7-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route

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

Machame Gate-Machame Camp

After breakfast, your guide will brief you on the day's itinerary. At 8 AM, our staff will transport you from your hotel in Moshi to Machame Village, where your guides and porters will prepare your gear and supplies. You’ll receive your lunch pack and have the chance to buy bottled water for your first day. If the road conditions permit, you’ll continue on to Machame Gate.

Once registered with the Kilimanjaro Park Office, you’ll begin your ascent into the lush rain forest. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear, and consider bringing trekking poles and gaiters, as they will be helpful on the soggy parts of the trail. You'll stop for lunch about halfway up and arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon.

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-Shira1

You’ll start your day early with breakfast before packing up for the trek ahead. The hike begins with an hour through the lush rainforest, gradually transitioning into the open moorlands where the vegetation becomes sparse with small shrubs. After trekking for about two hours through the moorland, you'll take a break for lunch and a short rest before continuing on to the Shira Plateau. Here, you'll enjoy your first breathtaking views of the Western Breach and its stunning glaciers.

You’ll then make your way west to the Shira Campsite. The porters will boil water for drinking and washing before serving dinner. Keep in mind that Shira Camp is quite exposed and temperatures can drop below freezing, so be prepared for the colder conditions.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shira 1-Lawa Tower To Barranco Camp

After breakfast and packing up, you’ll begin your trek east along a steep path that leads above the last remnants of Kilimanjaro’s vegetation. After 5-6 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the iconic Lava Tower (15,190 ft / 3,950 m). Here, you’ll stop for lunch and enjoy some valuable acclimatization time before descending for about 2 hours into Barranco Camp, situated below the Western Breach.

Day 3 offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially if the walls are glistening with ice. As you wait for dinner, you’ll have the chance to witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets, with the sun setting beautifully through the valley. Be sure to listen to your body and keep your guide updated on any signs of altitude sickness.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Barranco Camp-Karanga Camp

After a night below the Great Barranco Wall, it’s time to tackle this impressive feature. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it appears! You’ll ascend until you’re just below the Heim Glacier, then descend through the Karanga Valley. This is the final spot for your porters to gather water, as they will collect all the necessary supplies for the remainder of the ascent here.

You’ll settle in at Karanga Camp, and after lunch, you can spend the afternoon either lightly exploring or resting while enjoying the stunning views of Mawenzi’s towering spires.

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-Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you’ll head east, traversing multiple ridges and valleys until you connect with the Mweka Route. Turning left, you’ll continue up the ridge for about an hour to reach Barafu Hut. When you arrive at camp, you’ll find your tent set up on a rocky ridge where high winds are common. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the area before dark for safety, and keep your headlamp or flashlight handy in case you need to step out after sunset.

Before settling in for the night, prepare your equipment by replacing batteries for your headlamp and camera. Aim to be in bed by 7 PM to get a few hours of rest before your summit attempt!

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Barafu Camp-Uhuru Peak

From Barafu, you’ll begin your ascent toward the peak. You'll climb for about 6 hours through thick scree, navigating multiple switchbacks between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (18,650 ft / 5,685 m). Most climbers consider this section the most challenging part of the trek. Depending on your pace, you might be able to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise during your brief rest here.

Although you may feel fatigued, it’s essential to keep moving due to the extreme cold. At Stella Point, you’ll connect with the final stretch of the Marangu Route. From there, you’ll hike along the rim for another 1-2 hours until you reach your ultimate destination, Uhuru Peak. Congratulations! You’re now standing on the Roof of Africa! You’ll have time to take photos with the iconic Uhuru Peak sign, but it’s crucial to start your descent soon to ensure you have enough time to rest at Barafu Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Mweka Camp-Mweka Gate

After enjoying breakfast, you’ll pack your gear and start your descent on a scenic 3-hour hike to Mweka Gate. Make sure to wait until everyone and all your belongings have arrived at the gate before tipping your staff. Once registered, you’ll receive your summit certificates—green for those who reached Stella Point and gold for those who made it to Uhuru Peak.

At the gate, you can savor a hot lunch before being driven back to Moshi, where you can finally treat yourself to your first hot shower in days!

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

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