7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Seven Days to the Roof of Africa
The 7-day Machame Route combines some of Kilimanjaro’s most dramatic scenery with a carefully paced journey towards Africa’s highest point. Beginning in the rainforest on the mountain’s southwestern slopes, the trail climbs through heath and moorland before entering the stark alpine landscapes surrounding Kibo.
Along the way, the route crosses the Shira Plateau, climbs towards Lava Tower and descends beneath the impressive Barranco Wall. These changes in elevation create valuable opportunities for acclimatisation as you gradually move higher.
The additional day compared with the shorter Machame itinerary allows for a more measured ascent before reaching Barafu Camp and beginning the final climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.
CLIMB RATES
The Mountain Awaits.
DAY 01
Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Your Kilimanjaro journey begins with a transfer to Machame Gate, where your guides complete the necessary park registration and preparations before the trek begins.
The trail enters Kilimanjaro’s lush montane rainforest and climbs gradually beneath a dense canopy of trees, ferns and moss-covered vegetation. Conditions can be damp and muddy here, particularly after rainfall, so a steady pace and good footwear make the first day considerably more comfortable.
By late afternoon, arrive at Machame Camp for your first night on the mountain.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 02
Machame Camp → Shira Camp
After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and continue upwards into Kilimanjaro’s heath and moorland zone.
Vegetation gradually becomes lower and the landscape opens dramatically, revealing views across the Shira Plateau and towards Kibo when the weather is clear.
The trail continues steadily towards Shira Camp, where you settle in for the evening surrounded by an increasingly high-altitude landscape.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 03
Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Today plays an important role in acclimatisation.
From Shira, climb gradually towards Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,600 metres. The higher altitude gives your body valuable exposure before the route descends again towards Barranco Camp.
As you descend, the landscape changes around you and the distinctive giant senecios of the Barranco Valley may begin to appear.
You finish the day at a lower sleeping elevation beneath the imposing Barranco Wall.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
SLEEPING ELEVATION
MEALS
DAY 04
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
After breakfast comes one of the Machame Route’s most memorable sections: the Barranco Wall.
The wall looks formidable from camp, but the ascent is a guided scramble rather than a technical climb. Your mountain team leads you carefully upwards until you reach the top and are rewarded with expansive views across the surrounding valleys.
The trail then continues through a series of ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp.
The relatively shorter day provides useful additional time for acclimatisation and recovery.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 05
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
Leave Karanga and continue into increasingly stark high-altitude terrain.
The trail climbs towards Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit attempt. Once at camp, the focus shifts from covering distance to preparing yourself for the night ahead.
Eat, hydrate and organise your summit clothing and equipment before trying to get some early rest. Your guide will provide a final briefing before the climb towards Uhuru Peak begins around midnight.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 06
Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Your summit journey begins in darkness.
Moving slowly beneath a sky filled with stars, follow the steep trail towards Stella Point on Kilimanjaro’s crater rim. The combination of altitude, cold and sustained climbing makes this the most demanding part of the trek.
From Stella Point, continue around the crater rim as morning light begins to reveal the extraordinary landscape around you.
Finally, reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating at the summit, begin the long descent back towards Barafu before continuing farther down the mountain to Mweka Camp, where you can finally rest after an extraordinary day.
OVERNIGHT
SUMMIT
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 07
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
After breakfast, begin your final descent through Kilimanjaro’s rainforest.
The warmer air and dense vegetation feel dramatically different after several days at altitude. Continue down towards Mweka Gate, where the trek officially comes to an end.
After completing the necessary park formalities, meet your transfer vehicle and return to your hotel for a well-earned shower, rest and celebration.
FINISH
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
What's Included
- All Park Fees
- Professional Kilimanjaro mountain guides
- Rescue fees
- Mountain tents and camping equipment as specified
- Porters and mountain support crew
- Mountain cook and prepared meals during the trek
- Drinking water while on the mountain
- Transfers to & from the gate
- Summit certificate for successful climbers
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips for guides, porters and cooks
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Ready for Kilimanjaro?
Tell us your preferred travel dates and we’ll help you prepare for seven days on the Machame Route, from your first step beneath the rainforest canopy to the final climb towards Uhuru Peak.