7-Day Kilimanjaro Mt Trekking via the Machame Route

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

Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Distance: Approximately 11 kilometers (6.8 miles)
Elevation: From 1,640 meters (5,380 feet) to 3,000 meters (9,840 feet)
Altitude gained: 1,360 meters
Trekking Hours: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Your Kilimanjaro trek commences today with a nourishing breakfast. You'll then be driven to the Machame Gate, the official starting point of your journey. Here, you'll complete registration and meet your trekking team. As you embark on your adventure, you'll find yourself surrounded by the lush greenery of the rainforest, characterized by towering trees and an orchestra of exotic bird calls. This day's hike gradually leads you from an elevation of 1,640 meters to 3,000 meters at Machame Camp. Covering approximately 11 kilometers, the trek typically takes 5-7 hours. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the lush rainforest habitat, filled with rich biodiversity. You'll spend the night at Machame Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 miles)
Elevation: From 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) to 3,840 meters (12,600 feet)
Altitude gained: 840 meters
Trekking Hours: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland

The third day brings noticeable changes in the landscape as you ascend, leaving the dense rainforest behind and entering the heath and moorland zone. You'll journey across the expansive Shira Plateau, treated to sweeping views of the surrounding terrain. Today's trek covers approximately 5 kilometres, involving an elevation gain from 3,000 meters to 3,840 meters. Expect to trek for about 4-6 hours. The habitat undergoes a transformation to include heath and moorland vegetation. Your overnight stay will be at Shira Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Distance: Approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 miles)
Elevation: From 3,840 meters (12,600 feet) to 3,950 meters (12,960 feet)
Altitude gained: 110 meters
Trekking Hours: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland

Your journey continues as you traverse the Shira Plateau, eventually reaching Lava Tower at an impressive altitude of 4,630 meters. This challenging section provides an opportunity for acclimatization as you descend to Barranco Camp, located at 3,950 meters. Today's trek covers about 10 kilometres and involves varying terrain, from rocky sections near Lava Tower to the striking Barranco Valley. The habitat transitions from an alpine desert to a more sheltered environment as you approach the camp. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 miles)
Elevation: From 3,950 meters (12,960 feet) to 4,035 meters (13,200 feet)
Altitude gained: 85 meters
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day four presents an exciting challenge as you ascend the iconic Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble that adds an element of adventure to your journey. After conquering the wall, you'll descend into the picturesque Karanga Valley before arriving at Karanga Camp, nestled at 4,035 meters. This portion of the trek typically takes 3-4 hours and covers approximately 5 kilometres. The habitat includes steep slopes, an alpine desert, and the awe-inspiring Barranco Wall. Your evening will be spent at Karanga Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles)
Elevation: From 4,035 meters (13,200 feet) to 4,673 meters (15,331 feet)
Altitude gained: 638 meters
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today's objective on day six is to reach Barafu Camp, your high-altitude base for the summit attempt. This day typically involves 3-4 hours of trekking, covering around 4 kilometers. The habitat remains in the alpine desert zone, marked by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. Dinner and a night's rest at Barafu Camp will prepare you for summit night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Summit - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Distance to Summit: 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) up
Distance to Mweka Camp: 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) down
Summit Elevation: From 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level
Altitude gained to Summit: 1,222 meters
Descent to Mweka Camp: From 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) to 3,100 meters (10,170 feet)
Altitude lost during descent: 2,795 meters
Trekking Hours to Summit: 6-8 hours
Trekking Hours to Mweka Camp: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Arctic Zone, Glacial Fields, Alpine Desert, Moorland, Rainforest

Summit day on Kilimanjaro begins at midnight, navigating challenging terrain to reach Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point at 5,895 meters. Illuminated by headlamps, the ascent is both physically and mentally demanding, but the sunrise at the peak offers an immeasurable reward. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, passing through diverse landscapes, from arctic zones to lush rainforests.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

Distance: Approximately
10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
Elevation: From 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) to 1,500 meters (4,921 feet)
Altitude lost: 1,600 meters
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Your final day of trekking takes you through the lush rainforest as you descend from Mweka Camp. The air becomes increasingly humid, and the terrain shifts back to the rainforest habitat. After several hours of trekking, you'll reach Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your well-deserved summit certificate as a testament to your accomplishment. From here, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha for celebrations, relaxation, and a well-earned rest.

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.