7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour via the Machame Route

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 5 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest

We drive about 50 minutes from Arusha/Moshi to Machame Gate of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. The journey passes through the Machame villages on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. We now leave the Machame Gate and trek through the rainforest on a winding path that climbs a ridge. Further down the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are very important when climbing. We continue a short distance until we reach Camp Machame.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 6 hours, Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast we leave the rainforest clearings and continue on an uphill trail to Shira Cave Camp, crossing the small valley and hiking along a steep heather covered rocky ridge to the bottom of the ridge. The route now turns west into a river gorge. Upon arrival at camp, rest, dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.

Day 3: Shira Cave Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13000 ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 6-7 hours, Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, continue east along a ridge past the junction to Kibo Peak. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast to the lava tower, called "Shark's Tooth". Shortly after the tower we reach the second trail crossing that takes us 1 km to Arrow Glacier. We now continue to Barranco Hut at an elevation of 13,000 feet. where we will rest, have dinner and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same altitude as when you started the, this day is very important for acclimatization and helps your body prepare for summit day.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast we leave Barranco Camp and continue up a steep ridge past the Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley Camp. This is a short acclimatization day.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft, Distance: 4 km, Hiking Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga Camp and reach the turnoff that leads to the Mweka Trail. Continue to Barafu Hut. At this point you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit of Uhuru Peak from many different angles. Here we camp, rest, have dinner and prepare for the summit day. From this position, the two peaks Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to UHURU PEAK summit to Mweka Camp

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 1345ft (and down to 10,000ft), Distance: 5 km… ascent / 12 km descent, Hiking Time: 7 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent.

Very early in the morning (particularly midnight to 2 a.m.) we continue on our way to the summit site between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head northwest and climb through dense boulders to Stella Point on the rim of Kilimanjaro's crater. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. Take a short break at Stella Point and be rewarded with the most glorious sunrise. From Stella Point you can find snow all the way on your 1-hour climb to the top of Uhuru Peak. In Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point of Kilimanjaro and the African continent. From the summit we now descend directly to Mweka Hut Camp and stop at Barafu for lunch. You will need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel that comes down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper part of the forest and fog or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later we enjoy our last dinner on Mount and a well-deserved night's sleep.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast we continue the descent to the gate of Mweka Park to receive your summit certificates. It can be wet and muddy at lower elevations. Leggings and trekking poles will help. shorts and t-shirts. it will probably be enough to wear (have rain gear and warmer clothes ready). Continue from the gate back to Moshi/Arusha.