Machame 7 Days Itinerary Trekking Kilimanjaro

Day 0: Arrival and Pre-Climb Briefing

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by representatives from the tour company who will transfer you to your lodge in Moshi. The lodge provides a comfortable setting for you to rest and acclimate to the surroundings. Later in the day, you’ll have a pre-climb briefing and gear check with your guide and fellow trekkers.

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Begin your Kilimanjaro adventure at the Machame Gate, situated at 1,640 meters (5,380 feet) above sea level. The first day involves a trek through the lush rainforest, an environment teeming with unique flora and fauna. As you ascend, the scenery transforms, and after 5-7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Machame Camp at 2,835 meters (9,300 feet). This initial day allows you to ease into the trek and adjust to the altitude.

• Overnight: Machame Camp(2835m)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Today’s journey takes you to Shira Camp, located at 3,750 meters (12,300 feet). The trail leads you above the tree line, offering panoramic views of the Shira Plateau. The altitude gain aids in acclimatization, an essential aspect of preparing for the summit. Expect a 4-6 hour hike, surrounded by the alpine desert landscape.

• Overnight: Shira Camp(3750metres)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 4-6 hours

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

The trek continues through the high desert as you make your way to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters (12,960 feet). A highlight of the day is navigating the Barranco Wall, a thrilling yet manageable climb that adds an element of adventure to the journey. The total hiking time is approximately 5-7 hours, with the Barranco Wall providing an exhilarating challenge.

• Overnight: Machame Camp(3,950metres)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s route takes you to Karanga Camp at 3,995 meters (13,106 feet). The relatively short 4-5 hour hike allows for a more relaxed pace, giving your body additional time to acclimatize. The picturesque scenery includes stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and the expansive mountain landscape.

• Overnight: Machame Camp(3995metres)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Prepare for the final ascent as you hike to Barafu Camp at 4,640 meters (15,223 feet). This challenging day involves navigating steep trails, but the reward is a breathtaking view of the summit. Arriving at Barafu Camp, take the afternoon to rest and mentally prepare for the summit push. The hiking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

• Overnight: Machame Camp(4,640m)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (summit) and then to Mweka Camp

The most challenging and rewarding day begins with a midnight start for the summit push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). The ascent takes around 11-15 hours, providing an opportunity to witness the sunrise over the vast African plains. After reaching the summit, descend to Mweka Camp at 3,080 meters (10,105 feet) for a well-deserved rest, covering approximately 4-6 hours.

• Overnight: Mweka Camp(3080metres)
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 11-15 hours

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Conclude your trek with a descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters (5,380 feet). The descent takes about 3-4 hours, and at the gate, collect your summit certificates. Afterward, transfer back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can reflect on your achievement and celebrate the successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Overnight: Lodge/Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: B, L and D
• Trekking time: 3-4 hours