7 Days Machame Route

Day 1: Airport Pickup | Moshi

Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will give you a warm welcome and transfer you to your hotel in town, where you can relax after your long journey. Before you begin your adventure of climbing Kilimanjaro, your experienced mountain guide will meet you and give you a thorough briefing on the hike. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy some leisure time and prepare for your upcoming trip.

Included: Dinner

Day 2: Machame Gate | Machame Camp

In the morning you will head to the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. Then your ascent into the rainforest will begin. Midway through the trail, you will pause for lunch before arriving at Machame Camp (2,890 m) in the early evening. The porters and chef, who are incredibly swift in their movements up the mountain, will have already set up your tents, boiled water and prepared tasty snacks for your arrival. After freshening up, you can rest and enjoy dinner at camp.

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours

Included: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Machame Camp| Shira 2 Camp

Today you will leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland vegetation. As you hike you will cross numerous streams and walk over a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau, leading you to Shira 2 Camp at 3,840 m. At this campsite you will stay right next to a stream and be able to admire the spectacular view of the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro and its glaciers in the east. Your camp will have been set up by the porters prior to your arrival.

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours

Included: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp | Lava Tower | Barranco Camp

This day is crucial for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau your hike will take you eastward up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak. You will then proceed towards the Lava Tower of Kilimanjaro, a rock formation that is also known as the "Shark's Tooth". Shortly after you will reach another junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. Finally, arrive at Barranco Camp at 3,975 m for an overnight stay.

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours

Included: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp | Barafu Camp

In the morning you will ascend a steep ridge up to the Barranco Wall, followed by the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. From there you will make your way to Barafu Camp at 4,570 m, completing the Southern Circuit which offers amazing views of the summit from various angles. Upon arrival at camp, your tents will have been set up, allowing you to rest and recharge for the big day ahead. At 11:30 pm your guide will wake you up to prepare for the summit ascent.

Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours

Included: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp | Summit | Mweka Camp

You will start the ascent in the night. First you will climb over stone scree for about 6 hours until Stella Point, located on the crater rim. You will enjoy the sunrise before continuing a snow covered trail to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5.895 m. Make sure to enjoy the sense of achievement and take photographs at the famous summit sign. Afterwards you will head back to Barafu and then Mweka Camp at 3,100 m, where you can rest after your long and exciting day.

Hiking time: 6 – 8 hours to summit & 7 – 8 hours back

Included: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp | Mweka Gate | Moshi

After breakfast you will have the chance of showing your appreciation to your hardworking hiking crew at the customary "Tipping Celebration". Afterwards you will make your way down to the Mweka Gate for lunch and the presentation of your well deserved certificate. Your driver will be awaiting your return to take you to Moshi or the airport if you have a flight to catch.

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours

Included: Breakfast & Lunch