7-Day Machame Route
Take on Mount Kilimanjaro through one of its most celebrated and scenic trails. The Machame Route approaches from the southern side of the mountain, moving through lush rainforest, open moorland and dramatic alpine terrain before joining the summit trail beneath Kibo.
With seven days on the mountain, the route combines adventure with a well-paced acclimatization profile. From the Shira Plateau and Lava Tower to the Barranco Wall and the final climb toward Uhuru Peak, each stage brings new scenery and a growing sense of anticipation as Africa’s highest point comes closer.
Your Journey at a Glance
Day 1: Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Day 3: Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco → Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga → Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
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detailed itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Begin with registration at Machame Gate before entering Kilimanjaro’s lush montane rainforest. The trail climbs steadily beneath a dense canopy, introducing you gradually to the rhythm of mountain life. Arrive at Machame Camp for your first evening on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Leave the rainforest behind as the trail climbs into the heather and moorland zone. The vegetation becomes lower and the views increasingly expansive, with the Shira Plateau opening ahead and Kibo beginning to dominate the skyline. Continue across the high plateau before reaching Shira 2 Camp.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Day 3: Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Climb into the alpine desert toward Lava Tower, reaching a significantly higher elevation before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach makes today an important part of the acclimatization process. The descent leads into a dramatic valley beneath the Barranco Wall, one of the route’s most memorable settings.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco → Karanga Camp
Begin the morning with the famous Barranco Wall, an exciting section of scrambling that rewards you with spectacular views from above. Continue across ridges and valleys on Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes before descending toward the Karanga Valley. Reach Karanga Camp with time to rest and continue adapting to the altitude.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga → Barafu Camp
Continue steadily upward through increasingly sparse alpine terrain toward Barafu Camp. This is your final camp before the summit attempt, and the afternoon is dedicated to resting, eating and preparing your clothing and equipment. As evening arrives, settle in early ahead of the midnight departure.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Begin the final ascent during the night, climbing slowly through steep volcanic terrain toward Stella Point. As daylight appears, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, standing at the highest point in Africa. After celebrating the achievement and taking in the glacier-lined summit landscape, descend through Barafu and continue to Mweka Camp.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Enjoy the final walk down through Kilimanjaro’s rainforest as the air becomes warmer and vegetation thickens around the trail. Reach Mweka Gate, where your mountain journey officially comes to an end. Meet your transfer and return to Arusha or Moshi for a well-earned rest.
Climb Ends: Mweka Gate
INCLUSIONS
Safari Includes
- All Park Fees
- All transportation
- Professional private safari guide
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Government taxes and VAT
Safari Excludes
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees