7 Days Machame Route Trek

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Your Kilimanjaro adventure kicks off at the Machame Gate, where you’ll complete the necessary registrations and meet your team of experienced guides and porters. The first day’s hike takes you through the enchanting rainforest, known for its lush greenery and vibrant flora. The trail, spanning approximately 11 kilometers, winds upward, setting a gradual pace for your ascent. Your initial stop for the night is the Machame Camp, nestled at an elevation of around 3,000 meters.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent, gradually leaving the rainforest behind and entering the open moorland zone. The day’s trek, which covers around 5 kilometers, leads you to the Shira Camp. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters, this camp provides a fantastic viewpoint for admiring the surrounding landscapes.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today’s trek offers a unique combination of challenges and awe-inspiring scenery. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower, reaching an elevation of about 4,600 meters. This higher point contributes significantly to your acclimatization process. Subsequently, you’ll make your way to the Barranco Camp, positioned at around 3,960 meters. The total distance covered on this day is approximately 10 kilometers.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Your journey continues with a challenging climb up the Barranco Wall, a thrilling and memorable segment of the route. After conquering the wall, you’ll trek to the Karanga Camp, perched at an elevation of about 4,035 meters. The day’s hike encompasses roughly 6 kilometers.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

You’ll embark on a relatively shorter trek, around 4 kilometers, as you make your way to the Barafu Camp. This high-altitude campsite, situated at approximately 4,600 meters, marks your last stop before the summit attempt. The terrain becomes more alpine and rugged, with stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and back to Mweka Camp

This day is the pinnacle of your journey, both in terms of challenge and reward. Your summit attempt begins in the early hours, with a steep and demanding ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, just before the break of dawn. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend to the Mweka Camp, nestled at an altitude of about 3,100 meters. This is a long and challenging day, covering a total distance of approximately 18 kilometers.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The final day of your Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek takes you from the Mweka Camp to the Mweka Gate, descending through the lush rainforest zone. The journey spans about 10 kilometers and offers a different perspective of the mountain. Upon reaching the Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and express your gratitude to your dedicated guides and porters.

The 7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek offers an extended and gradual ascent, enhancing your chances of a successful summit while allowing you to savor the diverse ecosystems and awe-inspiring landscapes of this iconic mountain. Proper acclimatization, physical preparation, and experienced guides are essential for a safe and memorable climb.