7 Day Machame Route

After enjoying a hearty breakfast and receiving a briefing at your hotel, you’ll embark on a scenic 45-minute drive from Moshi to Machame Park Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process and receive your packed lunch. The adventure begins as you enter the lush rainforest, where you may encounter muddy and slippery conditions if it has rained recently. The trail to Machame Camp is approximately 11 km and typically takes about 6 hours to complete.

In the evening, porters will provide boiled drinking and washing water and give you a hot water bottle to help you regain body heat in the chilly night. The cook will prepare a delicious dinner

for you. With temperatures potentially dropping to freezing, you’ll retire to your tent for a chilly but rewarding night.

After a hearty breakfast at Machame Camp, you’ll begin your trek towards Shira Camp. This day’s journey covers approximately 5 km and usually takes around 4 to 6 hours. The trail initially leads you through a steep ascent into the moorland zone, presenting you with stunning vistas as you climb higher.

As you approach Shira Camp, you’ll be walking along a ridge that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival, our porters will set up the tents and prepare a satisfying lunch. You’ll have the afternoon to relax, acclimate to the higher altitude, and take in the beautiful surroundings.

In the evening, enjoy a warm and delicious dinner prepared by our cook. Afterwards, your guide will provide a briefing on the next day’s trek, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Shira Camp, you’ll embark on a challenging trek to Lava Tower, which stands at an impressive 4,630 meters. This 11 km hike typically takes between 6 to 8 hours and features rocky, semi-desert terrain. Upon reaching Lava Tower, you can take a break and enjoy your lunch while soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Following lunch, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, situated at 3,960 meters. This descent, lasting about 2 hours, provides stunning vistas of the Western Breach, one of Kilimanjaro’s most dramatic features. Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, our team will set up your tents and prepare a delicious dinner.

In the evening, your guide will brief you on the plans for the next day’s trek, ensuring you are well-prepared for the adventures ahead.

Start your day early with a wake-up call and a nourishing breakfast to fuel your trek. The journey begins with ascending the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section that requires both physical and mental strength. Once you’ve conquered the Wall, you’ll descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes.

Upon reaching the Karanga campsite, the porters will set up your tents while our chef prepares a delicious lunch. After your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to go on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, ascending an additional 200 meters before returning to camp. This hike will help you adjust to the altitude and increase your chances of a successful summit.

In the evening, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the chef. After dinner, your experienced guide will provide a detailed briefing on the next day’s trek, discussing the route, challenges, and key details to ensure you are well-prepared for the adventures ahead.

Start your day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek toward Barafu Camp. The trail features varied terrain, including rocky sections and gradual slopes, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscapes. As you ascend, make sure to focus on acclimatization to avoid altitude-related issues.

Upon reaching Barafu Camp, the porters will set up the camp while the chef prepares a nourishing lunch. After eating, you’ll have time to rest and recuperate until dinner. In the evening, enjoy a warm meal prepared by the chef. Following dinner, your guide will provide a detailed briefing on the upcoming summit attempt, covering the route, challenges, safety measures, and necessary preparations.

Try to rest well, as the summit ascent begins late in the evening.

You’ll rise around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after some tea and biscuits. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5,685m) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting.

From Stella Point, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so it’s essential not to linger too long due to the extreme cold and fatigue.

After celebrating your achievement, you will descend back to Barafu Camp, which takes about 3 hours. At Barafu, you’ll have a short rest and enjoy a well-deserved meal. Following this, you will continue your descent to Mweka Camp, taking approximately 3-4 hours. The trail can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles are helpful. Upon arrival at Mweka Camp, you’ll have dinner and get some much-needed rest after a long day.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll begin your descent through the lush rainforest. This final stretch of your journey takes you back through the vibrant vegetation and diverse ecosystems of Mount Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. As you trek down, you’ll witness the forest coming alive with various sounds and sights—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and maybe even the occasional glimpse of wildlife.

The path will be damp and sometimes slippery, so take your time and appreciate the rich environment around you. Your guides will ensure a safe and steady pace as you make your way down. The journey from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate typically takes around 4-6 hours, offering ample time to savor the final moments of this incredible adventure.

Upon reaching the gate, our team will be there waiting for you with a medal. You’ll be presented with your well-earned summit certificate as a testament to your achievement. We will continue celebrating and take photos with the Great Time Experience (GTE) team. From there, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi, where a hot meal, a refreshing shower, and a comfortable bed await