7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the charming town of Moshi. There, you’ll meet your experienced guide who will provide a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming trek. They’ll also conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary gear for your Kilimanjaro adventure. If any gear is missing, don’t worry—you can rent it on this day.

Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring you’re well-fueled for the exciting journey ahead. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable experience as you prepare to conquer the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro! 🏔️🌟

Embark on an exciting journey from Moshi to the Machame gate, just an hour’s drive away. At the gate, we handle park formalities and meet our dedicated team of porters. Our adventure begins as we step onto the trail, winding through lush rainforest. While this section is less frequented, it offers a captivating experience, with occasional overgrown paths and the ever-present dampness underfoot.

Key Details:

Distance Covered: Approximately 10.8 kilometers (6.7 miles)
Duration: Expect around 6 hours of trekking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included
This lesser-trodden path promises both challenge and beauty, making it an unforgettable start to your Kilimanjaro climb. 🌿🏔️

As we continue our journey, the forest gives way to a more challenging terrain—the Shira Plateau. The ascent becomes steeper, but the rewards are immense. Behold the magnificent vistas of the mountain, and when you glance back, you’ll witness Mt. Meru majestically rising above Arusha town in the distance.

Key Details:

Distance Covered: Approximately 5.4 kilometers (3.4 miles)
Duration: Expect around 5 hours of trekking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included
The Shira Plateau offers a unique perspective, and the sight of Mt. Meru adds to the magic of your Kilimanjaro experience. 🌄🏔️

As we tread upon the high moorland, the very essence of our trek transforms. Our path leads us along Kilimanjaro’s southwest flank, taking us beneath the imposing Lava Tower and through the final stretch of the Western Breach. Eventually, we arrive at our campsite. Throughout the day, we’ve been at considerable altitude—up to 4,600 meters—yet we’ve adhered to the mountaineering principle of “walk high, sleep low.” This deliberate strategy aids your body in acclimatizing to the challenging elevation.

Key Details:

Distance Covered: Approximately 10.8 kilometers (6.7 miles)
Duration: Expect around 8 hours of trekking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included
The high moorland offers a starkly beautiful landscape, and our careful ascent ensures a safer and more successful Kilimanjaro experience. 🏔️🌄

Our day commences with a descent into the formidable Great Barranco, an expansive ravine. But the real challenge awaits as we ascend the Great Barranco Wall, a rocky climb that separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. While not technically demanding, it’s a lengthy and strenuous endeavor. As we make our way, we pass beneath the imposing Heim and Kersten glaciers, their icy presence a testament to Kilimanjaro’s grandeur. Our destination: the Karanga valley, where we’ll establish our night’s camp at Karanga Camp, perched at 3,963 meters.

Key Details:

Distance Covered: Approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles)
Duration: Expect around 5 hours of trekking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included
For those with unwavering strength, a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek to around 4,200 meters awaits. It’s a chance to adapt to the altitude before descending back to camp for a well-deserved rest. Remember, as you conquer the Barranco Wall, there’s still more adventure ahead—so pace yourself and savor every moment on this remarkable journey. 🏔️🌟

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we embark on our journey toward Barafu Camp, perched at an impressive 4,640 meters above sea level. This leg of the climb leads us across desolate scree slopes, devoid of any vegetation. The path is steep and challenging, made even tougher by the thin air at this altitude. Upon reaching camp, we refuel with a meal and spend the afternoon resting, conserving energy for the arduous night and day ahead. Staying hydrated and warm is crucial. An early dinner precedes our attempt to catch some sleep, as we’ll be rising between 11 PM and 12 AM to commence the final ascent to the summit.

Key Details:

Distance Covered: Approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles)
Duration: Expect around 3 hours of trekking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included
Barafu Camp serves as the last stop before our summit bid. As you lie down to rest, envision the remarkable sunrise awaiting you at the peak of Africa. The journey thus far has been a testament to your strength and determination—now, let the anticipation of reaching Uhuru Peak fuel your spirit. 🌄🏔️

As the clock strikes midnight, our ascent to the summit begins—an awe-inspiring journey toward the glaciers that crown Mount Kilimanjaro. For the next 4 to 5 hours, we navigate scree slopes, gaining remarkable altitude in a relatively short distance. The vistas that unfold are nothing short of spectacular. As dawn approaches, we find ourselves standing on the crater rim at Stella Point (5,739 meters), bathed in the first rays of sunlight. The ice cliffs within the crater envelop us, and our gaze extends to the jagged peak of Mawenzi and beyond—an ethereal panorama.

Key Details:

Distance Covered: Approximately 13.4 kilometers (8.3 miles)
Duration: Expect a challenging 12 to 15 hours of trekking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included
From Stella Point, we continue our ascent to the ultimate pinnacle: Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). The descent begins, retracing our steps via the scree slope, eventually leading us back to Barafu Camp for a well-deserved breakfast. Then, with the mountain’s majesty etched in our memories, we head down to Millennium Camp for a restful night.

As the sun rises, we begin our gentle descent through the lush rainforest, leaving behind the lofty heights of Kilimanjaro. Our destination: Mweka Gate, where we complete the necessary park formalities. Here, amidst the green canopy, you’ll receive certificates—a tangible testament to your remarkable achievement. Hang them up with pride, for they symbolize your resilience and the bond forged with this majestic mountain.

Key Details:

Distance Covered: Approximately 12.1 kilometers (7.5 miles)
Duration: Expect around 6 hours of trekking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included
As we bid farewell to Kilimanjaro’s slopes, our vehicles await, ready to transport us back to the comfort of our hotel in Moshi. A hot welcome shower awaits—a soothing reward for your extraordinary journey. 🌿🏔️

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Meals: Breakfast Included