7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via 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

10.75 km / 7 mi | 5-6 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 1811m (5942ft) to 3021m (9911ft)
Altitude gained: 1210m
Departing from Moshi, a 45-minute drive will take you through the village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle as many crews prepare for their journey. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

5.3 km / 3 mi | 4-5 hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 3021m (9911ft) to 3839m (12,595ft)
Altitude gained: 818m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route turns west and follows a river gorge until we arrive at Shira Camp. Temperatures begin to drop as we gain altitude.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira Cave Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

10.75 km / 6 mi | 5-6 hrs | Semi-Desert
Elevation: 3839m (12,595ft) to 3986m (13,077ft)
Altitude gained: 147m
Although we end the day at a similar elevation to where we began, this day is crucial for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak, before heading southeast towards Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation: 4650m / 15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then descend to Barranco Camp for the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

5.2 km / 3 mi | 3-4 hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m (13,077ft) to 4034m (13,235ft)
Altitude gained: 48m
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley, where we will join the junction that connects to the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew as they zip over this wall with apparent ease. We will overnight at Karanga Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Karanga Camp to Barafu Base Camp

3.3 km / 2 mi | 3-4 hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4034m (13,235ft) to 4662m (15,295ft)
Altitude gained: 628m
We continue upward toward Barafu Camp. Once we reach Barafu, we will have completed the South Circuit, which offers breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. After an early dinner and some rest, we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu Base Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Excitement builds as we begin our summit attempt with an early start, between midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during your short rest. Faster hikers may reach the summit in time to view the sunrise at Uhuru Peak. The remaining hour of the ascent to Uhuru Peak will likely involve snow all the way.
Congratulations! One step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations, and perhaps a few tears of joy, we take a moment to appreciate this incredible achievement. We begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. A well-deserved rest awaits you at Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

9.1 km / 6 mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m (10,190ft) to 1633m (5358ft)
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. As the weather becomes significantly warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Main Destination:

Moshi (Town)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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