7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Moshi Town

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our friendly driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your trekking guide, who will provide a detailed briefing about the trek, including safety tips, route overview, and a gear check to ensure everything is in order. Any essential equipment may be rented today. This day is designed to help you acclimatize and prepare mentally for your adventure.

• Meals: Not included
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Day 2: Moshi – Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)

After a one-hour drive from Moshi, we reach Machame Gate, where park formalities are completed and you meet your crew of porters. The climb begins steadily through magnificent, dense rainforest, with a path that is less well-trodden, often wet and muddy. The lush scenery, sounds of the forest, and occasional wildlife sightings make this a magical start to your climb.

• Distance covered: 10.8 km / 6.7 mi
• Approx. time taken: 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)

Trekking continues upward through the forest until reaching the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau. The landscape gradually transforms, revealing open moorlands, volcanic rock formations, and panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks. Looking back, you may spot Mt Meru rising above Arusha in the distance. The altitude gain is moderate to help acclimatize comfortably.

• Distance covered: 5.4 km / 3.4 mi
• Approx. time taken: 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Leaving the plateau, the trek traverses high moorland with dramatic landscapes. Passing beneath the iconic Lava Tower and the Western Breach, you experience the full variety of Kilimanjaro’s terrain. The day follows the mountaineering principle of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid acclimatization, reaching altitudes up to 4600m. Barranco Camp is nestled at the base of the Great Barranco Wall, providing breathtaking views and a restful night.

• Distance covered: 10.8 km / 6.7 mi
• Approx. time taken: 8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)

The day starts with a descent into the Barranco Valley before the challenging ascent up the Great Barranco Wall. This non-technical climb is physically demanding but immensely rewarding. Passing under the Heim and Kersten glaciers, you continue to Karanga Valley and climb to Karanga Camp at 3963m. Strong trekkers may take an optional acclimatization hike up to 4200m for additional summit preparation.

• Distance covered: 5.5 km / 3.4 mi
• Approx. time taken: 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Karanga Camp (3963m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

A steady climb brings you across desolate scree slopes with minimal vegetation. Barafu Camp, at 4640m, marks the base for the summit push. Take the afternoon to rest, hydrate, and prepare mentally and physically for the night ascent. Early dinner and rest are essential as the summit attempt begins between 11 pm and midnight.

• Distance covered: 3 km / 1.9 mi
• Approx. time taken: 3 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

Starting around midnight, the ascent to Uhuru Peak takes 4–5 hours over steep scree. Reach Stella Point (5739m) at sunrise and continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m), Kilimanjaro’s summit. After celebrating your achievement, descend via Stella Point to Barafu for breakfast before continuing to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.

• Distance covered: 13.4 km / 8.3 mi
• Approx. time taken: 12–15 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: Departure and Optional Excursions

On your final day, we ensure your adventure concludes smoothly and memorably. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will provide a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport. For guests with extra time before departure, optional activities can be arranged, including cultural experiences, wildlife visits, scenic nature excursions, or relaxing opportunities. Extended stays can include safaris or beach holidays to continue your Tanzanian adventure.

• Meals: Not included