Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days

Machame Gate is roughly a 45-minute drive from Moshi. The route goes past Machame town, which is situated on the mountain's lower slopes. We leave the park entrance and take a twisting trail up a ridge through the rainforest.

The trail may be slick and muddy at lower altitudes. In this case, hiking poles and gaiters are an excellent option. After a short while, we arrive at the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on a rising trail, crossing the valley over a steep, rocky slope. The road now curves west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, called “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation: 4650 m/15,250 ft).

Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp.

Even though the day ends at roughly the same elevation as it started, this day is crucial for acclimatization because it will help your body get ready for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following breakfast, we depart from Barranco and ascend the Barranco Wall along a difficult slope to reach the Karanga Valley and the intersection with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Up to the Barafu Camp, we go. The South Circuit, which provides a variety of perspectives of the summit, is now complete. Here, we set up camp, relax, eat dinner, and get ready for the day of the summit.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We proceed to the peak between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers between midnight and two in the morning. You make your way to Stella Point on the crater rim by heading northwest and climbing over dense scree. This is the hardest part of the walk, both physically and mentally.

You will pause for a little rest at Stella Point, where you will be treated to the most spectacular sunrise you have probably ever seen. Those who hike more quickly can see the sunrise from the top.

On your one-hour journey to the summit from Stella Point, snow may be encountered the entire time. You have arrived at the highest point on both the African continent and Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak!

We start our descent from the summit by going straight down to the Mweka Camp, with a lunch break at Barafu. Trekking poles and gaiters can be useful on the loose gravel descent. Upon reaching Mweka Camp, we relish our final night on the peak.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5 km/3 mi up, 13 km/8 me down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following breakfast, we proceed to the Mweka Park Gate, where you may pick up your summit certificates. It can be muddy and damp at lower altitudes. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. You should probably wear plenty of shorts and T-shirts (have warm clothes and rain gear accessible).

When you arrive at Mweka Gate, a Monkey Adventures van will be waiting to take you back to your Moshi accommodation (around 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast