7-Day Machame Route - Climbing Kilimanjaro

As you walk out of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to enchating hotel in Arusha Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced mountain coordinators and your Guide will give you a pre-trekking briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you in your upcoming expedition on Kilimanjaro.

After breakfast and a briefing at your hotel, you’ll embark on a two hours and half drive from Arusha to Machame Park Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process and receive your lunch pack. The trek begins as you enter the lush rainforest, where you may encounter muddy and slippery conditions if it has rained. The trail to Machame Camp covers approximately 11 km and typically takes about 6 hours to complete. In the evening, the porters will boil drinking and washing water, while the cook prepares your dinner. With temperatures potentially dropping to freezing, you’ll retire to your tent for a chilly but rewarding night. Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft Distance: 11km/7mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast at Machame Camp, you’ll start your trek towards Shira Camp. The hike covers a distance of approximately 5 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours. The trail begins with a steep ascent through the moorland zone, offering stunning views as you climb. As you approach Shira Camp, you’ll be walking along a ridge with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival at Shira Camp, our porters will set up the tents and prepare lunch. You’ll have time to relax and acclimate before dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the plans for the next day’s hike. Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 5km/3mi Walking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast at Shira Camp, you’ll embark on a challenging trek to Lava Tower, reaching 4,630 meters. The 11 km hike takes 6 to 7 hours and features rocky, semi-desert terrain. Enjoy lunch with panoramic views at Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters. The descent, lasting about 2 hours, offers stunning vistas of the Western Breach. Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, the team will set up your tents and prepare dinner. Your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek in the evening, preparing you for the adventures ahead. Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft Distance: 10km/6mi Walking Time: 6-7hours Habitat: Semi-desert

Start your day early with a wake-up call and a nourishing breakfast to fuel your trek. The journey may involve ascending the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section. After conquering the Wall, you’ll descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes. Upon reaching the Karanga campsite, the porters will set up tents while our chef prepares lunch. After your meal, you’ll embark on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, ascending 200 meters before returning to camp. In the evening, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the chef. Following dinner, your experienced guide will brief you on the next day’s trek, discussing the route, challenges, and key details. Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft Distance: 5km/3mi Climbing Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

Start your day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek toward Barafu campsite. The trail features varied terrain, including rocky sections and gradual slopes, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscapes. As you ascend, focus on acclimatization to avoid altitude-related issues. Upon reaching Barafu, our porters will handle camp setup while the chef prepares lunch. After eating, rest until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the upcoming summit attempt, covering the route, challenges, safety measures, and preparations. Try to rest well, as the summit ascent begins late in the evening. Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft Distance: 4km/2mi Climbing Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

You''ll wake up around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after some tea and biscuits. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5685m) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. From there, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so don’t linger too long due to the cold and fatigue. The descent to Barafu takes about 3 hours for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight. Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll descend to Mweka Gate and be driven back to Outpost Lodge Arusha, where a hot meal and refreshing shower awaits. At the end of the trip, tipping the team is encouraged and appreciated; special envelopes for this purpose are available at the hotel. If you wish to extend your adventure with a safari, you can meet with our safari coordinator at the hotel. After some rest, the coordinator will provide a briefing on the various safari options available. We highly recommend booking a safari with us to experience Tanzania’s stunning wildlife and natural beauty, making your journey truly unforgettable. Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Airport for your departure. If you wish to extend your adventure, you may choose to add a day trip to your itinerary, exploring nearby attractions or immersing yourself in local culture. For more details, we invite you to visit our Day Trip page. Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or delving into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Explore our Zanzibar page to discover the perfect package for your next excursion. If you’re interested in adding a safari experience, please visit our Safari page for more information on our exciting safari options.