7 Days Machame Route

The Kilimanjaro Trek along the Machame Route commences with a scenic drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. We embark on a transfer shuttle that meanders through lush coffee plantations and enchanting small forests adorned with ferns and vibrant flowers. Upon our arrival, we register with the park service and are warmly greeted by our porters, hailing from the Chagga Tribe, the indigenous guardians of Kilimanjaro's slopes. These remarkable individuals not only accompany us on our adventure but also share their rich cultural heritage, fostering friendships that enhance our African experience. As we traverse the lower slopes, we pass through the charming village of Machame. Leaving the park gate behind, we find ourselves enveloped in the dense rainforest, following a winding trail that ascends a ridge, ultimately leading us to the serene Machame Camp.

Trip Highlights:

• Distance: 1 0.75 km
• Altitude gained 1210m 
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

We leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

Trekking highlights:

• Distance: 5.3 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Heath
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner Included

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Through the Senecios Forest, we descend down to Barranco Camp to an altitudinal level of 13,000 ft. Even if you start and end at the same altitude, it is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Trekking Highlights:

• Distance: 10.8 km/6.7 miles
• Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
• Altitude gained 788m up to Lava tower, then 641 descent to Barranco
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner Included.

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Trekking Highlights:

• Distance:  8.5 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
• Overnight: Barranco Camp

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. 

Trek Highlights:

• Distance:5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Overnight: Karanga Valley
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and  Dinner Included.

At around midnight, we commence our ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m). This segment of the trek is the most demanding both mentally and physically. The conditions at this altitude during the night can be harsh, with intense wind and cold. We navigate through the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but brief breaks. As we approach Stella Point (5739m), you will be treated to an awe-inspiring sunrise over Mawenzi Peak, a sight you won't soon forget. Eventually, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.

After enjoying the summit, we begin our descent directly to Millennium Camp, pausing at Barafu for breakfast and lunch. The trail is quite rocky, which can be tough on the knees; using trekking poles is advisable, and crampons are recommended. Later, we arrive at Millennium Camp for dinner and a well-deserved, restful night.

Trek Highlights

Trekking Time: 2-4 hours

Distance: 3.5 km / 2.2 mi

Altitude Change: +628 m / +2,060 ft

Overnight: Barafu Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 13.4km/8.3miles

Habitat: Arctic

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

On our final day, we make our way down to Mweka Gate, where we will receive our summit certificates. As we descend to lower altitudes, the terrain can become quite wet and muddy. After reaching the gate, we’ll trek for another hour to Mweka Village. There, a vehicle will be waiting to take us to the Kijiji art gallery, where we can explore the gift shop and enjoy a brief lunch break to celebrate our achievement before heading back to our hotel in Moshi.

Highlights:

Trekking Time: 2-4 hours

Distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi

Altitude Change: -1473 m / -4,832 ft

Overnight: Hotel in Moshi

Transfer Time: 45 minutes

Meals: Breakfast

Today is yours to relax and unwind after the trek before your flight home. If time allows, consider taking a stroll through Moshi town before making your way to the airport. You might also want to plan a wildlife safari in Tanzania or a beach getaway in Zanzibar.

Meals: Breakfast Included