Kilimanjaro Trek Via the Machame Route

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Moshi – Machame Gate – Machame Camp
1 stop
1
After breakfast in Moshi, your mountain guide will pick you up and drive to Machame Gate (1,800m), the starting point of your Kilimanjaro adventure. At the gate, you’ll complete registration formalities while the crew prepares the gear and provisions. The hike begins through the lush rainforest zone, where you’ll walk beneath a dense canopy filled with birdsong and occasional views of colobus monkeys. The trail is steady and scenic, gradually ascending towards Machame Camp (3,000m). Upon arrival, your camp will already be set up by the support team. Enjoy a warm dinner and briefing from your guide about the next day’s trek. Hiking distance: 11 km Hiking time: 5–7 hours Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m Habitat: Montane rainforest
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Machame Camp – Shira Camp
1 stop
2
On this day, travelers will hike from Machame Camp to Shira Camp, ascending through the last section of the rainforest before entering the moorland zone. The trail offers breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. Hikers will notice the changing vegetation, from lush trees to giant heathers and unique high-altitude plants. Guides will share insights about the local flora, fauna, and the mountain’s volcanic history along the way. Typical Duration: 5–6 hours
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Shira Camp – Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
1 stop
3
Travelers will hike from Shira Camp toward Lava Tower (4,630m), a dramatic volcanic rock formation. This day is designed as an acclimatization hike, providing an opportunity to adjust to higher altitudes. The trek passes through the alpine desert zone, offering panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s western valleys. Guides will share insights about the unique geology and flora of the high-altitude environment. After reaching Lava Tower, trekkers descend to Barranco Camp, enjoying views of the famous Barranco Wall along the way. Typical Duration: 6–8 hours
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
1 stop
4
Travelers will climb the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable rock face that offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. After the ascent, the trek continues across alpine terrain to Karanga Camp. This day allows for continued acclimatization while experiencing Kilimanjaro’s unique high-altitude landscapes, including sparse vegetation and expansive vistas. Guides provide safety support and share information about the geology and ecology of the mountain. Typical Duration: 4–6 hours
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
1 stop
5
Travelers will hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m), the final camp before the summit attempt. The trail passes through rocky alpine desert terrain, offering expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and valleys. Guides will provide summit day instructions, check equipment, and ensure proper acclimatization. This day is essential for preparing both physically and mentally for the early morning summit push. Typical Duration: 4–5 hours
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp
1 stop
6
Travelers will begin a pre-dawn ascent from Barafu Camp to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa’s highest point. The climb passes through the alpine desert zone with breathtaking sunrise views. After summiting, trekkers descend via either Mweka Camp or Millennium Camp, enjoying changing landscapes and the lush lower rainforest. Guides provide support throughout, ensuring safety and assistance with navigation. Typical Duration: 12–14 hours
13 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Descent to Moshi – Completion of the Trek
1 stop
7
Travelers will complete their Kilimanjaro adventure by descending from Mweka Camp or Millennium Camp to the Mweka Gate, passing through the lush rainforest and enjoying final scenic views of the mountain. Upon exiting the park, trekkers receive their summit certificates and are transferred back to Moshi. This day offers a relaxing end to the climb and time to celebrate the achievement. Typical Duration: 3–5 hours
4 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Tags