7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking: Machame Route

Overview

Climb the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro! The mountain is characterized with the dormant volcano which is expected to erupt in the coming decades. Besides the stunning views of the landscape, you can also see stunning various animals, birds, waterfall, and different species of flora and fauna at the bottom of the mountain.

Trip highlights

• Arrival in Tanzania
• Machame Gate to Machame Hut
• Machame Camp to Shira Camp
• Shira Camp to Barranco Valley
• Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
• Descent – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Arrival in Tanzania

   • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), we will use our private transfer from the Airport to Moshi at Keys Hotel. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
   • Dinner and overnight at Moshi Keys Hotel: Bed, dinner and Breakfast-included.
2. Day2
   Machame Gate to Machame Hut

   • The climb starts from Machame gate (1830m), we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive at the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level It is a clear day we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.
   • Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 6-7 hours walking.
3. Day3
   Machame Camp to Shira Camp

   • A shorter day climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as a picnic site, and continue up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo peak can be seen from Shira Camp.
   • Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m): 4-6 hours walking.
4. Day4
   Shira Camp to Barranco Valley

   • Today we walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach. After a hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.), we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m.).
   • Shira Camp to Barranco Valley (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours walking.
5. Day5
   Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   • Today’s adventure begins with a steep climb up the eastern wall of the Great Barranco Valley. As you ascend, you’ll pass just below the Heim Glacier, where stunning views of Kilimanjaro await. The highlight of the day is the Great Barranco Wall, a challenging yet rewarding ascent that brings you closer to the southeastern slopes of Kibo. From there, the trail descends into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, followed by another steep climb to reach Karanga Camp.
   • Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,000 m): 4-5 hours walking.
6. Day6
   Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   • A steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the Camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.
   • Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 3-4 hours walking.
7. Day7
   Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

   • Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree. With some well-graded zig-zags, a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735 m. We will rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, we descend to Barafu is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment before continuing to descend to reach Mweka Camp.
   • Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3,100 m): 13-15 hours walking.
8. Day8
   Descent – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

   • A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, we drive back to Moshi at Keys Hotel.
   • Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.
   • Dinner and overnight at Moshi Keys Hotel: Bed, dinner and breakfast included.
9. Day9
   Departing Day

   • After saying goodbye to our team, you will need a private departure transfer, which is included from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight. Unless you have an option to go on a Safari or any other option we will discuss.

What's included