7 days Kilimanjaro hike Via Machame Route is a tour that will take place along the Machame route, beginning and ending in Moshi or Arusha.
DAY 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Elevation range: 5,400ft to 9,400ft
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking duration: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain forest
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes approximately 50 minutes. The trek passes past the village of Machame, which is located on the mountain’s lower slopes.
We now exit the park entrance and hike up a winding trail through the rain forest to a ridge. Lower down, the trail may be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended here. We travel a little way until we reach Machame Camp.
DAY 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation range: 9,400ft to 12,500ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking duration: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorerland
After breakfast, we leave the rain forest glades and continue on a climbing trail, crossing a small valley and walking over a steep rocky ridge covered in heather till it ends. The route now heads west via a river gorge. You will rest, eat dinner, and spend the night at the Shira campsite.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp
• Elevation ranges from 12,500 to 13,000 feet.
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: semi-desert.
From the Shira Plateau, we continue east along a ridge, past the intersection, and heading for Kibo’s peak. As we proceed, our direction shifts to the southeast, towards the Lava Tower known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we arrive at the second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier at an elevation of 16,000 feet. We now descend to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Here we rest, have dinner, and spend the night. Although you end the day at the same level as you started, this day is critical for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.
• Elevation range: 13,000 feet to 13,100 feet
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and head up a rocky slope, past the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campground. This is a short day intended for acclimatisation.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.
• Elevation range: 13,100ft to 15,300ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and head to the intersection with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have finished the South Circuit, which provides views of the peak from a variety of positions. Here we set up camp, recover, eat dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The viewpoint offers views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut.
• Elevation ranges from 15,300 feet to 19,345 feet, with a low of 10,000 feet.
• Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent.
• Hiking time: 7-8 hours ascending and 4-6 hours descending.
• Habitat: Arctic.
We continue our journey to the peak between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers at the early hours (midnight to 2 a.m.). You go northwest and ascend via hard scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically hard part of the adventure.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will take a short break and be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you will ever witness (weather allowed). On your 1-hour ascent from Stella Point to the peak, you may experience snow the entire time. Uhuru Peak is the highest peak on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers can glimpse the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we descend straight to the Mweka Hut campsite, pausing at Barafu for lunch. You’ll need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel heading down. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, so mist or rain might be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we have our final dinner on the mountain and get some well-deserved sleep.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi.
• Elevation ranges from 10,000 to 5,400 feet.
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain forest
After breakfast, we continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will get your summit certificates. At lower levels, it may be damp and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts should suffice (have rain gear and warm clothing available).
From the gate, it’s another hour to Mweka Village. A van will meet you in Mweka village and transport you back to your hotel in Moshi.
End of 7 days Kilimanjaro hike Via Machame Route
7 days Kilimanjaro hike Via Machame Route Include
- private transfer from / to Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Camping fees
• Salary for crew (guide, porters, and cook)
• Rescuer fees
• Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and mineral water)
• Two-night accommodation (one night before climb and one night after climb B/B)
• Tent , foam, cooking equipment, eating utensils
• Oxygen Cylinder and Oxymeter
• All government tax (VAT)
7 days Kilimanjaro hike Via Machame Route Excludes
• Tips for crews (guide, porters, and cook)
• Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Some equipment is available for rent.
• Lunch and Dinner at the Hotel
• Extra personal needs (cigarettes and alcohol drinks)
• Anything else not included in the itinerary
