7 Day Machame Route Kilimajaro Climb

Day 1: Arusha – Machame Gate – Machame Camp

• Elevation: 1,830 m / 6,000 ft to 3,050 m / 9,950 ft
• Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Machame Camp

After breakfast at your hotel, depart from Arusha and drive to Machame Gate, approximately 2–3 hours away. Upon arrival, complete the park registration and entry formalities while your guides and porters prepare the equipment and supplies for the climb.

Once the preparations are complete, begin your hike through the lush montane forest. The trail follows a winding path up a ridge, with beautiful vegetation and opportunities to see birds and monkeys along the way.

The lower sections of the trail can be wet, muddy, and slippery, particularly during rainy conditions. Trekking poles and gaiters are recommended. Continue through the forest until you reach Machame Camp, where you will have dinner and spend your first night on the mountain.

Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

• Elevation: 3,050 m / 9,950 ft to 3,850 m / 12,600 ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira Camp

After breakfast, leave the montane forest behind and continue along an ascending trail into the moorland zone. The route crosses the valley before climbing a steep, rocky ridge.

As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes more open, with giant heathers and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Continue westward toward the Shira Plateau before reaching Shira Camp.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and impressive views of Kibo and the surrounding mountain landscape before dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 3,850 m / 12,600 ft to 4,000 m / 13,000 ft
• Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

After breakfast, continue east across the Shira Plateau and gradually ascend toward the Lava Tower area. The trail passes the junction toward Kibo before turning southeast toward Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.

After reaching Lava Tower, begin the descent toward Barranco Camp. Although you finish the day at a similar elevation to where you started, this climb-high-and-sleep-low approach is an important part of acclimatization and helps prepare your body for the higher elevations ahead.

Arrive at Barranco Camp in the afternoon and enjoy dinner before spending the night surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 4,000 m / 13,000 ft to 4,050 m / 13,250 ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp

After breakfast, begin the day with the exciting ascent of the famous Barranco Wall. With the assistance of your experienced mountain crew, carefully make your way up the rocky wall before continuing through the alpine desert toward the Karanga Valley.

The trail offers impressive views of the Southern Ice Fields, Kibo Peak, and the surrounding valleys. Continue toward Karanga Camp, where you will have time to rest and enjoy the mountain scenery before dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 4,050 m / 13,250 ft to 4,700 m / 15,350 ft
• Distance: 4 km / 2 mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

After breakfast, continue toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit. The trail climbs steadily through the alpine desert, with increasingly dramatic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

By reaching Barafu Camp, you will have completed the Southern Circuit. After setting up camp, enjoy dinner and take time to rest and prepare your equipment for the summit attempt.

An early bedtime is recommended because the summit trek begins around midnight.

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,350 ft to 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
• Descent: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft to 3,090 m / 10,150 ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi ascent, 13 km / 8 mi descent
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours ascent, 5–6 hours descent
• Habitat: Stone Scree, Alpine Desert & Summit Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Your summit attempt begins around midnight. In the darkness, start the challenging ascent toward Stella Point on the crater rim. The trail is steep and covered with loose scree, requiring a slow and steady pace.

This is the most physically and mentally demanding section of the climb. After several hours of hiking, reach Stella Point at approximately 5,739 m / 18,829 ft. Take a short rest and, weather permitting, enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the surrounding landscape.

From Stella Point, continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak. After approximately 1–2 hours, reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m / 19,341 ft, the highest point in Africa.

Take time to celebrate your achievement and enjoy the incredible views before beginning your descent. Descend toward Barafu Camp, where you can stop for lunch and a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.

The descent can be challenging because of loose gravel and scree, so trekking poles and gaiters are recommended. Arrive at Mweka Camp in the afternoon and enjoy your final evening on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha

• Elevation: 3,090 m / 10,150 ft to 1,680 m / 5,500 ft
• Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha

After a well-deserved breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush montane forest toward Mweka Gate.

The trail can be wet and muddy at lower elevations, particularly during rainy conditions, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Keep your rain gear and warmer clothing accessible in case of changing weather.

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, complete the park exit formalities and collect your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Climbers who reach Uhuru Peak receive a gold certificate, while those who reach Stella Point receive a green certificate.

After saying goodbye to your mountain crew, continue to Mweka Village, where you will enjoy lunch before your vehicle drives you back to Arusha. Upon arrival, relax and enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and comfortable overnight stay.

Celebrate the successful completion of your unforgettable 7-day Machame Route climb and your achievement of reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.