Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (3,010m)

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 11 km
Habitat: Rainforest

Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate for registration and a short briefing. After meeting your mountain crew, you’ll start the trek through lush rainforest alive with colobus monkeys, birdlife, and thick vegetation. The trail is steep in places but well-maintained, offering a steady introduction to Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.

Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp (3,010m) → Shira Camp (3,840m)

Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Moorland

Leaving the rainforest behind, you enter the open moorland zone. The trail climbs steeply along rocky ridges, rewarding you with wide-open views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru far in the distance. By afternoon, you reach Shira Camp on the western edge of the Shira Plateau—an ancient volcanic landscape.

Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert

A key acclimatization day. You’ll gradually ascend to Lava Tower at 4,630m, where lunch is served beneath this massive volcanic formation. Afterward, the trail descends into the beautiful Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is essential for adjusting to altitude and improving summit success rates.

Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) → Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day starts with the iconic Barranco Wall, a thrilling non-technical scramble that rewards climbers with stunning views at the top. The trail then traverses several ridges and small valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp, your important acclimatization stop before the summit attempt.

Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp (3,995m) → Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 4 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert

A short but steady climb leads you to Barafu Camp, the high camp for summit night. “Barafu,” meaning “ice,” reflects the cold, barren landscape. Once settled, rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear for the early-morning summit push. From camp, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi Peak.

Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Distance: ~17 km
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Summit day begins shortly after midnight. You’ll slowly ascend the steep path toward Stella Point (5,756m), then walk along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. Witness a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds and celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment.

After enjoying the summit, descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and brunch. You’ll then continue downhill to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Return to Moshi/Arusha

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Rainforest

Follow the trail through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Our driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved shower and celebration.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Why Choose the Machame Route

• Excellent acclimatization profile with the famous “climb high, sleep low” strategy

• Varied and dramatic landscapes—including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers

• One of the highest success rates among Kilimanjaro routes

• Scenic, adventurous, and ideal for trekkers seeking a challenging yet rewarding climb

Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro via Machame Route

Best seasons:

• January – March: Clear skies, fewer crowds, and cool conditions

• June – October: Dry weather and excellent summit visibility

It is recommended to avoid the long rainy season (April–May) and short rains (November) for the best climbing experience.