7 Day Kilimanjaro Mountain - Machame Route

Machame Gate (1,800m / 5,905ft) – Machame Camp (3,000m / 9,840ft) Elevation Gain: 1,200m | Distance: 10 km Depart Arusha at approximately 9:00 am and drive through coffee plantations and rural villages to Machame Gate, a journey of about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, meet your experienced trekking crew — guides, porters, and cooks — while registration formalities are completed and final preparations made. The trek begins through Kilimanjaro’s lush cloud forest, where moss-covered trees and rich vegetation create a magical atmosphere. As the trail ascends, the forest gradually thins, giving way to heather, tall grasses, and wildflowers. On clear days, enjoy your first views of Kibo Peak, your ultimate destination. Overnight: Machame Camp.

Machame Camp (3,000m / 9,840ft) – Shira Camp (3,840m / 12,600ft) Elevation Gain: 840m | Distance: 7 km Although considered one of the easier days on the Machame Route, today includes several steady uphill sections. The hike is more exposed, so plenty of water is recommended, especially on sunny days. As you gain altitude, the landscape changes dramatically. Dense forest gives way to moorland, featuring Kilimanjaro’s iconic high-altitude plants such as giant senecio and lobelia. After lunch, ascend onto the Shira Plateau, formed by ancient lava flows filling the Shira Crater. Relax at Shira Camp while enjoying panoramic views of Mount Meru to the east and Kibo Peak to the west. Overnight: Shira Camp.

Shira Camp (3,840m / 12,600ft) – Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,960ft) Total Elevation Gain: 690m | Distance: 10 km This is a vital acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. After breakfast, trek across the Shira Plateau toward the junction of the Machame and Lemosho routes. The terrain becomes increasingly barren as altitude increases. After lunch, climb to the day’s highest point at approximately 4,530m, near the Lava Tower area. Some hikers may choose a short detour to Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic formation rising from the mountainside. From here, descend steeply to Barranco Camp, nestled among giant senecio plants. Widely regarded as the most scenic campsite on the route, Barranco offers stunning views of the Western Breach and surrounding glaciers. Overnight: Barranco Camp.

Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,960ft) – Karanga Valley (4,200m / 13,780ft) Elevation Gain: 250m | Distance: 7 km After breakfast, begin the day with the famous Barranco Wall climb — a thrilling but non-technical scramble that takes approximately 1.5 hours. In some sections, you’ll use your hands to assist your climb, but your guides will ensure safety throughout. Once at the top, enjoy spectacular views before descending briefly into the lush Karanga Valley. Camp is usually set on the ridge above the valley to support continued acclimatization. Overnight: Karanga Valley Camp.

Karanga Valley (4,200m / 13,780ft) – Barafu Camp (4,600m / 15,100ft) Elevation Gain: 400m | Distance: 6 km After breakfast, continue the ascent toward Barafu Camp. Along the way, enjoy views of Kibo’s glaciers and pass the junction where the Mweka descent route meets the Machame trail. You will also hike past the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. The landscape becomes stark and rocky as you enter the alpine desert zone. Barafu Camp, meaning “ice” in Swahili, offers breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for the summit attempt, which begins shortly before midnight. Overnight: Barafu Camp.

Barafu Camp (4,600m / 15,100ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft) – Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft) Elevation Gain: 1,295m | Elevation Loss: 2,795m | Distance: 18 km Around midnight, begin the final ascent under the stars using headlamps. The climb to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the trek, with steep switchbacks and thin air. From Stella Point, continue for approximately one hour along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate, take photos, and enjoy unforgettable views of glaciers, clouds, and the vast African landscape before beginning your descent. Return to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short rest, then continue descending for several hours to Mweka Camp. Overnight: Mweka Camp.

Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft) – Mweka Gate (1,500m / 4,920ft) Elevation Loss: 1,600m | Distance: 10 km After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, completing your Kilimanjaro trek. The trail can be slippery, so care is required. At the gate, receive your summit certificates and enjoy the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. Your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha, marking the end of an extraordinary Kilimanjaro adventure.