7-Day Machame Route for Trek Kilimanjaro: Ultimate Adventure

Elevation:
• Machame Gate: 1,800 m / 5,906 ft
• Machame Camp: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Estimated Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Machame Gate—where your Kilimanjaro adventure officially begins. Your guides will handle the registration and permit process while the crew prepares the gear. The trail starts through lush rainforest teeming with life. Towering trees draped in moss, tropical plants, and the chance to spot monkeys or colorful birds make for an engaging start. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Machame Camp for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Elevation:
• Machame Camp: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
• Shira Camp: 3,840 m / 12,602 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Estimated Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland

The day begins with a steady ascent through the moorland, where giant heathers and unique alpine plants dominate the landscape. As the vegetation thins, the trail opens up to sweeping views of the surrounding plains and valleys. You'll catch your first glimpse of Kibo Peak, the summit cone of Kilimanjaro. Tonight’s camp is set on the Shira Plateau, offering stunning vistas and a tranquil setting for rest and acclimatization.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation:
• Shira Camp: 3,840 m / 12,602 ft
• Lava Tower: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• Barranco Camp: 3,950 m / 12,960 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Estimated Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today is all about acclimatization. The route climbs to Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation at 4,630 meters. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude. After a break at the tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, set beneath the impressive Barranco Wall. The terrain is rugged and striking, featuring dramatic rock formations and sparse high-altitude vegetation.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation:
• Barranco Camp: 3,950 m / 12,960 ft
• Karanga Camp: 4,035 m / 13,238 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Estimated Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day begins with the thrilling ascent of the Barranco Wall. Though steep, it's non-technical and rewards you with breathtaking views over the valley. From the top, you’ll follow a scenic path along ridges and across glacial valleys to reach Karanga Camp. It's a shorter day designed for rest and further acclimatization in preparation for the summit push.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation:
• Karanga Camp: 4,035 m / 13,238 ft
• Barafu Camp: 4,640 m / 15,223 ft
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Estimated Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

You’ll make your way steadily toward Barafu Camp, the base from which the summit attempt begins. The terrain becomes barren and windswept as you approach this rocky campsite. Upon arrival, you’ll rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear for the midnight ascent. The summit is within reach.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation:
• Barafu Camp: 4,640 m / 15,223 ft
• Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
• Mweka Camp: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Estimated Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic

The summit attempt begins just after midnight. This is the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek. You’ll ascend in the cold and dark, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. At 5,895 meters, it’s the highest point in Africa—a moment of triumph and emotion. After photos and celebrations, you'll begin the long descent to Mweka Camp, returning to a warmer, greener environment where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation:
• Mweka Camp: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
• Mweka Gate: 1,640 m / 5,381 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Estimated Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Your final day takes you back through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The descent is easier on the lungs but can be tough on the knees. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate (depending on your highest point reached), and we’ll transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-earned rest and celebration.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch