7 Days Machame Route

The Kilimanjaro Trek Machame Route will start with a drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 1.5hrs. We travel by transfer shuttle to the Machame trail heading through coffee fields and small forests of ferns and flowers. After registering with the park service, we meet our porters from the Chagga Tribe, indigenous to the slopes of Kilimanjaro. They are an integral part of our African journey and become friends and provide insight into their culture and society. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.

Overview

• Distance: 11 km/7 miles
• 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.

Overview:

• Distance: 5.4 km/3.4 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Heath
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & 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 Senecio 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.

Highlights

• Distance: 10.8 km/6.7 miles
• Hiking Time: 8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & 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.

Highlights

• Distance:  5.5 km/3.4 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

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. 

Highlights:

• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4 km/2 miles
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit of Uhuru peak (5895m). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (5739m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Millennium camp, stopping at Barafu for breakfast and lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful, and crampons are recommended. Later arrive at Millennium camp for dinner and for a long well-earned rest.

Highlights

• Distance: 13.4km/8.3miles
• Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
• Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
• Habitat:  Arctic
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka gate to drive us to the Kijiji art gallery for the gift shop and have a short break for lunch and celebration, thereafter back to the hotel in Moshi/Arusha.

Highlights:

• Distance:  12.2 km/7.6 miles
• Hiking Time:  6-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Today is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight back home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town before heading to the airport. You can schedule your Tanzania wildlife safaris or a beach vacation in Zanzibar.

Meals: Breakfast Included