7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   7h · Admission ticket included
   Elevation (ft): (3,000 m): 5. 6,000 ft (1,830 m) to 10,200 ft (3,100 m).
   
   Distance: 11 km.
   
   Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
   
   Habitat: montane forest.
   
   Camp: Machame Camp.
   
   The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and Trekking Poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Elevation (ft): 10,200 ft (3,100 m) to 12,600 ft (3,840 m).
   
   Distance: 9 km.
   
   Walking Time: 4-6 Stunden.
   
   Habitat: Moorland.
   
   Full-board Shira Cave Camp
   
   After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep, rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   7h
   Climb gradually into the alpine desert towards Lava Tower at 4,600 metres. Reaching this altitude before descending helps your body adjust to the thinner air. After lunch near Lava Tower, follow the trail down into Barranco Valley, passing volcanic formations and giant groundsels. Arrive at Barranco Camp beneath the impressive Barranco Wall. The camp provides beautiful views of Kibo and its southern glaciers when the weather is clear. Your guide will conduct a health check before dinner.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   5h
   Begin the morning by climbing the Barranco Wall. Although it appears steep, the wall does not require technical climbing equipment. You will use your hands for balance while following your guide’s instructions. From the top, enjoy views of Kibo, the Heim Glacier and the valleys below. Continue across several ridges before descending into Karanga Valley. A final uphill section leads to Karanga Camp, where you will have lunch, rest and complete another acclimatization walk if conditions allow.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   4h
   Leave Karanga Camp and climb steadily through a dry, rocky alpine landscape towards Barafu Camp. The distance is short, but the altitude makes a slow pace necessary. Arrive at Barafu in time for lunch and spend the afternoon resting. Your guide will check your summit clothing, headlamp, water and snacks before giving the final briefing. Have an early dinner and prepare everything before sleeping. The summit attempt normally begins around midnight.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   15h
   Begin the summit climb around midnight, ascending slowly over steep volcanic scree towards Stella Point at 5,756 metres. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photographs and a short celebration, descend to Barafu Camp for food and rest. Continue downhill through alpine terrain and moorland to Mweka Camp. This is the longest and most demanding day of the expedition, but the increasing oxygen at lower elevations makes the final section easier.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

1. Kilimanjaro National Park
   4h
   After breakfast, complete the final descent through Kilimanjaro’s rainforest. The trail may be wet and slippery, so walk carefully and use trekking poles when necessary. At Mweka Gate, sign out of the national park and receive your climbing certificate. Climbers reaching Stella Point receive a green certificate, while those reaching Uhuru Peak receive a gold certificate. After thanking the guides, cooks and porters, transfer back to your hotel for a shower, rest and celebration.

Pickup details

You will find the driver holding the banner with the name in a company uniform

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness