7-Day Machame Scenic Route to the Summit

• 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

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive from Arusha to Machame Gate, where you complete registration and park formalities. After a briefing, you enter the lush rainforest zone, trekking through towering trees, vibrant flora, and lively wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds. The trail ascends gradually but can be muddy or slippery, giving a sense of adventure from the start. After several hours of steady climbing, you reach Machame Camp, set above the forest line. Here, you enjoy dinner and your first night on the mountain, breathing in fresh, crisp air.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail opens into the moorland zone, where giant heathers and lobelias dominate the landscape. The climb steadily gains altitude, providing striking views of valleys and the slopes above. Shira Camp, located on the Shira Plateau at 3,840 meters, offers expansive vistas of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The day is moderately challenging, allowing trekkers to acclimatize while enjoying the highland scenery. Once at camp, you rest, hydrate, and take in the serene alpine landscape, preparing for the next day’s ascent to Lava Tower.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira Camp Lava tower-Barranco Camp

This is a critical acclimatization day. You trek across the Shira Plateau toward Lava Tower, ascending steeply to 4,600 meters before descending to Barranco Camp. The trail passes alpine desert terrain with minimal vegetation and striking rock formations. At Lava Tower, you enjoy panoramic views and a break while your body adjusts to higher altitude. After lunch, the trail descends through the Barranco Valley, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and giant senecio plants. Barranco Camp lies below the Barranco Wall, where trekkers can relax and prepare for the challenging scramble over the wall the following morning.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day begins with the famous Barranco Wall scramble, a steep but manageable climb offering breathtaking views of the valley below. After conquering the wall, the trail continues through undulating moorland and alpine desert terrain. The route gradually ascends, allowing for steady acclimatization. You eventually reach Karanga Camp at 4,100 meters, nestled in a scenic valley between the Barranco and Barafu routes. The day combines moderate challenge with spectacular scenery, providing ample time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the serene high-altitude environment in preparation for the climb to Barafu Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

From Karanga Camp, the trail continues through barren alpine desert with rocky terrain and minimal vegetation. The ascent is steady, providing impressive views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. After several hours, you reach Barafu Camp at 4,600 meters, the base camp for the summit attempt. Here, you rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare your gear for the midnight climb. This camp marks the final stop before the summit push, and careful acclimatization, hydration, and rest are emphasized to ensure you are ready for the physically demanding ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

The summit attempt begins around midnight. Trekking in the dark under headlamps, you climb steep, rocky paths through cold temperatures and thin air. Reaching Stella Point at sunrise provides incredible views of the crater rim and surrounding glaciers. From there, you continue to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 5,895 meters, where you celebrate your achievement with photos and reflection. The descent begins back to Barafu Camp for rest and refreshments, then continues to Mweka Camp. The long day combines the thrill of summiting with the stunning scenery of Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert and moorland zones.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka camp to Mweka Gate then Back to Arusha

The final day leads you down through lush rainforest back to Mweka Gate. The descent is gentle, allowing you to reflect on the journey while passing moss-covered trees and small streams. At the gate, park formalities are completed, and trekkers receive their summit certificates. A vehicle then transfers you back to Arusha, marking the end of your adventure. This day is relaxing compared to previous climbs, offering a sense of closure and accomplishment as you descend from the Roof of Africa, carrying memories of a life-changing experience.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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