7 Day Machame Route

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi town or Arusha city

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our driver will warmly welcome you and transport you to Moshi town or Arusha city. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to Moshi or one hour to Arusha, assuming no traffic delays. You’ll have a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide and the opportunity to gather any necessary rental items and pack for the trek. Any extra luggage not needed for the trek can be safely stored at the hotel. If time allows, we recommend an additional rest day before starting your trek.

Meals included: n/a

Accommodations: Hotel, as discussed

 

 

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

The day begins with a drive from Arusha or Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Along the way, you’ll pass through the charming village of Machame, nestled on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you depart from the park gate, your trek through the rainforest commences, following a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can become muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles come in handy. Afterward, you’ll continue until you reach Machame Camp.

— Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft

— Distance: 11km/7mi

— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

— Habitat: Montane Forest

 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Budget Accommodations: Camping

 

 

Day 3: Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Following breakfast, you’ll depart from the rainforest and continue along an ascending path, crossing a valley via a steep rocky ridge. As you progress, the route shifts to the southeast, leading you to the Shira campsite.

— Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft

— Distance: 5km/3mi

— Walking Time: 4-5 hours

— Habitat: Moorland

 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Camping

 

Day 4: Hike Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Leaving the Shira Plateau, your journey takes you eastward up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. Your path then turns south-east toward the Lava Tower, aptly named the ‘Shark’s Tooth’ (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). After the Lava Tower, the route descends to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day at a similar elevation to where you started, this day plays a crucial role in acclimatization, preparing your body for summit day.

— Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft

— Distance: 10km/6mi

— Walking Time: 5-6 hours

— Habitat: Semi-desert

 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Camping

 

 

Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, your trek continues as you ascend the renowned Barranco Wall. This section is likely the steepest part of the entire route, but it does not involve technical climbing. Upon reaching the top, you’ll walk along the mountain ridge, weather permitting, offering a fantastic view of Kibo’s southern glacier. After 3-4 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Karanga Camp for your overnight stay.

— Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft

— Distance: 5km/3mi

— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

— Habitat: Alpine Desert

 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Camping

 

 

Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Your journey continues to the Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the South Circuit, which provides unique views of the summit from various angles. At Barafu, you’ll set up camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day ahead.

 

— Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft

— Distance: 4km/2mi

— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

— Habitat: Alpine Desert

 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Camping

 

 

Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, Down to Mweka Camp

In the early morning, typically between midnight and 2 am, you’ll continue your ascent toward the summit, situated between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You’ll head northwesterly and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This part of the trek is mentally and physically challenging. At Stella Point, you’ll take a brief rest and witness an awe-inspiring sunrise. Faster hikers may experience the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on the 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. Your descent begins from the summit, proceeding straight down to Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. It’s advisable to have gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel during the descent. You’ll arrive at Mweka Camp, where you’ll savor your last evening on the mountain.

— Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft

— Descent to: 3090m/10,150ft

— Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down

— Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

— Habitat: Arctic Zone

 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Camping

 

 

Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Drive to Moshi town or Arusha city

After breakfast, your descent continues to the Mweka Park Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Lower elevations may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. You can wear shorts and t-shirts but keep rain gear and warmer clothing within reach. From the gate, it’s another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Village to transport you to your hotel. Don’t forget to show your appreciation to your guides and porters.

— Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

— Distance: 10km/6mi

— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

— Habitat: Montane Forest

 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Hotel, as discussed

 

 

Day 9: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport

Drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure or continue your journey with an exciting safari.

Meals included: Breakfast

 

Included:

• All accommodations per itinerary
  
• All meals per itinerary
  
• All tours and entrance fees per itinerary
  
• All transportation and transfers per itinerary
  
• National Park gate fees
  
• Transport from / to Moshi or Arusha
  
• Certified Mountain guides for all routes
  
• Salaries for all crew members
  
• Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
  
• Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
  
• Emergency Oxygen (2L Canister)

 

Exclude:

• International and domestic flights
  
• Beverages and Alcohol
  
• Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
  
• Single room supplement
  
• Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
  
• Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $350-500/person)
  
• Optional tours
  
• Sleeping bags and personal gear
  
• $40 for single tent
  
• Low season discount in April/May

 

2026 & 2027 prices

NO. of PAX in one group 1 PAX   2 -3 4-6 7+

Price pr. person $3,227   $2,494   $2,192   $2,082