Machame Route Mastery: 7-Day Kilimanjaro Challenge

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (2,835m)

Distance: ~11 km (7 miles)

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Itinerary: Arrive at Machame Gate and complete registration. Begin the trek through lush rainforest, encountering wildlife and vibrant plant life. Overnight at Machame Camp, where you’ll rest and acclimatize.

Highlights: Scenic rainforest trails, sightings of Colobus monkeys.

Meals: Lunch and dinner provided at camp.

accommodated at:Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835m) to Shira Camp (3,750m)

Distance:5 Km (3 miles)

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Itinerary: Ascend into the moorland zone, with expansive views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding valleys. Reach Shira Camp, where you’ll set up camp at the Shira Plateau.

Highlights:Open vistas and the dramatic Shira Plateau..

Meals: Lunch and dinner provided at camp.

accommodated at:Shira Camp.

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,750m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower (4,600m)

Distance: ~10 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Itinerary: Begin the day with a climb to Lava Tower (4,600m), which aids in acclimatization. Afterward, descend to Barranco Camp, enjoying incredible views along the way.

Highlights: Lava Tower, breathtaking views of Kibo.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.

accommodated at:Barranco Camp.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Itinerary: Tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding climb, before trekking through alpine deserts to Karanga Camp. A shorter day for further acclimatization.

Highlights: Barranco Wall climb, sunset views at Karanga Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided. .

accommodated at:Karanga Camp.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)

Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Itinerary: Ascend toBarafu Camp, the base camp for your summit bid. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the final push to the summit.

Highlights: Reaching Barafu Camp, stunning sunset views.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.

accommodated at:Barafu Camp.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Descend to Mweka Camp (3,068m)

Distance: 17 km (11 miles)

Hiking Time: 10-14 hours (7-8 hours ascent, 3-6 hours descent)

Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Itinerary: Start the ascent at midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak for sunrise. After celebrating at the summit, begin the descent to Mweka Camp.

Highlights: Reaching Uhuru Peak, stunning sunrise view.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.

accommodated at:Mweka Camp.

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,068m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Itinerary:Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate for certificates and transport back to Moshi or Arusha.

Highlights: Farewell celebrations at the gate.

Meals: Breakfast provided.

accommodated at:No Accommodation.