7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trekking

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

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

- Start at Machame Gate (1,800 meters / 5,905 feet)
- Hike through lush rainforest
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Camp at Machame Camp (2,835 meters / 9,300 feet)

Your adventure begins at Machame Gate, where you'll register and meet your guides and porters. The trek kicks off through lush, green rainforest filled with diverse flora and fauna. You'll navigate through winding trails, listening to the sounds of nature echoing through the trees. As you ascend, the air becomes cooler and crisper, offering a refreshing change from the lower altitudes. After a few hours of trekking, you'll reach Machame Camp, nestled among the trees, where you'll spend your first night under the starry African sky.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

- Continue ascent through rainforest, gradually transitioning into heath and moorland
- Reach Shira Plateau with expansive views of Kilimanjaro's western glaciers
- Trekking time: 4-6 hours
- Camp at Shira Camp (3,750 meters / 12,303 feet)

Leaving Machame Camp behind, you'll continue your journey upward, gradually transitioning from dense rainforest to open heath and moorland. The trail offers breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro's towering peaks as you ascend towards the expansive Shira Plateau. The landscape changes dramatically, with sparse vegetation and vast open spaces stretching out before you. You'll set up camp at Shira Camp, surrounded by panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, making for a memorable evening of stargazing.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

- Trek across Shira Plateau, passing through the moorland zone
- Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 meters / 15,190 feet) for acclimatization
- Descend to Barranco Valley, known for its unique plant life and towering cliffs
- Trekking time: 6-8 hours
- Camp at Barranco Camp (3,950 meters / 12,960 feet)

Today's trek takes you across the otherworldly Shira Plateau, characterized by its lunar-like landscape and rugged terrain. As you traverse the plateau, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the sheer scale and beauty of Kilimanjaro. The trail leads you to the base of the imposing Lava Tower, where you'll pause for acclimatization and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Descending from Lava Tower, you'll make your way to Barranco Camp, nestled in a picturesque valley beneath towering cliffs. The highlight of the day is conquering the Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble that rewards you with stunning views of the mountain and surrounding scenery.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

- Climb the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging yet exhilarating scramble
- Traverse the Karanga Valley, offering stunning views of surrounding peaks
- Trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Camp at Karanga Camp (3,995 meters / 13,106 feet)

Today's trek begins with a challenging ascent up the Barranco Wall, where you'll use hands and feet to navigate the rocky terrain. The exhilarating climb offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape and a sense of accomplishment as you conquer one of Kilimanjaro's iconic landmarks. After descending from the Barranco Wall, you'll traverse the scenic Karanga Valley, with its unique plant life and stunning vistas. Your day concludes at Karanga Camp, where you'll rest and refuel for the days ahead.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

- Ascend through alpine desert terrain towards Barafu Camp
- Reach Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit push
- Rest and prepare for the summit attempt
- Trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Camp at Barafu Camp (4,600 meters / 15,091 feet)

As you ascend higher into the alpine desert zone, the landscape becomes increasingly barren and otherworldly. The trail winds its way through rocky terrain, offering panoramic views of Kilimanjaro's towering peaks and glaciers. You'll reach Barafu Camp, your final base camp before the summit push, nestled on a barren plateau beneath the imposing cliffs of Kilimanjaro. Here, you'll rest and prepare for the challenging ascent ahead, mentally and physically steeling yourself for the ultimate test of endurance.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Mweka Camp

- Start the summit attempt around midnight, ascending steep scree slopes
- Reach Stella Point (5,685 meters / 18,651 feet) at the edge of the crater rim
- Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa
- Descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest
- Continue descent to Mweka Camp through alpine desert and heath zones
- Trekking time: 12-16 hours for summit, 4-6 hours for descent
- Camp at Mweka Camp (3,100 meters / 10,170 feet)

On the summit day of the Kilimanjaro trek, you'll begin before dawn, navigating steep slopes illuminated by headlamps. As daylight breaks, you'll reach Stella Point, greeted by stunning views. Pushing onward, you'll conquer Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point. The sense of accomplishment at the summit is overwhelming. After savoring the moment, you'll descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing to Mweka Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

- Descend through dense rainforest, enjoying the lush vegetation and wildlife
- Arrive at Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates
- Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Your final day on the mountain begins with a leisurely descent through lush rainforest, where the air is filled with the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves. The trail winds its way downhill, offering glimpses of the towering peaks above through breaks in the canopy. As you descend, you'll notice the air becoming warmer and more humid, signaling your return to lower altitudes. Finally, you'll arrive at Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your guides and porters. From there, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can rest and reflect on your epic journey up the slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

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

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