7-Day Majestic Climb Kilimanjaro Machame Route

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The drive from Arusha to Machame Gate takes approximately 3 hours, passing through the village of Machame situated on the mountain's lower slopes.

From the park gate, we trek through the rainforest along a winding trail up a ridge. The path can be muddy and slippery at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. After a short distance, we arrive at Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame Camp to Shira camp

Following breakfast, we bid farewell to the lush rainforest and ascend along a path, traversing the valley via a steep rocky ridge. Our journey veers westward, leading us through a river gorge until we reach the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira Camp , Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we head east along a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak. Our path then turns southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Afterward, we reach a junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. Descending now, we make our way to the Barranco Camp. Despite ending the day at a similar elevation to where we began, this day is crucial for acclimatization, preparing our bodies for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we start walking from Barranco and climb up a steep hill called the Barranco Wall. It's tough, but we keep going until we reach the Karanga Valley. From there, we head to a junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We'll be climbing from 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft, covering a distance of 5km/3mi. It'll take us about 3-4 hours to climb. We'll have breakfast, lunch, and dinner along the way. The area we're trekking through is called the Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We keep climbing until we reach the Barafu Camp. This marks the completion of the South Circuit, giving us panoramic views of the summit from various angles. Here, we set up camp, take a rest, have dinner, and get ready for the big summit day.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barafu, Summit to Mweka Camp

In the very early hours of the morning, from midnight to 2 am, we press on towards the summit, threading our way between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We head in a northwesterly direction, braving heavy scree as we ascend towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This leg of the journey is the most mentally and physically demanding.

Upon reaching Stella Point at 18,600 ft, we pause briefly to catch our breath and witness one of the most spectacular sunrises imaginable, weather permitting. From Stella Point, expect snow along the one-hour final push to the summit. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, we stand atop the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. Those moving swiftly may even witness the sunrise from the summit.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

After breakfast, we begin our descent towards the Mweka Park Gate to collect our summit certificates. As we descend to lower elevations, expect wet and muddy terrain. Wearing gaiters and using trekking poles can be helpful. You'll likely find that shorts and t-shirts are sufficient attire, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing within reach.

Upon reaching the Mweka Gate, a Kiliclimb Africa Safaris vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Arusha, approximately a 2-hour drive.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Beer and wine (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.