7-Day Mt Kilimanjaro, Machame Route Trek

• 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, 2835m

After breakfast, you will be picked from your hotel in Arusha and transferred to Machame Gate (1,800m).

Here porters prepare while you complete registration formalities. The trek begins through lush rainforest alive with birds, monkeys, and giant ferns. The path is often muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are useful. Slowly ascend with steady pace, allowing the body to adjust.

After approximately 10 km and 5–7 hours of walking, you will reach Machame Camp (2,835m).

The evening is spent settling into tents, enjoying a hot dinner, and briefing for the following day.

Distance: 10 km | Time: 5–7 hrs |
Overnight: Machame Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame Camp to Shira Camp, 3750m

The day begins with a steady climb out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone.

The trail is steeper here, winding uphill across rocky ridges and offering stunning views back toward Mount Meru. Giant heathers and volcanic rock formations line the route, creating a surreal landscape. After a picnic lunch midway, continue traversing high ridges before descending gently into the Shira Plateau.

The campsite, Shira Camp (3,750m), sits on a vast high-altitude desert plain.

Today’s trek is shorter but more challenging in altitude, covering 5 km in 4–6 hours.

Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–6 hrs
Overnight: Shira Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp, 3960m

Today is crucial for acclimatization, following the principle of “climb high, sleep low.”

From Shira, trek steadily upward toward Lava Tower (4,600m), where you pause for lunch. The high altitude may cause mild symptoms, but your guide ensures a slow pace. After enjoying views of the Western Breach, descend gradually into the lush Barranco Valley, dotted with giant senecios and lobelias.

The descent aids acclimatization, and the camp sits at 3,960m. This day covers around 10 km, taking 6–8 hours of walking, with dramatic scenery throughout.

Distance: 10 km | Time: 6–8 hrs
Overnight: Barranco Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp, 4035m

Begin with the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble that rewards with magnificent panoramas at the top.

The trail then winds through ridges and valleys, offering alternating views of Kibo and the plains below. Breaks are frequent to maintain strength, as the path is undulating and rocky. After a picnic lunch, continue ascending gently toward Karanga Camp (4,035m), nestled in a broad valley.

This shorter trekking day is ideal for rest and acclimatization.

Total distance is 5 km, covered in 4–5 hours of hiking.
Overnight: 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, 4640m

Today’s hike is a steady climb from Karanga through sparse alpine desert.

The air becomes thinner, and the landscape more barren, but views of the glaciers and Mawenzi Peak inspire perseverance. After 4–5 hours of trekking and covering 4 km, you reach Barafu Camp (4,640m). This high camp is a windswept ridge, where you rest early, enjoy dinner, and prepare mentally and physically for summit night.

Your guide briefs you on the climb, ensuring gear is ready for the midnight push. Sleep is brief but important.

Distance: 4 km | Time: 4–5 hrs
Overnight: Barafu Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Barafu to Uhuru Peak, 5895m to Mweka Camp, 3110m

Summit day begins around midnight. With headlamps lighting the trail, ascend slowly across scree slopes toward Stella Point (5,756m).

The cold is intense, but determination and guidance push you forward. After 6–8 hours, you reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa. Celebrate with photos before descending steadily to Barafu for rest.

After lunch, continue down to Mweka Camp (3,110m) through alpine desert and moorland. Today is the longest day: 17 km, taking 11–14 hours in total.

Distance: 17 km | Time: 11–14 hrs
Overnight: Mweka Camp.

Main Destination:

Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

The final descent leads through lush rainforest filled with birdsong and colobus monkeys. The trail can be slippery, so trekking poles help.

After 10 km and 3–4 hours, you arrive at Mweka Gate (1,640m), where certificates are awarded for your achievement. Bid farewell to your mountain crew, then transfer back to Arusha for a hot shower and rest at your hotel.

This marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure and the start of lifelong memories.

Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hrs
End: Your hotel in Arusha.

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.