7-days Machame Route

DAY 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Early in the morning, we drive to Machame Gate which takes about 90 minutes. You start your ascent and enter the rainforest almost immediately. There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy, and slippery experience. Sometimes weather conditions in the night temperatures can drop at Machame campsite.

• Hiking time: 4 hours
• Distance: About 11 km
• Habitat: Montane forest
• Elevation: From 1,817m at Machame Gate to 3,021m at Machame Camp

DAY 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Early in the morning after breakfast, the day is spent reaching Shira cave (3750 m) where you will have a hot lunch. The night at this bare camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping. The trail takes us for an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for about two hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. Hiking to this point you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its spectacular glaciers. You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike, you will reach the Shira cave in the evening walk.

• Hiking time: 5 hours
• Distance: About 5 km
• Habitat: Moorland
• Elevation: From 3,021m at Machame Camp to 3,830m at Shira Camp

DAY 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

The route now turns east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4600m after about a five hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4600m). Definitely, the toughest day so far. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start to feel symptoms of breathlessness, irritability, and headaches. After lunch you descend again by almost 700m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatization benefit of this day becomes clear. This descent to Barranco camp takes about two hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.

• Hiking time: About 7 hours
• Distance: About 11 km
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Elevation: From 3,830m at Shira Camp to 4,600 at Lava Tower Camp to 3950 at Barranco Camp

DAY 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s trip is short but slightly challenging. After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall. Though it may look intimidating, the Barranco wall is manageable for most trekkers and does not require technical climbing skills. The climb up the Barranco Wall usually takes about 1 to 2 hours and offers stunning views. After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail undulates through valleys and ridges. The descent into the Karanga Valley is followed by a final ascent to Karanga Camp where you will have your lunch, rest and overnight.

• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: About 5 km
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: From 3950m at Barranco Camp to 4,035m at Karanga Camp

DAY 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to  Millennium Camp

Today is the most challenging and rewarding part of the Kilimanjaro trek. The trip starts from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and then descends to Millennium Camp. The ascent typically begins around midnight. You will head northwest and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour climb to Stella Point is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the route. The trail is steep, with switchbacks over loose scree and rocks. The air is thin, making breathing difficult. At Stella Point (5757m), take a short rest and enjoy a magnificent sunrise if the weather permits. From Stella Point, you will likely encounter snow during the 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet). You will spend about 10 to 15 minutes at the summit depending on the weather. Don’t linger too long, as starting again in the cold and fatigue can be very difficult. Enjoy your accomplishment—it’s a day to remember forever.

You will begin the descent by retracing your steps back to Stella Point and then down to Barafu Camp. The descent is usually faster but can be tough on the knees and thighs. You will take a rest briefly at Barafu camp to get some food and continue your descent to Millenium Camp. You will arrive at Millennium Camp in the late afternoon or early evening for rest and overnight.

Important Points

• Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you stay hydrated and eat snacks along the way to maintain energy levels.
• Pacing: Take it slow and steady, especially during the summit attempt, to manage your energy and cope with the altitude.
• Weather Conditions: Be prepared for extreme cold during the ascent and varying conditions on the descent.
• Hiking time: 12-15 hours
• Distance: About 13.4 km
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
• Elevation: From 4,640m at Barafu Camp to 5895m at Uhuru Peak, to 3,79m 3,950m at Millenium Camp

DAY 7: Millenium Camp to Mweka Gate

After an early and well-deserved breakfast, you will start a short 4 to 5-hour scenic hike back to the Park gate. Arriving at Mweka Gate marks the official end of your Kilimanjaro climb. Here, you will sign out at the park registry and receive your summit certificate—gold for Uhuru Peak and green for Stella Point. Here, you will have lunch and celebration with your mountain crew before our representative will drop you off at your pre-booked accommodation in Moshi/Arusha or at the airport to catch your flight.

• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: About 12 km
• Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
• Elevation: From 3950m at Millennium Camp to 1640 at Mweka Gate