7-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Through Machame Route

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

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

On the first day of the Machame Route, you’ll hike from Machame Gate at 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) to Machame Camp at 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), gaining about 1,200 meters in elevation over roughly 11 kilometers (7 miles). The trek takes 5 to 7 hours through a lush montane rainforest, known for its humid atmosphere, towering trees, and rich biodiversity. This scenic trail offers opportunities to see tropical plants, colorful birds, and monkeys such as the black-and-white colobus. Despite being a relatively moderate hike, the combination of steady uphill climbing and altitude makes it a rewarding yet challenging start to your Kilimanjaro journey.

Main Destination:

Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

On the second day of the Machame Route, you’ll ascend from Machame Camp at 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) to Shira Camp at 3,840 meters (12,598 feet), covering approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) in 4 to 6 hours. The trail is shorter but steeper than the previous day, and the environment changes noticeably as you leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. This high-altitude landscape features open spaces, rocky paths, and unique vegetation such as giant heathers and lobelias. As you climb higher, the air gets thinner, but you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Shira Plateau and surrounding peaks.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

On day three of the Machame Route, you’ll trek from Shira Camp at 3,840 meters (12,598 feet) up to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), then descend to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters (12,960 feet), covering about 10 kilometers (6 miles) in 6 to 8 hours. This day is crucial for acclimatization as you climb high and sleep low, helping your body adjust to the altitude. The landscape shifts to a semi-desert zone with sparse vegetation, rugged terrain, and dramatic volcanic features. Reaching Lava Tower offers a sense of achievement and panoramic views, while the descent to Barranco Camp provides relief and a chance to recover in a stunning valley beneath the Barranco Wall.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

On day four, you ascend from Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m), covering about 5 km in 4–5 hours. The day begins with the challenging but rewarding climb up the Barranco Wall—nicknamed the "Breakfast Wall"—a steep, rocky section that requires some scrambling. Once at the top, you're treated to stunning panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. The trail then continues through the alpine desert zone, with sparse vegetation and open landscapes, offering a gradual ascent to Karanga Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

On day five, you hike from Karanga Camp (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m), gaining nearly 700 meters over a short 4 km distance in about 4–5 hours. The trail leads through the barren alpine desert zone, with little vegetation and increasingly colder, windier conditions. Though the hike is relatively short, the altitude makes it challenging. Once at Barafu Camp, you’ll rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. This is your final camp before climbing to Uhuru Peak.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

On day six, you begin the summit attempt just after midnight, starting from Barafu Camp (4,673m) and ascending to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. The climb takes 6–8 hours through the freezing arctic zone, with the goal of reaching the summit by sunrise for breathtaking views and glacier vistas. After celebrating at the peak, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue the long trek down to Mweka Camp at 3,100m. Covering approximately 17 km in total over 12–15 hours, this is the most physically and mentally demanding day of the climb.

Main Destination:

Mweka Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On the final day, you descend from Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m), hiking about 10 km through lush rainforest over 3–4 hours. The trail is scenic but can be slippery, especially if wet. Upon reaching the gate, you'll celebrate your achievement with your team, receive your summit certificate, and then return to Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest.

Main Destination:

Mweka Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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