7 Days Machame Route

• Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
• Distance: 11km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro adventure begins at Machame Gate, where you’ll enter Kilimanjaro National Park and start your ascent. The trail traverses through lush rainforests and reveals a diverse range of flora and fauna. The climb is moderately steep and takes you to Machame Camp at around 10,000 feet (3,048 metres) above sea level.

• Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
• Distance: 5km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Leaving the rainforests behind, the trail transitions to moorlands as you climb towards Shira Camp (located at around 12,600 feet, 3,840 metres). The change is scenery is almost theatrical as stunning vistas open up as you ascend. You’ll experience a sense of accomplishment as you reach the higher altitude camp. Kilimanjaro’s Summit now becomes more visible, motivating climbers for the days ahead.

• Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
• Distance: 10km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert

Today’s trek takes you to Barranco Camp at approximately 13,000 feet (3,962 metres) through the Lava Tower. The tower is a rock formation and the hike through it provides an excellent chance to acclimatize. The Barranco Campsite offers amazing views of the Barranco Wall, a challenging yet thrilling obstacle you’ll tackle the next day.

• Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
• Distance: 9km
• Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4 on the 7 Days Machame Route Itinerary begins with a thrilling ascent up the iconic Barranco Wall. This is a climb that tests your skills and determination. The trail then descends into the lush Karanga Valley, showcasing stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks.
As you ascend again to Karanga Camp (3,993 meters / 13,100 feet), the views become even more impressive, and you'll feel a palpable sense of excitement knowing that you're now just one step away from the base camp for the final summit push. The landscape, the camaraderie, and the approaching challenge all make this day an integral part of the Kilimanjaro Climbing experience.

• Elevation (ft): 4035 m/4640 ft
• Distance: 6km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The landscape transforms as you leave Karanga Camp, entering an alpine desert marked by vast open spaces and splendid views. Barafu Camp (4,633 meters / 15,200 feet) is the base camp for the summit attempt, and the anticipation among climbers is electrifying. Resting here before the final ascent, you're immersed in an environment where the air is thin, and the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro emerges above. The realization that you're on the verge of attempting the summit, standing on the doorstep of Uhuru Peak, creates a mix of nerves, excitement, and determination.

• Elevation (ft): 4680 m/15360 ft
• Distance: 3.5 km/ 2.2 miles
• Hiking Time: 3.5 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic

The most exhilarating day of the Machame Route 7 Days Climb begins in the dead of night. Armed with headlamps and layers of warm clothing, you begin the challenging climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 metres, 19,341 feet), the highest point on Kilimanjaro. Reaching the summit at sunrise is an emotional experience, a culmination of weeks of preparation and days of challenging trekking. The descent to Mweka Camp (3,048 meters / 10,000 feet) takes you through varied terrain, transitioning from snow-covered slopes to the lushness of the forest, a reminder of the incredible altitude range you've conquered in a single day.

• Elevation (ft): 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

The final day of the 7 Day Machame Route, Kilimanjaro marks your descent through the enchanting rainforest. The vibrant greenery, the sounds of rustling leaves, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife make this part of the trail a beautiful conclusion to the Kilimanjaro adventure. As you arrive at Mweka Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet), you'll be presented with certificates to celebrate your achievement. The mix of exhaustion and pride as you bid farewell to Kilimanjaro is a conclusion to a life-changing journey.