7 Days Exploring Kilimanjaro Trekking via Machame Route

In the morning, your guide and the mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel to meet you. They will provide a quick briefing before you embark on a vehicle journey to Machame Gate, the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park (1,800 m). At the gate, you will complete the necessary formalities, including acquiring trekking permits and registering with the search and rescue service. The trek will commence, taking you through the rainforest, where tropical showers are common. It is advisable to carry spare clothes and raincoats for this section. As you ascend to Machame Camp (3,010 m), it will be your first day at this altitude, so it is important to follow these instructions:
Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine.
Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily in small, frequent amounts.
Be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches or discomfort, and inform your guide immediately.

After breakfast, you will continue your trek towards Shira Camp (3,845 m). Leaving the rainforest behind, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the expansive Shira Plateau. While the trek itself is not very challenging, the change in altitude may affect you, so it is important to pay attention to your body and maintain a suitable pace. Upon reaching the camp, you will have lunch and rest before an acclimatization trek towards Lava Tower Camp, gaining an additional 300 meters in altitude. After returning to Shira Cave Camp, a hot dinner will be served. Note: Acclimatization treks are essential for adjusting to the altitude and increasing your chances of successfully trekking Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route.
Acclimatization trek:
Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) to Lava Tower (4,120 m)
Trekking distance: 2 km
Trekking time: 1-2 hours

After breakfast at Shira Cave Camp, you will proceed towards Lava Tower, ascending from 3,845 m to 4,630 m. This part of the trek involves some elevation gain and descent, which may pose challenges. However, reaching the altitude of 4,600 m at Lava Tower is crucial for acclimatization. Lunch will be served at Lava Tower, allowing you extra time at high altitude before descending approximately 650 m to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). At Barranco Camp, you will encounter the impressive Barranco Wall, which you will conquer the following day through a relatively straightforward trekking trail. Note: If some group members are uncomfortable with trekking to Lava Tower, the route may be adjusted to bypass it, resulting in a maximum altitude of 4,400 meters.

An early start is recommended to avoid congestion while ascending the Barranco Wall. Despite its impressive height and steepness, the trek is relatively straightforward and takes about an hour. At the top, you will have a fantastic photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as your backdrop. The rest of the day will involve a series of ups and downs, with your guides selecting the best paths for individual trekkers. After a lunch break at Karanga Camp, you will embark on an acclimatization trek towards Barafu, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,270 m. Finally, you will descend back to Karanga Camp for overnight rest.
Acclimatization trek:
Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) to highest point reached (4,270 m)
Trekking distance: 2.5 km
Trekking time: 1-2 hours

Following breakfast, you will make your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m). Our team will have already set up your camp, including tents and sleeping bags, allowing you to relax upon arrival. After regaining your strength, you will undertake an acclimatization trek towards Kosovo Summit Camp, which reaches a maximum altitude of 4,800 m, before returning to Barafu Camp for a hot dinner. The remainder of the day should be dedicated to resting and sleeping in preparation for the night summit.
Acclimatization trek:
Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) to Kosovo Camp (4,800 m)
Trekking distance: 2 km
Trekking time: 1-2 hours

Summiting Kilimanjaro begins around midnight from an elevation of 4,635 m, with the ultimate goal being Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. While the trek itself is not technically challenging, the thin air at high altitude presents a significant hurdle. To ensure safety, a guide will accompany every two trekkers, monitoring their condition throughout the ascent. Once you reach Uhuru Peak, you will have the opportunity to walk on the nearby glacier. After a two-hour rest at Barafu Camp, the descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m) will commence. Note: The descent may appear deceptively easy, but caution must be exercised due to treacherous footing, which accounts for 90% of accidents. Watch your step to avoid falls and potential toe damage.

Millennium Camp, located at a lower altitude in the forest line, provides an opportunity for a restful night's sleep, enhanced by the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After breakfast, you will descend to the final point of your adventure, Mweka Gate, situated at an elevation of 1,650 m. Upon arrival at the gate, there will be a short celebration with the entire trek crew. You will then proceed to our offices to receive your trek certificates before being driven back to your lodge.
Acclimatization trek:
Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) to Mweka Gate (1,650 m)
Trekking distance: 12 km
Trekking time: 4-5 hours