7 Days

Machame Route

  • Overview
  • Summary
  • Itinerary
  • Includes & Excludes
  • Plan Your Safari
  • Overview
  • Summary
  • Itinerary
  • Includes & Excludes
  • Plan Your Safari

7 Days Machame Route

The 7-day Machame Route is a popular and scenic path up Mount Kilimanjaro, passing through rainforests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude deserts. Starting from Machame Gate, it offers gradual ascent and excellent acclimatization with an extra day at Barranco Camp. Trekkers enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo, Mawenzi, and vast plains throughout this unforgettable adventure.

7 Days Tanzania Safaris

Tour Summary & Map

Day 1 – Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Day 2 – Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2

Day 3 – Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp to Kosovo Camp

Day 6 – Kosovo Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Camp

Day 7 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp (11km)
Machame Gate to Machame Camp (11km)

Start your Kilimanjaro adventure with a 1.5-hour drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, where you’ll meet your team of guides, porters, and cooks. After completing registration, go on your first day’s trek. The hike begins in Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest, where moss-covered trees and vibrant flora will greet you. As you ascend, the vegetation gradually changes, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Reach Machame Camp for your first night under the stars, with Kibo Peak looming above in the distance.

Overnight: Machame Camp

Day 2 - Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (5km)
Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (5km)

Today’s trek is considered one of the easier days but still includes some uphill sections. The trail takes you through diverse vegetation, with views of both Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. As you gain altitude, the trees give way to alpine plants like Scenecio kilimanjari and Lobelia deckenii. Lunch is served on the way, followed by a steady climb to Shira Camp. This camp offers panoramic views of Kibo to the west and Mount Meru to the east, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Overnight: Shira Camp 2

Day 3 - Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (10km)
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (10km)

Today’s trek is essential for acclimatization. The day starts with a hike across the Shira Plateau, followed by a steep ascent to Lava Tower (4,530m). This is the highest point of the day, but soon after, you will descend to Barranco Camp. Although you end the day at a lower elevation than you started, the hike helps your body adjust to the altitude. The terrain is barren, and the views are extraordinary, making this day both challenging and rewarding.

Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 4 -Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (5km)
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (5km)

The day starts with the famous challenge of the Great Barranco Wall, a steep, rocky climb that offers breathtaking views. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with vistas of Heim Glacier and the surrounding landscapes. The trail then descends into the Karanga Valley, providing ample opportunity for acclimatization. This relatively short day is designed to help your body adjust further to the high altitude while enjoying the stunning surroundings.

Overnight: Karanga Camp

Day 5 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp to Kosovo Camp (5km)
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp to Kosovo Camp (5km)

Today, you’ll trek through a stark, arid landscape towards Barafu Camp. The trail is surrounded by expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s twin peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo. After reaching Barafu, continue a short distance to Kosovo Camp, located at 4,800 meters. Staying at Kosovo Camp provides the advantage of a quieter and more restful night before your summit attempt. You’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest, followed by a light dinner in preparation for the final ascent.

Overnight: Kosovo Camp

Day 6 - Kosovo Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Camp (17km)
Kosovo Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Camp (17km)

Around midnight, begin the grueling ascent to Uhuru Peak. The climb takes you between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers, following a series of challenging switchbacks. After approximately six hours, you’ll reach Stella Point on the crater rim, where you can catch a spectacular sunrise. From here, it’s a one-hour walk to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Kibo Camp for a short break, before continuing to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain.

Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 7 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (10km)
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (10km)

After a restful night at Mweka Camp, descend through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest, making your way to Mweka Gate. The trail can be slippery, so take caution during the descent. Once at the gate, you’ll be greeted by Kingse Safaris Africa’s vehicles, ready to take you back to Moshi. Take the opportunity to purchase a commemorative t-shirt or soda at the gate, celebrating your monumental achievement of summiting Africa’s highest peak.

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