7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route

After an early breakfast, you will begin the day walking by making your way out of the rainforest and entering the moorland. Cross numerous streams before walking over a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau that leads up to Shira Camp where you will spend the evening. Here you will be beside a stream and have a spectacular view of the western breach and its glaciers in the east. Enjoy a warm meal after a good day of hiking and settle in for a cold night.
Elevation: 2,980m – 3,840m | hiking time: 6h | distance: 9 km | habitat: moorland

After an early breakfast, it is time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall. Although it may look intimating at first glance, hikers have said that the Class 2 hike is usually much easier than it looks. At the top of the wall, you will have a beautiful view of the Heim Glacier and at this point, you will be above the clouds. The trail winds up and down through the Karanga Valley, providing an ideal acclimatization day.
Elevation: 3,950m – 3,980m | hiking time: 5h | distance: 5 km | habitat: alpine desert

After breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp on a trail that joins the Mweka Route trail, the trail used to descend the mountain after reaching the summit. You will make your way up to Barafu Hut on a relatively short hike, giving you time to rest before the final push to the peak. The word ‘bara’ means ‘ice’ in Swahili. The camp is on a rocky ridge exposed to the wind, so familiarise yourself with the camp before dark. Enjoy an early dinner and briefing before heading to bed on the eve of your exciting summit attempt.
Elevation: 3,980m – 4,600m | hiking time: 3h | distance: 4 km | habitat: alpine desert

Arusha - Machame Gate - Machame CampDay 2 Machame Camp - Shira CampDay 3 Shira Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco CampDay 4 Barranco Camp - Karanga CampDay 5 Karanga Camp - Barafu Hut
After breakfast, you will leave Karanga Camp on a trail that joins the Mweka Route trail, the trail used to descend the mountain after reaching the summit. You will make your way up to Barafu Hut on a relatively short hike, giving you time to rest before the final push to the peak. The word ‘bara’ means ‘ice’ in Swahili. The camp is on a rocky ridge exposed to the wind, so familiarise yourself with the camp before dark. Enjoy an early dinner and briefing before heading to bed on the eve of your exciting summit attempt.
Elevation: 3,980m – 4,600m | hiking time: 3h | distance: 4 km | habitat: alpine desert

Wake up before midnight for some tea or coffee and biscuits and begin your much-anticipated summit attempt. The route heads northwest, ascending over stone scree. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point, at an altitude of 5,685m, located on the crater rim. Enjoy the magnificent sunrise before your final 2-hour push to the peak along the snow-covered trail. Finally, you will reach the top of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, an amazing accomplishment! Spend some time on the summit, enjoying the feeling of success and taking photographs before making your way back down the mountain. Descend to Barafu Camp where you can enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. Later you will continue down to your campsite for the evening. Enjoy a delicious meal after a long and successful day of hiking.
Elevation: 4,600m – 5,895m – 3,100m | hiking time: 16h | distance: 30 km | habitat: stone scree & ice-capped peak

Day 1 Arusha - Machame Gate - Machame Camp Day 2 Machame Camp - Shira CampDay 3 Shira Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco CampDay 4 Barranco Camp - Karanga CampDay 5 Karanga Camp - Barafu HutDay 6 Barafu Hut - Uhuru Peak Summit - Mweka CampDay 7 Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate - Arusha
Enjoy your final breakfast on the trek and take part in the big celebration, filled with dancing and singing. Thank your climbing team for their support on the mountain and bid farewell to them as you make your way down to Mweka Gate. At the gate, you will receive your summit certificate before making your way to Mweka village for your final stretch of the journey. Enjoy a hot lunch and later drive back to Arusha for a long, overdue shower and some more celebrations.
Elevation: 3,100m – 1,980m | hiking time: 3h | distance: 15 km | habitat: forest