7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Route Tour

The trail from Machame Camp to Shira Camp is 5 km long, with a steep beginning. It leads through the moorland zone of the mountain, offering several viewpoints along the way. From these points, you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Meru, the forest you traversed on day 1, as well as Shira Peak and Kibo Peak.

Upon reaching the camp, you have the option to take a short acclimatization walk (about 45 minutes to 1 hour) to enjoy a beautiful sunset and further enhance your body’s adaptation to the altitude.

The trek from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp covers 10 km and takes 6-7 hours, including a lunch break. The day begins with a gradual walk to the junction where climbers from the Western routes join.

From there, the trail leads to Lava Tower (4,600m), a striking 150m high volcanic plug jutting out from the mountain’s side. You’ll stop here for lunch and a brief rest before descending to Barranco Camp for the night.

The trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp is 6 km and takes 3-5 hours. This day includes a challenging ascent of Barranco Wall, a 300m high cliff that peaks at 4,200m. The trail is narrow and can get crowded with hikers, porters, and guides. In some sections, you’ll need to use your hands to climb.

Along the way, you’ll pass Kissing Rock, a well-known feature, before descending into the Karanga Valley at 3,930m. This is the last place where porters can fetch water before reaching the camp.

The trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp covers 4 km and takes 3-4 hours. The walk is a gradual ascent, and “pole pole” (slowly) walking is recommended for proper acclimatization.

As you reach the alpine desert zone, you’ll have a clear view of Kibo Peak on your left. Just before reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll pass through an area with sedimentary rocks. Barafu Camp is a dry camp, so the team will carry water from Karanga Valley for your needs.

Summit
You will wake up around 11:00 pm, enjoy some tea and snacks, and dress warmly for the summit. At 12:00 am, you’ll begin your ascent, starting with steep rocky sections for about 2-3 hours. Afterward, you’ll cross the zigzag trail as you make your way toward the crater rim and eventually reach Stella Point (5,756m) by around 6:00 am.

This is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the climb. At Stella Point, you’ll take a short break and be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise (weather permitting). From here, you’ll continue for another hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. For faster climbers, the sunrise will be enjoyed from the summit itself.

After taking in the views and capturing photos, you will descend back down, heading straight to Mweka Hut campsite, with a brief rest and brunch at Barafu Camp along the way.

The descent begins from Barafu Camp via the Mweka Route, first heading to Millennium Camp (3,797m). The 4 km stretch is steep and takes around 2-3 hours, moving from the alpine desert zone into the moorland zone.

From Millennium Camp, the trail continues for 3.5 km to Mweka Camp (3,100m), taking another 2-3 hours. The descent passes through the moorland and into the forest zone, where you’ll see unique plant species such as Protea Kilimandscharica and Red Hot Poker, along with other beautiful flora.

The descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate covers 10 km and takes about 4-5 hours. The trail is long and steep, passing through the rain forest, which can be wet and slippery, so careful and slow walking is necessary.

As you continue through the forest, you’ll encounter various species of flowers, including Impatiens Kilimanjari, and a variety of tree species. If you’re lucky, you might spot Blue Monkeys or Black and White Colobus Monkeys along the way.

Once you reach Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out from the park and celebrate your successful climb. Afterward, you will drive back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and a hot shower.