7-Day Machame Route – Kilimanjaro 🏔️

After breakfast, drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, where you will complete the park registration formalities and meet your mountain crew. The hike begins through the lush montane rainforest, following a scenic trail that gradually climbs towards Machame Camp. Along the way, you may encounter monkeys, colorful birds and beautiful forest vegetation. Arrive at camp in the afternoon, where you will have dinner and rest for the night.

Day Facts

Hiking Distance: Approximately 11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Starting Elevation: 1,800 m
Machame Camp: 3,000 m
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Machame Camp

After breakfast, begin your ascent towards the Shira Plateau. The forest gradually becomes thinner as the landscape changes to moorland, with giant heathers and expansive views of the surrounding mountains. The trail becomes steeper as you leave the forest behind, eventually opening onto the Shira Plateau. On a clear day, you will have impressive views of Mount Meru and the summit of Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Shira Camp for dinner and overnight.

Hiking Distance: Approximately 9 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Machame Camp: 3,000 m
Shira Camp: 3,845 m
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Shira Camp

Today is an important acclimatization day. After breakfast, hike across the Shira Plateau towards Lava Tower, gradually gaining altitude while enjoying spectacular views of the mountain. You will reach approximately 4,630 m at Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp at around 3,960 m.

This "climb high, sleep low" approach gives your body valuable time to adjust to the increasing altitude. The descent leads through a dramatic alpine landscape, eventually reaching the impressive Barranco Valley.

Day Facts

Hiking Distance: Approximately 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Lava Tower: 4,630 m
Barranco Camp: 3,960 m
Habitat: Semi-desert / alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Barranco Camp

After breakfast, the day begins with the famous Barranco Wall. Although the climb looks challenging from below, the trail is manageable with the help of your experienced mountain crew. Once above the wall, continue across a series of ridges and valleys with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro's southern slopes.

After several hours of hiking, reach Karanga Camp, where you will have time to rest, enjoy the mountain scenery and prepare for the final stages of the climb.

Day Facts

Hiking Distance: Approximately 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Barranco Camp: 3,960 m
Karanga Camp: 4,035 m
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Karanga Camp

After breakfast, leave Karanga Camp and continue towards Barafu Camp. The landscape becomes increasingly rocky and barren as you enter the high alpine desert zone. The trail gradually climbs towards the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, with views of the summit ahead.

Arrive at Barafu Camp in the afternoon and have an early dinner. Your guides will brief you about the summit attempt and help you prepare your equipment before an early rest.

Day Facts

Hiking Distance: Approximately 4 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Karanga Camp: 4,035 m
Barafu Camp: 4,640 m
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Barafu Camp

Wake around midnight for the summit attempt. After a light snack and hot drink, begin hiking in the darkness towards Stella Point. The climb is slow and steady across steep scree, with your guide setting a comfortable pace.

After reaching Stella Point at approximately 5,739 m, continue along the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 m.

At the summit, take time to celebrate your achievement and enjoy the incredible views before beginning the descent. Return to Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments, then continue down towards Mweka Camp through the changing alpine landscape.

Day Facts

Hiking Distance: Approximately 17 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Barafu Camp: 4,640 m
Stella Point: Approximately 5,739 m
Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m
Mweka Camp: 3,080 m
Habitat: Arctic / alpine desert / rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Mweka Camp

After breakfast, begin the final descent through the lush rainforest towards Mweka Gate. The trail becomes greener and more shaded as you lose altitude.

Upon reaching the gate, complete the park exit procedures and receive your summit certificates. You will then meet your vehicle and transfer back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.

Day Facts

Hiking Distance: Approximately 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Mweka Camp: 3,080 m
Mweka Gate: 1,640 m
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Moshi