7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Hiking

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive you from your accommodation to Machame Gate, where the hike officially begins. The drive will take around 0.8 hours, covering a distance of approximately 30 km. At the gate, we will handle the registration process while our dedicated porters pack and prepare all the necessary supplies and equipment for the hike. The hike will commence through the lush rainforest, offering a beautiful and serene environment. Our destination for the day is Machame Camp, located at an altitude of 3000 meters. We will spend the night here, surrounded by nature.
Transport: Private transfer (approximately 0.8 hours, 30 km)
Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 1200 meters
Max. altitude: 3000 meters
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Following a hearty breakfast at Machame Camp, we will continue our ascent, leaving the rainforest behind us. The trail will lead us through a small valley, and as we hike higher, we'll encounter a steep rocky ridge covered with heather. The day's hike will take us to Shira Camp, situated at an altitude of 3850 meters. As we gain altitude, the temperature may drop, and it's essential to be prepared for potentially freezing conditions during the night.

Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 850 meters
Max. altitude: 3850 meters
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today is a challenging day as we ascend to 4600 meters, the base of the Lava Tower, where we will stop for lunch and acclimatization. The altitude may start to affect some hikekers for the first time, so it's crucial to pay attention to your body's signals. After lunch, we will descend to Barranco Camp (3950 meters) following the "walk high, sleep low" principle, which helps with acclimatization. The descent offers breathtaking views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall, providing excellent photo opportunities. The camp is located in a valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.

Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 750 meters
Descent: 650 meters
Max. altitude: 4600 meters
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

This is a relatively short and enjoyable day, starting with a scramble to the top of the Great Barranco Wall, offering an exciting challenge. We will then traverse over scree to the Karanga Valley, situated at an altitude of 3930 meters. The valley lies beneath the impressive icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Dicken Glaciers. We will spend the night at the Karanga campsite.

Hiking time: 4 hours
Ascent: 260 meters
Descent: 280 meters
Max. altitude: 4210 meters
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Leaving Karanga Camp behind, we will reach the junction that connects with the Mweka descent trail. From here, our journey continues to Barafu Camp. This marks the completion of the Southern Circuit, offering stunning views of the summit from different angles. At camp, we will rest, have dinner, and prepare ourselves for the summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo will be clearly visible from this vantage point.

Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 670 meters
Max. altitude: 4600 meters
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

The most challenging and rewarding day of the hike begins around 23:30 with a wake-up call. We will start our hike to the summit, navigating between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, and ascending through heavy scree until we reach Stella Point (5732 meters) on the crater rim. This part of the hike is mentally and physically demanding, but the incredible views and the chance to witness the sunrise (weather permitting) make it all worthwhile. From Stella Point, it's just an hour to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895 meters), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating our achievement, we will descend to Mweka Camp (3100 meters) via Barafu for lunch. Hiking poles will be necessary for the loose scree on the way down. In the evening, we will enjoy our final dinner on the mountain and rest.

Hiking time: 14 - 16 hours
Ascent: 1295 meters
Descent: 2795 meters
Max. altitude: 5895 meters
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

On the last day of the hike, we will have breakfast before descending a further 1300 meters to Mweka Park Gate. This is the final stretch of the journey, and upon reaching the gate, you will receive your well-deserved summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. From there, a private transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can rest and reflect on the incredible achievement.

Transport: Private transfer (approximately 0.5 hours, 17 km)
Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
Descent: 1300 meters
Max. altitude: 3100 meters
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch