7-Day Machame Route Trekking

Depart from Arusha for a scenic 3-hour drive to Machame Gate. After registration and meeting your crew, the journey begins through the lush rainforest on a winding trail. The trail can be muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended.

• Elevation: 1830m / 6000ft to 3050m / 9950ft
• Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Accommodation: Budget camping at Machame Camp
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Drinking water provided)

Start the day with a steep climb out of the rainforest, crossing valleys along a rocky ridge before heading west toward the Shira Plateau. As you ascend, moorland vegetation begins to dominate the landscape.

• Elevation: 3050m / 9950ft to 3850m / 12,600ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Accommodation: Budget camping at Shira Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinking water provided)

From Shira, you’ll ascend eastward, passing the Lava Tower (a key acclimatization point). You’ll then descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps prepare you for higher altitudes.

• Elevation: 3850m / 12,600ft to 4000m / 13,000ft
• Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
• Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Accommodation: Budget camping at Barranco Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinking water provided)

Today, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, a challenging yet rewarding climb. The route continues to the Karanga Valley and joins with the Mweka Trail. The ascent is steep but offers stunning views.

• Elevation: 4000m / 13,000ft to 4050m / 13,250ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
• Climbing Time: 3 – 4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Budget camping at Karanga Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinking water provided)

Continue your trek up to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit. This area provides diverse views of Kilimanjaro’s summit from different angles. You’ll rest, eat, and prepare for the summit ascent.

• Elevation: 4050m / 13,250ft to 4700m / 15,350ft
• Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
• Climbing Time: 3 – 4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Budget camping at Barafu Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinking water provided)

Starting around midnight, you’ll make your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Reaching Stella Point at sunrise offers a stunning view. The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is challenging but rewarding. After the summit, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp.

• Elevation: 4700m / 15,350ft to 5895m / 19,341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3090m / 10,150ft
• Distance: 16 km / 10 miles (5 km up, 11 km down)
• Trekking Time: 13 – 15 hours
• Habitat: Arctic / Glacial zone
• Accommodation: Budget camping at Mweka Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Drinking water provided)

The final descent takes you through the forest back to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will then transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha for some well-earned relaxation.

• Elevation: 3090m / 10,150ft to 1680m / 5500ft
• Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Accommodation: None (End of tour)
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (Drinking water provided)