7 Day Machame Route - Tanzania Kilimanjaro Trekking

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to a comfortable hotel in Moshi, where you will meet your trekking guides for a pre-climb briefing. This is the perfect time to go through your gear and ensure you have everything needed for the journey ahead. Enjoy a relaxing evening and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)

The trek begins at Machame Gate, where registration is completed before entering Kilimanjaro National Park. The trail winds through dense rainforests filled with ancient trees, vibrant mosses, and unique wildlife, including Colobus monkeys. The steady uphill climb leads to Machame Camp, located at 3,000 meters, where trekkers rest for the night under a canopy of stars.

Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail ascends into the moorland zone, offering breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. The landscape transforms into a more rugged terrain with fewer trees and more open spaces. Arriving at Shira Camp at 3,840 meters, trekkers enjoy panoramic sunset views before resting for the night.

Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

This is an essential acclimatization day. The route takes you towards Lava Tower, reaching an altitude of 4,630 meters, before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters. This climb-high, sleep-low approach helps the body adjust to the increasing altitude. Along the way, trekkers pass through alpine desert landscapes, with towering cliffs and distant glaciers in sight. Barranco Camp, set beneath the iconic Barranco Wall, offers one of the most scenic campsites on the route.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

The day begins with a thrilling ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep yet manageable climb offering breathtaking views over the valley below. The trail then follows a series of ridges and valleys, leading to Karanga Camp at 4,035 meters. This is a shorter trekking day, allowing for additional rest and acclimatization before the final push to the summit.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

The journey continues towards Barafu Camp, the final stop before the summit attempt. The terrain becomes more barren, with rocky paths leading towards the high camp at 4,673 meters. Upon arrival, trekkers prepare their gear, rest, and enjoy an early dinner before attempting the summit in the early hours of the morning.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

The summit push begins around midnight, with a slow and steady climb towards Stella Point at 5,739 meters. As the sun rises, the final stretch to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters, is both challenging and rewarding. After celebrating at the summit, the descent begins, passing through Barafu Camp before continuing down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, where trekkers rest for the final night on the mountain.

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Return to Moshi

The final descent leads through the lush rainforest, filled with birdsong and fresh mountain air. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, trekkers receive their summit certificates before returning to Moshi for a well-deserved celebration. A hot shower, a comfortable bed, and a warm meal await, marking the end of an unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.