50 minute drive from Moshi to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park’s Machame Gate, to start your ascent. You will begin your trek in the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. This part of the trail can be muddy and slippery, so be mindful of your steps. We will arrive shortly at the Machame Camp, where you will spend your first night. 

Day 3

Trekking Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation gain: 9,400ft to 12,500 ft - Hiking Time: 4-6 hours 

After breakfast, we will leave the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, walking along steep, heather covered, rocky ridge, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. We will stop and rest overnight at the Shira Camp.

Day 4

Trekking Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation gain: 12,000ft to 16,000ft to 13,000ft - Hiking time: 6-8 hours

This day is very important for acclimatization. We will end the day at the same elevation that we started at to help your body prepare for summit day. We will start at the Shira Plateau and continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak. As we continue our direction changes to southeast towards the Lava Tower. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We no continue down to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. This is where we will rest and enjoy dinner for the night.

Day 5 

Trekking Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation gain: 13,000ft to 13,100ft - Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and continue on a steep ridge passing Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization. 

Day 6

Trekking Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation gain: 13,100ft to 15,300ft - Hiking time: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, we leave Karanga Camp and meet the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will set up camp and rest to prepare for summit day. You can now see the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.

Day 7 

Trekking Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Hut

Elevation gain: 15,300ft to 19,341ft to 10,000ft - Hiking time: Ascent 7-8 hours; Descent 4-6 hours

On day 6, just before midnight we will start our trek to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa!

Be prepared as this is the coldest, windiest section of your adventure. This will also be the most physically and mentally challenging day of your adventure. 

Most likely by dawn, as the first rays of light start to appear across the Tanzanian landscape, you arrive near the rim at Stella Point, at an altitude of 18,652ft. Here, you are rewarded with the most glorious sunrise you are ever likely to see, appearing over Mawenzi Peak. 

Ascending via Stella Point affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! Take as many pictures as you can! After a short celebration at the summit, begin the trek down. 

Go slowly and enjoy the wonderful rainforest scenery as you head towards Mweka Camp, arriving before dusk. Overnight will be spent at Mweka Camp. 

Day 8

Trekking Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation gain: 12,467ft to 5,380ft - Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

After breakfast you descend once again through montane forest and at around midday, after arriving at the gate, our driver will meet you to take you back tothe Chanya Lodge for a hot shower, celebration of your accomplishment, certificate ceremony and the memorable tipping ceremony, where you can show your appreciation to your Kilimanjaro Crew! Now you can enjoy a good night's rest after this huge accomplishment. 

Day 9

Departure Day: Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport

If your time in Tanzania ends today, our team will make sure you are transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departing flight. If you have booked and extended stay for one of our safaris or a day trip, we will be there to assist you in the next steps for your extended stay. 

Hakuna Matata!!