Itinerary Overview
This 7-day trek on the Machame Route allows for a well-paced climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, moving through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and Arctic summit terrain — ideal for those seeking challenge and experience.
Day by Day Activities
Day 1: Arusha/Moshi – Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Drive to Machame Gate, register at the park then begin trekking through rainforest terrain to Machame Camp (~3,000 m).
Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp
Leave the rainforest, ascend into moorland, cross the Shira Plateau and arrive at Shira Camp (~3,850 m).
Day 3: Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Hike up to Lava Tower (~4,630 m) for acclimatisation then descend to Barranco Camp (~3,900 m) through semi-desert terrain.
Day 4: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
Take on the Barranco Wall ridge, then traverse to Karanga Camp (~4,000 m). A shorter day to help acclimatise.
Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
Ascend toward Barafu Camp (~4,600 m), base camp for the summit push.
Day 6: Barafu Camp → Summit (Uhuru Peak) → Mweka Camp
Begin pre-dawn around midnight, climb to summit (~5,895 m) at Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp (~3,100 m).
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi/Arusha
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificate then transfer back to town.
