6 Nights
The 7-day Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro features diverse landscapes, starting with a rainforest trek to Machame Camp, followed by ascents through heath, moorland, and alpine desert. Key highlights include passing Lava Tower, tackling the Barranco Wall, and reaching Barafu Camp for the summit attempt.
Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,235 ft | Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Depart from Moshi and drive to Machame Gate (1.5 hours). After completing park formalities, begin your hike through lush rainforest. The trail ascends gradually with dense vegetation and plenty of wildlife. You’ll arrive at Machame Camp, set amidst towering trees and ferns, for your first night on the mountain.
Elevation: 9,235 ft to 12,467 ft | Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Heath
Leave the rainforest behind as you ascend into the heath and moorland zone. The trail is rocky with some steep sections, offering expansive views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape. Reach Shira Camp where you’ll spend the night, enjoying incredible views of the mountain and a chance to relax.
Elevation: 12,467 ft to 13,023 ft | Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
The route continues across the Shira Plateau, passing Lava Tower (4,630m), which serves as an excellent acclimatization point. The terrain becomes more barren as you enter the alpine desert zone. After a rest and lunch at Lava Tower, descend slightly to Barranco Camp, nestled at the base of the Barranco Wall, where you’ll overnight.
Elevation: 13,023 ft to 13,106 ft | Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start the day with the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb that rewards you with breathtaking views of the valleys and glaciers. After the climb, the trail undulates through ridges and valleys, leading to Karanga Camp, a peaceful spot with great views of the surrounding terrain.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft | Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Begin your day with the thrilling climb up the Great Barranco Wall, a nearly 900-ft cliff that looks daunting but is entirely non-technical. The climb rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers. Once at the top, the trail traverses a series of ridges and valleys, offering a mix of ascents and descents. The trail ends at Karanga Camp, located on a ridge overlooking the Karanga Valley. This shorter day allows time to rest and acclimate further before the final ascent to higher altitudes.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 10,065 ft | Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 12-14 hours | Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
The summit day starts around midnight. The ascent is steep, but you’ll make steady progress through switchbacks. As dawn breaks, you’ll reach Stella Point (18,900 ft), where you can catch a glimpse of the sunrise before continuing the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, begin your descent to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before heading further down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft | Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
On the final day, descend through the lush rainforest, passing streams and dense vegetation. The trail can be slippery, so take care with each step. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and then transfer back to Moshi to celebrate your achievement.
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