7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route 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)

After breakfast, you will be met by your Maasailand Adventure guides and crew at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha for a briefing, followed by a scenic drive to Machame Gate on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you will complete registration formalities, followed by a picnic lunch at the gate.

We will then begin our hike through the lush rainforest zone. This section of the mountain is known for its vibrant ecosystem, and you may encounter colobus monkeys and various bird species along the way.

The path is often muddy and steep in sections, but the pace is steady and guided to ensure proper acclimatisation and comfort. As you gain elevation, the forest gradually opens up before reaching Machame Camp, where you will settle in for the evening. Upon arrival, you will enjoy dinner, rest, and prepare for your next day’s ascent deeper into the mountain.

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, you will leave Machame Camp and continue your ascent through the moorland zone of Mount Kilimanjaro. The forest gradually gives way to open landscapes of heather, volcanic rock, and sweeping high-altitude plains.

As you ascend, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and, on clear days, Mount Meru rising in the distance above the Arusha plains. This section of the mountain is more exposed, offering a true sense of Kilimanjaro’s vast volcanic landscape.

You will continue across the Shira Plateau until you reach Shira Cave Camp, where you will rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight by expansive mountain views and open skies.

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)

Today is a crucial day for acclimatisation, as we leave Shira Cave Camp and begin a steady ascent toward Lava Tower. The trail gradually climbs through alpine desert, where the landscape becomes more rugged, with sparse vegetation and striking volcanic rock formations. As you gain altitude, you will feel the effects of the thinner air, making this an important acclimatisation day. Upon reaching Lava Tower, we will stop for lunch and take time to adjust to the higher elevation.

Afterward, we will begin our descent of approximately 700m into the scenic Barranco Valley, known for its giant senecio plants and dramatic surroundings, before reaching Barranco Camp beneath the impressive Barranco Wall. This follows the “climb high, sleep low” strategy which greatly aids acclimatisation. You will arrive at Barranco Camp in the afternoon, where you can rest, enjoy dinner, and take in one of the most beautiful camp settings on the mountain.

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)

Our morning begins with a scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, a fun and rewarding section with incredible views which isn’t as daunting as it looks! You will follow your guide closely as you navigate narrow paths and rocky ledges, including the famous “kissing rock” section, where you briefly lean into the rock face.

Once at the summit of the wall, you will be rewarded with spectacular views across the Karanga Valley and toward the southern glaciers of Kibo Peak. The trail then undulates through rocky terrain before descending into the valley and making a final short ascent to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter trekking day, allowing extra time for rest and acclimatisation. You will arrive at camp in the afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next stage of ascent the following day.

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 is a shorter hiking day with the trail climbing steadily towards Barafu Camp (Base Camp), the final camp before the summit. As you leave Karanga Camp, the trail climbs steadily through a stark alpine desert landscape, with rocky terrain and minimal vegetation as you approach higher altitude. Although the distance is short, the altitude gain makes this a more challenging trek, and a slow, steady pace is essential. As you ascend, you will be rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys below.

You will arrive at Barafu Camp by early afternoon. Set on an exposed ridge, the camp offers dramatic views and a true high-altitude atmosphere. After lunch, you will have time to rest and prepare for your midnight summit attempt. After an early dinner, we will gather you for a pre-summit briefing before preparing our gear for the night ascent, before retiring to your tent for a few hours’ sleep.

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). From here, you will continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. While the trek itself is fairly simple, the high altitude makes even regular physical exercise feel strenuous.

Arriving at sunrise, you will witness breathtaking views above the clouds, with glaciers and vast plains stretching below. This is a truly unforgettable moment and the highlight of your journey. After celebrating and taking photos, you will begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch, before continuing down to Mweka Camp. The descent is long but rewarding, as you pass back through different ecological zones. You will arrive at Mweka Camp in the late afternoon or early evening for dinner and a well-earned rest after your summit success.

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

After breakfast, we will begin our final descent through the lush rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro. This trail is well-defined but can be steep and slippery, so careful footing is required as you make your way down. As you descend, the air becomes warmer and richer in oxygen, and you may once again spot colobus monkeys and a variety of birdlife along the way.

Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you will complete park formalities before heading for a well-deserved lunch with the team, where you will receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement. After lunch, you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Arusha, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure. We hope you enjoyed your journey and wish you safe travels ahead.

Trekking time: 3-4 hours.

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.