7 Days Machame Route

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins at Machame Gate (1,800m) after registration. The trail ascends steadily through lush montane rainforest, where you may spot black and white colobus monkeys. The path is well-maintained but can be muddy, especially after rain. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes denser and the air cooler. After 5-7 hours of hiking, you arrive at Machame Camp (3,000m), situated on the edge of the moorland zone with views back towards the forest below.

Leaving the rainforest behind, you enter the moorland zone characterized by giant heather and volcanic rock formations. The trail becomes steeper and more exposed as you climb towards Shira Plateau. The path crosses several streams and rocky ridges, offering increasingly spectacular views of Kilimanjaro's glaciated peak and the surrounding landscape. You gain significant altitude today, reaching Shira Camp (3,840m) on the western edge of the Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world.

Today is crucial for acclimatization as you "climb high, sleep low." You trek across the Shira Plateau towards Lava Tower (4,630m), passing through the alpine desert zone. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and dramatic. After reaching Lava Tower for lunch and acclimatization, you descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m). This descent allows your body to adapt better to the altitude. The day ends with stunning views of the Great Barranco Wall and the glaciers above.

The day begins with the exhilarating climb up the Great Barranco Wall, a 257-meter rock face that looks more intimidating than it is. The climb is non-technical but requires scrambling using hands and feet. From the top, you continue along a ridge with spectacular views of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken glaciers. The trail undulates through several valleys and ridges before reaching Karanga Camp (3,995m). This shorter day helps with acclimatization before the summit push.

A steady climb out of Karanga Valley takes you through increasingly barren alpine desert landscape. The vegetation completely disappears as you approach Barafu Camp (4,673m), which means "ice" in Swahili. The camp sits on an exposed rocky ridge with dramatic views of Mawenzi Peak to the east and the summit of Uhuru Peak above. You arrive in the early afternoon for rest, equipment check, and early dinner. You'll go to bed around 7 PM for a few hours of sleep before the midnight summit attempt.

You begin the summit push around midnight, climbing through darkness with headlamps. The steep ascent through scree and loose volcanic gravel leads to Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim, typically reached at sunrise. The final push along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) is challenging but the feeling of standing on the Roof of Africa is indescribable. After photos and celebration, you descend back to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) through the alpine desert and moorland zones. This is the longest and most challenging day of the trek.

The final day is a gentle descent through the lush montane rainforest back to Mweka Gate (1,640m). The trail can be muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are helpful. As you descend, you'll notice the air becoming thicker and warmer. At the gate, you'll receive your summit certificates - green certificates for those who reached Stella Point and gold certificates for those who made it to Uhuru Peak. Your driver will meet you here for the transfer back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and celebration.