7 Days Machame Route

7 Days Machame Route overview

Take on the challenge of Mount Kilimanjaro through the spectacular Machame Route, a scenic trail known for its diverse landscapes, rewarding viewpoints and adventurous terrain. Over seven days, journey from the lush rainforest on the mountain’s lower slopes through moorland and alpine desert before making your summit attempt on Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.

The route provides a progressive ascent through some of Kilimanjaro’s most remarkable environments. Along the way, trek through the Machame and Shira areas, cross the high-altitude landscape around Lava Tower, and tackle the famous Barranco Wall before continuing toward Karanga and Barafu Camps.

The summit day is the ultimate test of endurance. Starting in the early hours, climb toward Stella Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, descend through the southern slopes toward Mweka Gate.

With Mbogo Expeditions, your Machame climb is supported by an experienced mountain crew and carefully planned to balance trekking, acclimatization and rest. This route is an excellent choice for adventurous travellers looking for a challenging and scenic path to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Route: Machame Route
Highest Point: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Tour Type: Mountain Climbing & Trekking
Difficulty: Challenging
Ideal For: Experienced trekkers, adventurous travellers and well-prepared first-time high-altitude climbers

ITINERARY

Day 1 — Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a transfer to Machame Gate, where you will complete park registration and meet your mountain crew. From the gate, begin your trek through the lush montane rainforest.

The trail gradually climbs through dense vegetation, with opportunities to experience Kilimanjaro’s rich forest environment. After several hours of trekking, arrive at Machame Camp, where your crew will have prepared your campsite.

Enjoy dinner and rest for your first night on the mountain.

Trekking: Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Habitat: Montane Forest
Trekking Time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 — Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and continue climbing through the moorland zone.

The trail becomes steeper and more open as you approach the Shira Plateau. As you gain elevation, enjoy increasingly impressive views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape.

Arrive at Shira Camp, settle in and spend the evening resting and allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.

Trekking: Machame Camp → Shira Camp
Habitat: Moorland
Trekking Time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 — Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today is an important acclimatization day as you climb higher before descending to sleep at a lower elevation.

Leave Shira Camp and gradually ascend across the high-altitude landscape toward Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,600 metres. After spending time at this elevation, descend toward the spectacular Barranco Valley.

The route provides dramatic views of Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes and the impressive Barranco Wall. Arrive at Barranco Camp in the afternoon and rest after the day’s trek.

Trekking: Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trekking Time: Approximately 6–8 hours
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 — Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, begin the day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall. Your mountain guides will assist you through the rocky sections as you gradually climb above the valley.

At the top, continue across a series of ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp. The route offers spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding terrain.

Arrive at camp, enjoy your evening meal and rest in preparation for the higher elevations ahead.

Trekking: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trekking Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 — Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, continue your ascent toward Barafu Camp, the final high camp before the summit attempt.

The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you enter the alpine desert. Although the day’s trek is relatively short, the steadily increasing altitude makes it important to maintain a slow and controlled pace.

Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, your guides will brief you on the summit attempt and help you prepare your equipment. Enjoy an early dinner and get as much rest as possible before the night-time climb.

Trekking: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trekking Time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 — Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit Day

Your summit attempt begins around midnight after a light meal and final preparations.

Trek slowly through the darkness toward Stella Point on the crater rim. The climb is physically demanding, and your guides will maintain a steady pace while monitoring the group’s condition.

At Stella Point, continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa. Reach the summit and take time to celebrate your achievement and appreciate the extraordinary views.

After the summit, begin your descent toward Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down the southern slopes to Mweka Camp.

The descent provides a dramatic change in scenery as you leave the high alpine environment behind.

Trekking: Barafu Camp → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Habitat: Alpine Desert / Arctic Zone
Trekking Time: Approximately 12–16 hours
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 — Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush montane forest toward Mweka Gate.

Enjoy the changing vegetation as you gradually descend from the high mountain environment. At Mweka Gate, complete the park exit procedures and meet your transfer vehicle.

Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax after completing your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Trekking: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Habitat: Montane Forest
Trekking Time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast
End of Tour

Trekking tour according to the itinerary
Accommodation in tents and hotels as indicated in the itinerary
Professional English-speaking guide
Personal porter
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Drinking water
Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture
Portable toilet and toilet tent
National park fees
Rescue fees

Flights (international and domestic)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Beverages other than water (alcohol and soft drinks)
Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance
Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking)