7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route

The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. During the drive we pass Machame village which is located at the foothills of the mountain. Once we get through the park gate, we start walking through the rainforest and we follow the steep ridge. The path is quite slippery and muddy at times. We continue for a reasonable distance before we arrive at Machame camp. Elevation: 1800m to 2850m Distance: 11km Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.

In the morning, we exit the glades of the rainforest through descending pathways; we begin with a steep and rocky ridge whose level is higher than the waist. On our route to Shira cave camp, we make a few stops, crossing a big river gorge at some point. While traversing the Shira Plateau, the scenery shifts from the heather and moorlands to open areas, highways, and rocky slopes. Meal Preparation: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner served Habitat: Moorland Distance: 5km/3mi Walking Time: 4 -5 hours Elevation: 2850 m/3750 m.

We now turn to the east and ascend a ridge from the Shira Plateau, passing the direction marker towards the peak of Kibo. After this, we follow more towards South East direction towards the Lava Tower nicknamed the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Not long after the tower, we reach the second junction which leads to the Arrow Glacier. At this point, we continue our trek down to the Barranco Camp. While it may seem counterintuitive, this trek is important for acclimatization, especially in preparation for the summit day. Elevation: 3750m to 3900m Distance: 10km/6mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Moorland and Semi-desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Today will start with the daunting Barranco Wall. You will realize that it looks more challenging than it actually is, yet, there are tricky portions which require a firm grip. Admire the views from the top. The remaining part of the trail wraps around the mountain ridges into the Karanga valley and out. After lunch, you will reach Karanga Camp and witness amazing sights of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as the Kibo summit. This day is designed to assist with acclimatization, therefore, it is relatively short. Elevation: 3900m to 4000m Distance: 6km/3.6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After eating breakfast, you will depart from Karanga Camp (3959m). The hiking path comes across the Mweka Route, which is the route that will be used to descend over the last two days. While you hike for an hour, you can expect to arrive at Barafu Hut. This is the final water source for the porters since there is no water available at Barafu Camp (4550m). The term “barafu” in Sheha means “ice” and this camp is set on a rocky, uncovered ridge. The tents will be vulnerable to wind and rocks thus it is essential for the hikers to know the campsite well before nightfall. To enable hikers to rest before trying to reach the peak the same night, an early dinner will be provided. Your guide will summarize how you should get ready for summit night. Sleep as early as possible, preferably by 19:00!. Elevation: 4000m to 4700m Distance: 4km/2.3mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You’re starting your day early today – just aftermidnight, in fact! Your climbing team will wakeyou with a cup of hot tea and a light snack forenergy as you get dressed and prepare yourdaypack for the adventure ahead. You’ll behiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, sotake it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a fewhours before dawn. From here, there’s anothertwo hours of intense hiking before you reachyour ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak. Standing at5,985m, you’ll be able to experience aspectacular sunrise and take in the panoramicview. You’vedone it! After snapping your photosand soaking it all in, you’ll begin the descentback down towards Barafu Camp, where you’llstop for lunch and some celebration. After a bitof rest, you’ll continue down to Mweka Camp toovernight. Elevation: 4700m to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat : Ice-capped, Stone scree, Heather and moorland Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Once you’ve etched Uhuru Peak into your memory, you can look forward to a hunger satisfying decent back into civilization. Slippery surfaces might pose a risk so watch those knees. While descending, there is time to appreciate the misty cloud forest and maybe spot a Colobus monkey. At Mweka Gate, you receive your summit certificates and remember to express gratitude by tipping your guide, cook, and porters. It’s time to celebrate! Elevation: 3090m to 1680m Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.