7 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking in Machame

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day trek through the stunning landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame route.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

1. Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
2. Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
3. Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
4. Habitat: Rainforest

Start with a scenic drive from Moshi town to Machame Gate, just under an hour away. Once we reach the gate, we begin our hike through dense rainforest, ascending to a ridge before reaching Machame Camp for our overnight stay.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Cave

1. Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
2. Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
3. Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
4. Habitat: Heath

We depart Machame Camp and head toward the Shira Plateau, leaving the rainforest behind for the heath and moorland zone. The day ends with an overnight stay at Shira 2 Camp, situated across a river gorge.

Day 3: Shira Cave to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

1. Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
2. Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
3. Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
4. Habitat: Alpine Desert

On Day 3, we trek toward the Lava Tower, a towering rock formation. After passing the high-altitude Senecio forest, we descend to Barranco Camp, which offers great opportunities for acclimatization.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

1. Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
2. Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
3. Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
4. Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into the Barranco Gorge and ascending the Barranco Wall (900ft), which is not technically challenging but offers a thrilling climb. Afterward, we continue through hills and valleys, arriving at Karanga Camp for a restful night.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

1. Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
2. Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
3. Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
4. Habitat: Alpine Desert

We trek towards Barafu Camp, where the southern circuit of Kilimanjaro ends. Barafu offers panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the Uhuru Peak, the mountain's highest point. After arriving, we rest and prepare for the summit push.

Day 6: Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

1. Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak)
2. Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
3. Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
4. Habitat: Arctic

We begin our summit ascent around midnight. This is the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek, but the reward is a stunning sunrise at Stella Point. Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After summiting, we descend to Mweka Camp, where we enjoy our last night on the mountain.

1. Elevation (Descent): 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
2. Distance (Descent): 12 km / 7 miles
3. Hiking Time (Descent): 4-6 hours
4. Habitat (Descent): Rainforest

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

1. Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
2. Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
3. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
4. Habitat: Rainforest

On the final day, we descend to Mweka Gate via the Mweka Route. Upon reaching the gate, we receive our summit certificates. We then proceed to Mweka village for transport back to Moshi town.

Included in the Trekking Package:

1. Professional, English-speaking guide
2. Well-equipped mountain crew
3. Pre- and post-trek accommodations
4. Meals and drinking water
5. National Park fees and permits
6. Airport and gate transfers

Excluded in the Trekking Package:

1. Flights
2. Visa fees
3. Travel or medical insurance
4. Personal spending
5. Tips for porters and crew