7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking via Machame Route

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Arusha to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

Stop At: Machame Camp, Tanzania
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
• Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
• Distance: 11km/7mi
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and Overnighrt at Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Stop At: Shira Camp, Tanzania
After having breakfast, you will leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather until the ridge ends. As you hike, you will turn the route to the west onto a river gorge. After that, you will rest, have dinner, and stay overnight at Shira Campsite.
• Elevation: 9,400 feet to 12,500 feet
• Distance: 5 kilometers
• Hiking time: 4 – 6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and Overnight at Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Stop At: Barranco Camp, Tanzania
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
• Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi
• Walking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and Overnight at Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Kara Valley Campsite

Stop At: Karanga Camp, Tanzania
After having breakfast, you will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley Campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
• Elevation: 13,000 feet to 13,100 feet
• Distance: 5 kilometers
• Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and Overnight at Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Stop At: Barafu Camp, Tanzania
After having breakfast, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You will continue the journey up to the Barafu Camp. At this point, you will have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. There, you will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this location.
• Elevation: 13,100 feet to 15,300 feet
• Distance: 4 kilometers
• Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and Overnight at Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp

Stop At: Mweka camp, Lemosho Rte, Tanzania
Very early in the morning (midnight to 02:00), you will continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You will head to the northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
This will be the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 feet), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever likely to see (weather permitting).
From the summit, you will then begin your descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite and stopping at Barafu for lunch en route. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and Overnight at Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha via Moshi

Stop At: Mweka camp, Lemosho Rte, Tanzania
After breakfast, you will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful.
From the gate, you will continue walking for another hour to Mweka Village. Our Foot Slopes Tours & Safaris Ltd vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha.
• Elevation: 10,000 feet to 5,400 feet
• Distance: 10 kilometers
• Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and Overnight at Arusha Tourist Inn