7-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Machame Route

A Scenic and Successful Path for Climbing Kilimanjaro [8-Day Lemosho Route]

INCLUDED & EXCLUDED

ADVENTURE ITINERARY

Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Your head guide will then conduct a thorough briefing, perform a gear check, and assist with any equipment rental needs to ensure you’re fully prepared for your climbing Kilimanjaro adventure.

Overnight at a lodge or hotel in Moshi.

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

In the morning, you will be transferred from Moshi to the Machame Gate in the village of Machame, a 45-minute drive. After securing your permits, your climbing Kilimanjaro adventure will commence as you trek through the lush rainforest. Your guide will provide insights into the local flora and fauna along the way. For navigating the muddy and slippery trails, trekking poles and gaiters are highly recommended.

Habitat: Montane Forest

[Elevation: 9,911 ft ∼ 3,021 m, Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours].

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

In the morning, you will bid farewell to the rainforest as you begin ascending along a rugged rocky ridge. The trek will take you across valleys before arriving at Shira Campsite. As you continue climbing Kilimanjaro, you’ll notice temperatures starting to drop.

Habitat: Moorland

[Elevation: 12,595 ft ∼ 3,839 m, Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours].

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

In the morning, you will depart from Shira Camp and head towards Barranco Camp, passing by the Lava Tower. This segment of your climbing Kilimanjaro journey is essential for acclimatization as you ascend toward Lava Tower, which provides stunning views. Following this, you will descend to Barranco Camp for the night to prepare for the upcoming ascent.

Habitat: Semi-Desert

[Elevation: 13,077 ft ∼ 3,986 m, Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours].

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

It’s advisable to start early on this day to avoid congestion while climbing Kilimanjaro, particularly when ascending the Barranco Wall. Although the wall may seem daunting, the climb is relatively straightforward and usually takes about an hour to complete. Once at the top, you’ll have a fantastic photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as a stunning backdrop.

The rest of the day involves a series of ascents and descents, with your guide adjusting the pace to suit each trekker. After a lunch break at Karanga Camp, you’ll embark on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, before returning to Karanga Camp for the night.

Habitat: Alpine-Desert

[Elevation: 13,106 ft ∼ 3,995 m, Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours].

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

In the morning, you will commence your journey towards Barafu Summit Camp, a key milestone in climbing Kilimanjaro. Our team will have set up the camp in advance with tents and sleeping bags, allowing you to unwind upon arrival. After resting, you will undertake an acclimatization climb towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp, reaching its highest point at 4,870 m (15,974 ft), before returning to Barafu Camp. Here, you will be served a hot dinner. It’s advisable to spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the upcoming night summit.

Habitat: Alpine-Desert

[Elevation: 15,331 ft ∼ 4,673 m, Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours].

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit, then descent to Mweka Camp

As dawn approaches, anticipation will build for the early start, typically at midnight, marking the pinnacle of mental and physical endurance in climbing Kilimanjaro. This challenging segment involves pressing onward toward the summit amidst the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, focusing on staying warm and embracing the imminent sense of achievement. Ascending in a zigzag pattern towards Stella Point on the crater rim, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking sunrise, offering a brief respite.

For faster climbers, there’s a chance to witness the sunrise from the summit. With about an hour remaining to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent, expect snow-covered terrain throughout.

Habitat: Stone Scene & Ice-Capped 

[Elevation: 19,341 ft ∼ 5,895 m, Trekking time: 5 to 7 hours].

Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, congratulations are in order—each step of your climbing Kilimanjaro journey reflects your perseverance and determination. Amid capturing photos, celebrating your success, and perhaps shedding a few tears of joy, take a moment to savor this monumental achievement.

The descent to Mweka Camp involves a steep trek, with a recommended stop at Barafu for lunch and a brief break. Trekking poles and gaiters will be invaluable on the challenging loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. As night falls, enjoy a well-deserved rest at Mweka Camp, relishing your final evening in the mountain’s embrace.

Day 7: Mweka Camp/Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate, then transfer to Moshi

After a morning breakfast and farewells to your crew, you will continue descending to Mweka Gate to collect your summit certificates, celebrating your successful climbing Kilimanjaro adventure. A vehicle will then transfer you to Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest and celebrate your achievement at your hotel.

Overnight at a lodge or hotel in Moshi.

Departure from Moshi

Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will arrive at your hotel to transfer you to the airport, where we will bid our farewells. This will mark the conclusion of your climbing Kilimanjaro adventure. Good luck!

Add-On

For the Arrival day (pre-hiking) and Departure day (post-hiking), you have the option to decide whether you would like us to arrange accommodation in Moshi and include it in the total Tour budget, or if you prefer to book it yourself and be excluded from the total Tour  budget. “You will let us know”.

Our Hotels in Moshi

  • ParkView Inn
  • Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
  • Panama Garden Resort

Private Gears 

  • Private Toilet

Transfer [From/To]

  • Airport Transfer [From/To]
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