7-Day Machame Route Trek Mount Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, we drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, where we complete the park registration before starting our trek. The first part of the walk takes us through the beautiful rainforest, with tall trees, birds and plenty of fresh mountain air. The trail gradually becomes steeper as we make our way towards Machame Camp. We take our time and walk at a comfortable pace, arriving at camp in the afternoon where our crew will have the tents ready for you.

Altitude: 1,800 m → 3,000 m

Distance: Approximately 11 km

Trekking time: 5–7 hours

Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and continue climbing towards the Shira Plateau. The trail becomes more open as we move through heath and moorland, and the views of Kilimanjaro start to become wider. This is a shorter day compared with the first day, giving us time to walk slowly and enjoy the changing scenery. We arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, have dinner and settle in for the night.

Altitude: 3,000 m → 3,850 m

Distance: Approximately 5–6 km

Trekking time: 4–6 hours

Zone: Moorland

Today we climb higher towards Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. This is an important day for acclimatization, and you may notice the altitude more than on the previous days. We walk slowly and take regular breaks, giving your body time to adjust. After reaching Lava Tower at around 4,600 metres, we descend towards the beautiful Barranco Valley. The landscape becomes more rocky and dramatic as we approach camp, with the Barranco Wall rising above us.

Altitude: 3,850 m → 4,600 m → 3,950 m

Distance: Approximately 10–11 km

Trekking time: 6–8 hours

Highest point: Lava Tower, approximately 4,600 m

Zone: Moorland / Alpine desert

We start the morning with the famous Barranco Wall. It looks impressive from the camp, but there is no technical climbing involved. Our guide will show you the easiest way up while the crew supports you along the trail. Once we reach the top, we continue through valleys and rocky landscapes towards Karanga Camp. It is a relatively short day, so there is plenty of time to rest, enjoy the views and prepare for the higher camps ahead.

Altitude: 3,950 m → approximately 4,000 m

Distance: Approximately 5–6 km

Trekking time: 4–5 hours

Zone: Alpine desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and continue towards Barafu Camp, our final camp before the summit. The trail becomes more rocky and the vegetation becomes very limited as we move higher. We arrive at Barafu in the afternoon, have lunch and get some rest. Your guide will give you a briefing about the summit climb and make sure you are ready for the night ahead. Try to rest as much as possible because we will start the final ascent very early.

Altitude: Approximately 4,000 m → 4,600–4,670 m

Distance: Approximately 4 km

Trekking time: 3–4 hours

Zone: Alpine desert

This is the biggest day of the trek. We normally start around midnight or in the early hours of the morning and slowly climb towards Stella Point. The climb is tough, but our guide will keep a steady pace and make sure you take regular breaks. From Stella Point, we continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit and taking photos, we begin the long descent to Mweka Camp where we spend the night.

Altitude: 4,600–4,670 m → 5,895 m → approximately 3,100 m

Distance: Approximately 17 km

Trekking time: 12–15 hours

Highest point: Uhuru Peak — 5,895 m

Zone: Alpine desert / Arctic summit zone

After breakfast, we begin our final walk down through the rainforest towards Mweka Gate. Your legs may feel tired after the summit, so we take the descent at a comfortable pace. At the gate, we complete the park procedures and receive your summit certificate if you successfully reached the required summit point. Our vehicle will then meet you and take you back to Moshi, where you can shower, relax and celebrate your Kilimanjaro achievement.

Altitude: Approximately 3,100 m → 1,800 m

Distance: Approximately 10–12 km

Trekking time: 3–4 hours

Zone: Rainforest