7 Days Machame Route

Prepare for a remarkable journey starting from Moshi towards the Machame Gate, marking the beginning of your thrilling ascent! Once you complete the necessary park formalities and meet your team of committed porters, you’ll set foot on the less-traveled trail weaving through the dense, lush rainforest. The gradual incline leads you through this breathtaking natural scenery, enveloped by majestic trees and colorful plant life. As you hike, you may encounter sections of the path that are a bit overgrown, enhancing the feeling of exploration, with the earthy aroma of the forest and the melodies of birds and rustling leaves filling the atmosphere. Be prepared for muddy and wet terrain underfoot, promising an authentic Tanzanian experience. Throughout the day, savor delicious and satisfying meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to energize you for the adventures ahead. Embrace the enchantment of the rainforest and the thrill of the climb – your Kilimanjaro escapade has officially commenced.

As you make your way up, the path meanders through the captivating rainforest, guiding you gradually towards a steep incline that leads to the Shira Plateau. Your perseverance is met with breathtaking panoramic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, its snow-capped peak towering against the expansive sky. Take a moment to pause and appreciate the stunning scenery, with the vast plateau stretching out below and the mountain’s magnificence growing with each step. During this leg of the journey, you will trek approximately 5.4 km (3.4 miles) over about 5 hours, allowing you ample time to absorb the surroundings and ponder the awe-inspiring sights. Included meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner will provide you with the nourishment needed to fully immerse yourself in the adventure and gear up for the upcoming exciting phase of your ascent. The blend of natural splendor and the trail’s challenges makes this day a standout highlight of your Mount Kilimanjaro expedition.

Upon entering the expansive high moorland, a remarkable transformation unfolds, unveiling the rugged and captivating beauty of Kilimanjaro’s southwestern flank. The landscape takes on a stark and surreal appearance, instilling a feeling of seclusion and magnificence as you navigate the slopes beneath the mighty Lava Tower. This ancient volcanic structure represents a significant milestone in your expedition, its towering rocks creating a striking juxtaposition with the vast, open surroundings. The distance traveled is 10.8 km (6.7 miles), with the journey lasting about 8 hours, providing ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the unspoiled splendor of this region of Kilimanjaro. Throughout the trek, you will enjoy nourishing meals to sustain your energy levels, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Upon reaching the camp at day’s end, a sense of achievement and a deep connection to the mountain will undoubtedly be felt—this phase of the ascent signifies an indelible chapter in your Kilimanjaro experience.

Start your day with an exciting descent into the majestic Great Barranco, a colossal gorge that serves as a breathtaking and dramatic beginning to your hike. The panoramic views will leave you in awe as you make your way into the core of this natural marvel. The thrill heightens as you exit the ravine by conquering the renowned Great Barranco Wall, a steep climb that requires physical strength and offers immense satisfaction. Although challenging and tiresome, the feeling of achievement upon scaling the wall is unparalleled. Following the valley, you will face a steep ascent to reach your camp at Karanga, situated at an elevation of 3963 meters. Covering a distance of approximately 5.5 km (3.4 miles), the day’s trek will take about 5 hours, but the difficulty and beauty of the surroundings will make each step worthwhile. For those seeking an extra challenge and feeling energized, there is an option for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon, reaching about 4200 meters before returning to camp to relax and recharge for the night.

Following a peaceful night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, our journey commences towards Barafu Camp, positioned at an elevation of 4,640 meters (15,223 feet). The morning atmosphere is refreshing, and the scenery surrounding us is desolate, characterized by extensive scree slopes devoid of any greenery. The trail ahead is steep, with the ground beneath us gravelly and unstable, requiring cautious steps to prevent slipping. The lack of vegetation creates an eerie, surreal ambiance as we ascend. After covering about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) of ascent, we reach Barafu Camp, our designated stop for the day. Nestled in an austere, exposed area, the camp provides breathtaking vistas of the nearby terrain, yet it is not a place for casual relaxation. The mood here is one of readiness. We take the time to eat, replenish our energy, and ensure we are physically prepared for the upcoming night. While resting at the camp, the chilly air surrounds us.

Our journey kicks off at the stroke of midnight, as we venture out under the glistening tapestry of a cold, starlit night, geared up to conquer the arduous climb towards the summit glaciers. The trail mainly comprises scree, a tricky and unstable terrain, but after a span of 4 to 5 hours, we make substantial progress in elevation. The endeavor proves demanding due to the thin air, making each breath a struggle, yet the breathtaking vistas serve as a driving force. Progressing upwards, the frosty cliffs of the crater gradually reveal themselves, crafting an otherworldly and enchanting panorama. After a relentless climb, we finally reach Stella Point (5739m) just as the initial sunbeams grace the skyline, painting a golden hue over the neighboring glaciers and the rugged Mawenzi Peak in the distance. It’s a moment of sheer wonder. Following a brief interlude, we commence our descent, retracing our steps back to Stella Point and cautiously navigating the scree-covered slopes. We make our way to Barafu Camp for a hearty breakfast, before pushing onward to Millennium Camp for a much-deserved, extensive repose.

Following the challenging days of hiking and reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, our journey concludes with a more relaxed final day. We commence with a peaceful walk through the verdant rainforest, enveloped by lush vegetation and the lively sounds of the ecosystem. The ground beneath us is soft, and the warmth of the air increases as we descend from the higher elevations. This forest presents a striking contrast to the barren terrain we encountered during our climb, with trees covered in moss, ferns, and unique plants adorning the landscape. The ambiance is tranquil and calm, allowing us to contemplate the experiences that have led us to this moment. As we progress downward, the air grows denser, and we begin to feel the significance of our achievement. The path remains somewhat steep, but the gradual incline makes it easier to traverse. After a few hours of descent, we eventually arrive at Mweka Gate, marking the official endpoint of our trek. Here, we finalize the last formalities of the park, signing out and receiving the well-deserved certificates that acknowledge our accomplishment.