7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Expedition

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arusha to Machame Gate (1800m) to Machame Camp (2835m)

Our guides and crew will meet you at the hotel for a quick briefing before travelling by bus to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance: Machame Gate. After registration and briefing at Machame Gate, our trek to Machame Camp will begin through dense montane rainforest. The trail is often muddy and shaded, with towering trees, vines, and wildlife such as colobus monkeys. The steady ascent allows time to adjust to the altitude before reaching Machame Camp, where dinner and an overnight stay await. Trekking time = 5-7 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame Camp (2835m) to Shira Cave Camp (3750m)

After breakfast, we will start our trek to Shira Cave Camp. Leaving the forest behind, the trail climbs into heath and moorland vegetation. The views open up dramatically, offering panoramic views of Mount meru and the expansive Shira Plateau right in front of you. The terrain becomes rockier as we approach Shira Cave Camp, where temperatures begin to drop at night. Trekking time = 4-6 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira Cave Camp (3750m) to Lava Tower (4600m) to Barranco Camp (3900m)

After breakfast, we will depart Shira Cave Camp and head towards Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation where lunch is taken. Reaching the 4600m altitude at Lava Tower is crucial for acclimatisation. After lunch at high altitude, we start our descent of approximately 700m into the scenic Barranco Valley to make our way to Barranco Camp, which is our next overnight stop. Here we can see the famous Barranco Wall which we will hike the following day. Trekking time = 6-8 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barranco Camp (3900m) to Karanga Camp (3995)

The day begins with a climb up the Barranco Wall. Despite the seemingly daunting height and steepness of the wall, the actual climb is non-technical and only takes an hour or so to complete. The top of the wall offers stunning views and provides a great photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as the backdrop. After reaching the top, the route traverses rolling terrain with gradual ascents and descents before arriving at Karanga Camp, an important acclimatisation stop. Trekking time = 4-5 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Karanga Camp (3995m) to Barafu Camp (4673m)

Today we will begin our hike to Barafu Summit Camp, with a steady uphill walk. The landscape becomes stark and alpine the closer we get to camp. After an early dinner, we will gather you for a pre-summit briefing before resting and preparing our gear for the night ascent. Sleep is usually short as the summit push begins around midnight. Trekking time = 4-5 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barafu Camp (4673m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka Camp (3100m)

We will start our summit push at around midnight. The summit climb begins in darkness, ascending steep scree toward Stella Point (5756m) before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. While the trek itself is fairly simple, the high altitude makes even regular physical exercise feel strenuous. After photos and celebration, we descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for our final night. Trekking time = 12-15 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1640m) to Arusha

The final descent winds through lush rainforest, often alive with birdlife. At Mweka Gate, we will sign out and you will receive your summit certificate before transferring back to the hotel in Arusha, marking the end of an unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.