7 Days Kilimanjaro Adventure Hiking Machame Route Journey

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft Distance: 11 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rainforest After an early breakfast, you'll start your adventure by driving to the Machame Gate, the starting point of the 7-day Machame Route. The drive takes you through the picturesque Machame Village, nestled at the foot slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon reaching the Machame Gate, the hike begins through the lush rainforest zone. The trail leads up to a ridge, where you'll find your overnight camp, the Machame Camp. The evening is filled with camaraderie and a hearty dinner as you prepare for the days ahead.

Destination: Machame Gate To Machame Camp

Accommodation: Machame Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Heath Leaving the rainforest behind, you'll enter the heath and moorland zone as you hike towards the Shira Ridge. The diverse landscapes and stunning views accompany you as you make your way to the Shira cave Camp, situated across a river gorge. This campsite offers a unique and serene setting to rest, and you'll enjoy another satisfying meal prepared by the team.

Destination: Machame Camp To Shira Cave

Accommodation: Shira Cave Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Distance: 7 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft Distance: 3 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Today's hike takes you to the impressive Lava Tower, a massive rock formation standing about 1km tall. En route, you'll pass through the Alpine Desert and enjoy breathtaking views from the Senecio forest. Descending from Lava Tower, you'll arrive at the Barranco Camp, your overnight stay. The camp's higher elevation aids acclimatization, a crucial factor for a successful summit attempt.

Destination: Shira Cave To Lava Tower To Barranco Camp

Accommodation: Barranco Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Today's hike involves descending into a gulley below the imposing Barranco Wall before ascending the wall itself. The hike up the steep cliff is not technical but adds an exciting challenge to the journey. After conquering the Barranco Wall, you'll traverse hills and valleys until you reach the Karanga Camp. This campsite, nestled on a steep hike from the Karanga Valley, is another opportunity for acclimatization.

Destination: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Accommodation: Karanga Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft Distance: 4 km/2 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert On this day, you'll make your way to where the trail meets the Mweka route and then proceed towards the rocky terrain leading to Barafu Hut camp. From Barafu Camp, you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak. This camp marks the end of Mount Kilimanjaro's southern circuit and serves as the last base before the summit attempt. Rest well and prepare for the challenging summit day ahead.

Destination: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Accommodation: Barafu Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Rainforest The day starts early, around midnight, with the summit attempt. This part of the journey is physically and mentally challenging, as you'll hike in darkness for several hours. However, witnessing the sunrise over Mawenzi Peak near Stella Point at 18,900 ft is a breathtaking reward. From Stella Point, you'll push towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you'll begin your descent, heading back to Mweka Camp via Barafu for lunch.

Destination: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp

Accommodation: Mweka Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rainforest The final day of your hike involves descending via the Mweka Route. You'll pass through the lush rainforest once more, where the trail can be wet and muddy due to frequent rain. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you'll be awarded your summit certificates, a well-earned memento of your accomplishment. From here, a vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi town, where you'll return to your hotel.