7-Day Machame Route Itinerary:

• Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (Approx. 10 km, 5-7 hours)
  • Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)
  • The trek begins through lush rainforest, which can be humid and muddy.
  • This day’s hike is a steady ascent, allowing your body to start adjusting to the altitude.
  • Essential information:
    • The days hiking is within the rain forest.
    • Hiking poles are helpful.
• Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp (Approx. 6 km, 4-6 hours)
  • Elevation: Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)
  • The trail transitions from rainforest to moorland, with views of Kibo Peak (Kilimanjaro’s summit).
  • The terrain becomes rockier and steeper.
  • Essential information:
    • The landscape changes from forest to moorland.
    • Excellent views begin to open up.
• Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower (Approx. 10 km, 6-8 hours)
  • Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Lava Tower (4,600m/15,100ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
  • This is a crucial acclimatization day, as you’ll ascend to Lava Tower’s higher altitude before descending to Barranco Camp.
  • The “climb high, sleep low” principle is applied.
  • The Barranco Wall comes into view.
  • Essential information:
    • This is a very important acclimatization day.
    • The Barranco wall is first seen.
• Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (Approx. 5 km, 4-5 hours)
  • Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Camp (3,930m/12,900ft)
  • You’ll tackle the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb.
  • The trail continues through alpine desert terrain.
  • Essential information:
    • This day involves climbing the Barranco Wall.
    • The days hike is relatively short, allowing for good rest.
• Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Approx. 4 km, 4-5 hours)
  • Elevation: Karanga Camp (3,930m/12,900ft) to Barafu Camp (4,680m/15,350ft)
  • The terrain becomes rocky and barren.
  • Barafu Camp is the staging point for the summit attempt.
  • Rest and prepare for the midnight summit push.
  • Essential information:
    • This is the final camp before the summit.
    • Rest is very important.
• Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (Approx. 15 km, 10-15 hours)
  • Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,680m/15,350ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
  • The summit attempt begins around midnight.
  • The trail is steep and challenging, with scree and rocky sections.
  • Reach Stella Point (crater rim) and then Uhuru Peak (summit).
  • Descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
  • Essential information:
    • This is the summit day, a very long and hard day.
    • Very cold temperatures will be encountered.
• Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (Approx. 10 km, 3-4 hours)
  • Elevation: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)
  • Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
  • Receive your summit certificates.
  • Transfer back to your hotel.
  • Essential information:
    • The final decent.
    • Celebration time!