7 Days Machame Route

The Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro,
known for its beautiful landscapes and varied ecosystems. It is also more challenging than
the Marangu Route, o ering a better acclimatization profile. This route typically takes 7 days
and is considered the best choice for those looking for a combination of good views, physical
challenge, and better chances of summiting

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrival: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
Your guide will brief you about the upcoming trek and you will have time to check your gear
and prepare for the climb.
Overnight: Stay in Moshi at a pre-arranged hotel.

Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp (2,980m)
Morning: After an early breakfast, you will drive to Machame Gate (approximately 1.5 hours
from Moshi).
Registration: At the gate, your guides will complete the necessary paperwork, and you’ll start
your trek through the lush rainforest.
Trekking: This day’s hike takes you through the dense rainforest, full of tropical trees, mosses,
and various wildlife.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours, approximately 11 km.
Altitude: 1,800m at the gate to 2,980m at Machame Camp.
Overnight: Arrive at Machame Camp, set up tents, and enjoy a hot meal before resting for the
night. This camp is nestled in the forest with views of the mountain.

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,850m)
Morning: After breakfast, leave the rainforest and begin ascending into the moorland zone,
where the landscape starts to open up with expansive views.
Trekking: This day’s hike involves a gradual climb towards the Shira Plateau, passing rocky
outcrops and beautiful alpine vegetation.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours, approximately 5 km.
Altitude: 2,980m at Machame Camp to 3,850m at Shira Camp.
Overnight: Stay at Shira Camp, where you will have great views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This
camp is located on the Shira Plateau and provides a good place for acclimatization.

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Morning: After breakfast, continue your trek along the Shira Plateau towards the Lava Tower
(4,630m), a famous landmark on the route.
Climb High, Sleep Low: This day is designed to aid in acclimatization by allowing you to gain
altitude before descending to a lower camp for the night.
Trekking: After reaching Lava Tower, you will descend towards Barranco Camp through the
Barranco Valley.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours, approximately 10 km.
Altitude: 3,850m at Shira Camp to 3,950m at Barranco Camp.
Overnight: Stay at Barranco Camp, which is located at the foot of the Barranco Wall. The
camp is surrounded by striking scenery, with cli s and valleys.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Morning: Start with the challenging ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep and rocky climb that
requires some scrambling. Once at the top, the terrain becomes more moderate.
Trekking: Continue through the Karanga Valley, which is filled with impressive rock formations
and stunning views of the mountain.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours, approximately 7 km.
Altitude: 3,950m at Barranco Camp to 4,035m at Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Stay at Karanga Camp, which is a smaller, quieter camp with a great view of the
surrounding landscape.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Morning: After breakfast, continue to the Barafu Camp, which is the last major camp before
the summit.
Trekking: The landscape here is increasingly barren, with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation
as you near the summit.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours, approximately 6 km.
Altitude: 4,035m at Karanga Camp to 4,640m at Barafu Camp.
Overnight: Stay at Barafu Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for the summit attempt. Be
sure to get plenty of sleep, as the next day’s ascent will begin in the middle of the night.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak – 5,895m) and Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Midnight: After a light snack, begin your summit attempt by heading out from Barafu Camp
around midnight. This is a long, strenuous climb that takes you through rocky terrain and
loose scree.
Summit Attempt: The final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point on Mount
Kilimanjaro, is a challenging ascent, but the reward is incredible views and the sense of
achievement of reaching the roof of Africa.
Trekking time: 6-8 hours to the summit.
Summit: At Uhuru Peak, you will have time to celebrate, take photos, and enjoy the
breathtaking views.
Descent: After summiting, begin your descent to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours from the summit to Mweka Camp.
Altitude: 5,895m at Uhuru Peak to 3,100m at Mweka Camp.
Overnight: Stay at Mweka Camp, the final campsite on your trek.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
Morning: After breakfast, you’ll descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. This part of the
trek is easier and mostly downhill through rainforest and lush vegetation.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours, approximately 10 km.
Arrival: Once you reach Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out, receive your summit certificates, and
then transfer back to Moshi.
Celebration: Return to your hotel in Moshi for a celebration dinner, and relax after your
successful climb