7 Days Machame Route
Overview
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Machame Gate To Machame Camp
Machame Gate (1,800m / 5,900ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m / 9,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters / 3,900 feet
Your head guide will meet you in Moshi for the scenic 45-minute drive to Machame Gate. After completing registration, you’ll begin your trek along a winding trail through lush, vibrant rainforest.
This area receives the most rainfall on Kilimanjaro, so be prepared for possible afternoon showers that may make the path slippery at times. The climb is steady and challenging, gradually easing as you near Machame Camp, perched on the edge of the forest and towering giant heather zones.
Expect approximately 6-7 hours of walking today as you settle into camp, soaking in the incredible surroundings.
Day 2 - Machame Camp To Shira Camp
Machame Camp (3,000m / 9,800ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m / 12,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 840 meters / 2,800 feet
Today’s trek is a bit shorter but no less spectacular. You’ll start by climbing a steep ridge to a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock, where you can pause to admire breathtaking views of Kibo — the towering summit cone of Kilimanjaro — and the rugged rim of the Shira Plateau.
Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones, shaped by ancient lava flows from Kibo. The plateau’s rim has been dramatically sculpted by volcanic activity and weather over time.
Once you reach the plateau, the trail eases into a gentler path as you make your way to Shira Camp. On clear days, the panoramic vistas here are truly unforgettable.
Expect approximately 5-6 hours of walking today.
Day 3 - Shira Camp To Barranco Camp To via Lava Tower
Shira Camp (3,840m / 12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m / 12,650ft) via Lava Tower (4,550m / 14,900ft)
Elevation Gain: 710 meters / 2,300 feet
Elevation Loss: 700 meters / 2,250 feet
Today’s climb takes you steadily across the expansive ridgelines of Kilimanjaro’s high desert to the impressive Lava Tower, a towering 300-foot volcanic plug. The trek to the base of Lava Tower takes about 4 hours.
If you have the energy and time, consider scrambling to the summit of Lava Tower for breathtaking panoramic views — a perfect reward for your effort.
From Lava Tower, you’ll begin a steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing remarkable large flowering plants known as Senecio, which look more like trees than flowers.
This descent is excellent preparation for your final summit descent and will take around 1-2 hours.
Though you’ll finish the day at nearly the same elevation you started, this stage is critical for acclimatization, helping your body adjust to the increasing altitude. Your camp for the night, Barranco Camp, is nestled in a sheltered valley below the impressive Barranco Wall — a true highlight of your Kilimanjaro journey.
Day 4 - Barranco Camp To Karranga Camp To via the Barranco Wall
Barranco Camp (3,850m / 12,600ft) to Karanga Camp (3,950m / 13,000ft) via the Barranco Wall (4,200m / 13,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 350 meters / 1,150 feet
Elevation Loss: 250 meters / 820 feet
After breakfast, you’ll begin the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall—an exhilarating scramble that rewards you with stunning views back over Barranco Camp.
Watch the skilled porters as they effortlessly scale the wall, a testament to their incredible strength and endurance.
At the top, standing at 4,200 meters, follow the undulating trail along the mountainside. On clear days, the panoramic vistas are breathtaking: Kibo Peak dominates your left, while Mount Meru stretches majestically to your right, both iconic features of Kilimanjaro’s towering landscape.
The trail then descends into the Karanga Valley before a short, steep climb brings you to Karanga Camp.
The total walking time for this stage is approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Day 5 - Karranga Camp To Barafu Camp
Karanga Camp (3,950m / 13,000ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m / 15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 650 meters / 2,150 feet
This morning, you’ll steadily climb to Barafu Camp—Swahili for “ice”—nestled on the ridge just below Kilimanjaro’s summit cone.
With this trek, you complete the South Circuit, enjoying spectacular views of the summit from various vantage points.
The hike takes about 3 hours, allowing you to arrive at Barafu early enough to rest well and enjoy an early dinner. This downtime is essential as you prepare for the challenging summit push.
From Barafu Camp, you can admire the impressive peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo framing your surroundings.
Day 6 - Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp
Barafu Camp (4,600m / 15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,300ft), then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m / 10,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters / 4,200 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,785 meters / 9,100 feet
In the early hours of the morning, you’ll begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. This challenging climb typically takes 6 to 8 hours.
Temperatures will be extremely cold at night at these high elevations, so be prepared with clothing for both the freezing early morning and the warmer conditions as the day progresses. Just when you feel you’ve reached your limit, the sun will rise, casting a stunning red glow around the peak of Mawenzi.
At Stella Point (5,750m), you’ll join the crater rim and then continue a gentler climb to Uhuru Peak, standing proudly at 5,895 meters (19,300 feet).
After celebrating at the summit and soaking in the breathtaking views, you will begin your descent to Mweka Camp. Lunch will be served along the way. The descent generally takes about 6 hours.
In the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.
Day 7 - Kosovo Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp (3,110m / 10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m / 6,000ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,280 meters / 4,200 feet
Descend through the lush, vibrant forest on a gentle trail that takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys and other wildlife as you make your way down.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will be warmly greeted and then transferred from Mweka Village to your hotel in Moshi for a well-earned rest.
Departure
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!.
- Included
- Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek).
- Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
- Services of a professional guide, porters, and cook.
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Drinking water during the trek.
- Tents, sleeping mats, and camping equipment.
- Daily health check-ups, first aid kit, and oxygen for emergencies.
- Certificate of achievement for reaching Uhuru Peak or Stella Point.
- Not Included
- International flights.
- Visa fees for Tanzania.
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
- Travel insurance (including medical evacuation).
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and snacks.
- Meals and drinks at the hotel.
- Any additional services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.