Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly greeted by our representative who will transfer you to your chosen accommodation in Moshi town.

Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters (3,935 feet)

At 8 a.m., depart from Moshi for Machame Gate, where you’ll be introduced to your team of porters, guides, and cooks. After arriving, you’ll complete the registration process and your team will make final preparations for the trek.

The day’s hike takes you to Machame Camp. Your porters and cooks will set up the camp ahead of you, ensuring that everything is ready upon your arrival.

Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 840 meters (2,760 feet)

Today is regarded as the easiest day on the Machame Route, though it still includes several uphill sections. After a hearty lunch, you’ll ascend the Shira Plateau, formed by lava flows from Kibo that filled the Shira Crater. Continue your trek to Shira Camp, where you’ll spend the night.

Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Total Elevation Gain: 690 meters (2,264 feet)

Today involves a significant amount of up and down trekking. By early afternoon, you’ll have ascended to 4,530 meters before descending to Barranco Camp. This approach is essential for acclimatization. After breakfast, hike east across the Shira Plateau and reach the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes before continuing to your camp.

Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)
Elevation Gain: 250 meters (820 feet)
Distance: 7 kilometers

After breakfast, depart from Barranco Camp and tackle the day’s challenge: a 1.5-hour scramble up Barranco Wall. This section is demanding and may require using your hands to aid your ascent. Once at the top, enjoy a brief descent into the lush Karanga Valley. You’ll generally camp on the ridge above the valley to enhance acclimatization and take in the stunning views.

Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 400 meters (1,320 feet)
Distance: 6 kilometers

After breakfast, set off for Barafu Camp. As you ascend, you’ll pass by several of Kibo’s glaciers and reach the junction where the Mweka descent route meets the Machame trail. During the hike, you’ll have the chance to see the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail traverses an alpine desert with sparse vegetation, Barafu Camp provides breathtaking views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Aim to rest and get some sleep after dinner, as you’ll be waking up before midnight for your summit ascent.

arafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters (4,240 feet)
Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet)
Distance: 18 kilometers

At around midnight, embark on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The trek begins by headlamp light and continues for about six hours. The climb to the crater rim at Stella Point is steep and challenging. From Stella Point, the path to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and relatively easier, though the high altitude can make it quite exhausting. The final leg of the hike to the summit takes approximately one hour. Once at Uhuru Peak, take time to capture memorable photos of your guide and group against the stunning backdrop. After reaching the summit, begin your descent to Mweka Camp. During your descent, enjoy spectacular views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers.

Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters (5,250 feet)
Distance: 10 kilometers

After breakfast, begin your final descent to Mweka Gate. This last hike on Kilimanjaro takes you through the lush Kilimanjaro cloud forest, offering a beautiful and serene end to your trek. Be mindful of the trail conditions, as it can be slippery. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, our vehicles will be ready to transport you back to Moshi or Arusha.

End of the 7-day Kilimanjaro Machame route—prepare for your flight home the following day or continue with wildlife safaris to other exciting destinations.