7-Day Machame Route

Our 7-Day Machame Route can include both our Standard and All-Inclusive Packages. Any climber (even if part of a group) can choose their own package if they prefer one over the other. All our Kilimanjaro climbs include:

2 nights accommodation at a high-end hotel before the climb
1-night accommodation at a high-end hotel after the climb

This exciting journey via our 7-Day Machame Route including the hotel nights takes 10 days (excluding flights).

Day 1/7: RAINFOREST ZONE – MACHAME GATE

Drive Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Trek Time: ~5–7 hours
Distance: ~6 miles / 9.7 kilometers
Starting Elevation: 5,718 ft / 1,748 m (Machame Gate)
Ending Elevation: 9,350 ft / 2,850 m (Machame Camp)
Elevation Gain: ~3,632 ft / 1,107 m

We depart Arusha in the morning for a scenic drive to Machame Gate on the southern side of the mountain. After registration and meeting your crew, we officially begin our climb.

Today’s route winds through the lush Tropical Rainforest Zone. Expect dense canopy, earthy trails, and sightings of Colobus monkeys and other wildlife.

After a 5–7 hour trek through this vibrant ecosystem, we reach Machame Camp — our first night on the mountain. You’ll settle into camp life with hot food, mountain hospitality, and your first taste of sleeping under the stars on Kilimanjaro.

Day 2/7: SHIRA 2 CAMP – MOORLAND/HEATHER ZONE

Trek Time: ~4–6 hours
Distance: ~3.5 miles / 5.6 kilometers
Starting Elevation: 9,350 ft / 2,850 m
Ending Elevation: 12,621 ft / 3,847 m
Elevation Gain: ~3,271 ft / 997 m

We begin our ascent through the final stretch of the Rainforest Zone, quickly entering the Heather and Moorland ecosystems. Trees give way to surreal plant life, volcanic boulders, and sweeping views.

This is one of the more scenic days, with varied terrain and great acclimatization. After a midday break, we continue across open moorland until we reach Shira 2 Camp, perched on the plateau at 12,621 ft.

This is your first night sleeping above 12,000 ft — and your first panoramic view of Kibo Peak.

Day 3/7: BARRANCO CAMP – ALPINE DESERT ZONE

Trek Time: ~5–6 hours
Distance: ~5.5 miles / 9 kilometers
Starting Elevation: 12,621 ft / 3,847 m (Shira 2 Camp)
Ending Elevation: 15,091 ft / 4,600 m (Lava Tower Camp)
Elevation Gain: ~2,470 ft / 753 m

Today we make a direct push from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Camp — one of the most iconic and dramatic sections of the climb.

We gain significant altitude, crossing into the stark and barren Alpine Desert Zone, where the air thins and the landscape feels almost lunar. The terrain becomes rockier and more exposed as we climb.

After a steady ascent, we arrive at Lava Tower Camp (15,091 ft / 4,600 m) in time for a hot lunch and well-earned rest. This is one of the highest and most visually striking camps on the mountain — sitting at the base of the Lava Tower monolith itself.

We spend the night here to maximize acclimatization before descending slightly tomorrow. If conditions allow and you’re feeling strong, you may also have the option to climb Lava Tower for bonus altitude exposure and unforgettable views.

Day 4/7: KARANGA CAMP – ALPINE DESERT ZONE

Trek Time: ~6–7 hours
Distance: ~6.2 miles / 10 kilometers
Starting Elevation: 15,091 ft / 4,600 m (Lava Tower Camp)
Lowest Elevation: 13,066 ft / 3,983 m (Barranco Camp)
Ending Elevation: 13,106 ft / 3,994 m (Karanga Camp)
Net Elevation Loss: ~1,985 ft / 606 m (down then back up)

After a night at high elevation, we descend from Lava Tower to Barranco Camp — dropping nearly 2,000 ft in a few hours. This descent gives your body a powerful acclimatization boost and helps balance the altitude gain from yesterday.

We stop briefly at Barranco Camp to rest and hydrate before taking on the Great Barranco Wall, a 1,000 ft rock face that looks more intimidating than it is. With hands-on guidance from our expert team, you’ll climb the switchbacks up the Wall — one of the most rewarding and scenic parts of the trek.

From the top, we continue along ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp (13,106 ft / 3,994 m). By the time we arrive, you’ll have completed a major loop of descent, ascent, and acclimatization — setting you up for a safer and stronger summit push.

Day 5/7: BARAFU CAMP – ALPINE DESERT ZONE

Trek Time: ~4–5 hours
Distance: ~2.5 miles / 4 kilometers
Starting Elevation: 13,106 ft / 3,994 m
Ending Elevation: 15,239 ft / 4,644 m
Elevation Gain: ~2,133 ft / 650 m

From Karanga, we continue our gradual ascent to Barafu Camp — our base for the summit push. The air is thin, the landscape barren, but spirits are high.

We aim to reach camp by early afternoon to rest, eat, and prepare for the summit. After dinner, we go to sleep early. Wake-up call is at 11:00 PM — summit night begins at midnight.

Day 6/7:UHURU PEAK – SUMMIT DAY – ARCTIC ZONE

Summit Ascent Time: ~6–7 hours
Descent to Mweka Time: ~6–8 hours
Total Distance: ~12.4 miles / 20 kilometers
Starting Elevation: 15,239 ft / 4,644 m (Barafu Camp)
Summit Elevation: 19,341 ft / 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
Ending Elevation: 10,204 ft / 3,110 m (Mweka Camp)

At midnight t, we begin the final summit push under the stars. The trail is steep and the air is thin — but this is what you came for. After 6–7 hours of climbing, we reach Stella Point, then continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa.

After soaking in the moment and taking your summit photos, we begin the long descent past Barafu and down to Mweka Camp.

This is one of the toughest but most rewarding days you’ll ever experience. Rest well — you’ve earned it.

Day 7/7:MWEKA GATE & OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE

Trek Time: ~3–4 hours
Distance: ~6 miles / 9.6 kilometers
Starting Elevation: 10,204 ft / 3,110 m
Ending Elevation: 5,423 ft / 1,653 m
Elevation Loss: ~4,781 ft / 1,457 m

After breakfast, we continue descending through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate — the official end of your climb.

At the gate, you’ll: