7 Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route Itinerary

Upon your landing at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will warmly welcome you and transport you to the hotel in Arusha. The remainder of the day is yours to savor at your leisure—unwind by the hotel pool or venture into the town of Arusha via taxi for exploration. Later in the afternoon, you will be introduced to a member of our Kilimanjaro team who will provide a comprehensive briefing on your upcoming trek. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be arranged at Mount Meru Hotel or Meru View Lodge.

Following breakfast, a prompt pick-up from your lodge will take you to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once all necessary paperwork is completed, your exhilarating adventure begins. Today’s destination is the Machame Camp. As you embark on your journey, you’ll trek through the lush rainforest, surrounded by towering ancient trees, primitive ferns, and endemic flowers such as the Impatiens Kilimanjaro. Keep an eye out for black and white colobus monkeys, playfully peeking through the leaves. Upon reaching the campsite, take time to unwind, stretch your legs, and relish a hearty meal before settling into your tent for the night. The day’s meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The early start today is not geared towards covering an extensive distance but is designed to ensure your arrival at Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. As you traverse the terrain, you’ll witness a striking transformation in the landscape—from the verdant and lush rainforest to the arid moor and heathland. Upon reaching the campsite, a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain range unfolds before you. The glistening glaciers of Kibo reflect the golden hues of the setting sun, providing a captivating spectacle as you indulge in another meticulously prepared meal before retiring to your tent. Today’s meals encompass breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Today’s itinerary includes acclimatization efforts. You’ll ascend approximately 800 meters but will sleep at a level not significantly higher than the previous night. Beginning at Shira Plateau, your route will take you to Lava Tower. Take a moment to rest before continuing through the scenic Barranco Valley to the enchanting Barranco Camp. The trek, spanning around 6 to 7 hours, offers distractions in the form of the alpine desert and the Barranco Valley, adorned with small lobelia plants and towering senecios, keeping your mind engaged and off the remaining stretch. A well-deserved dinner and overnight stay await you at Barranco Camp. Today’s meals consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Today, the formidable Barranco Wall awaits your conquest. While certain sections may require the use of your hands for a better grip, there is no actual climbing involved. Your guide will be by your side every step of the way, offering assistance as needed. The route, characterized by numerous ascents and descents, provides additional opportunities for acclimatization and guides you to the mountain ridge. Walking along this ridge, you can marvel at the stunning landscape, featuring striking contrasts between the desert and vegetation, before ultimately arriving at the cloud-shrouded Karanga Camp. The trek is estimated to take between 3 to 4 hours, allowing ample time for rest and perhaps a game of rummy. Enjoy an evening meal and spend the night at Karanga Camp. Today’s meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

As the sunlight gracefully dances off the Kibo Summit, a hearty breakfast awaits you before embarking on today’s journey to Barafu Camp. The majority of the day will be spent traversing through a parched and desertic landscape, with the majestic Kibo ever-present on your left side. After 3 to 4 hours of walking, you’ll arrive at Barafu Camp. Here, you’ll indulge in an early dinner, knowing that the pinnacle of your adventure is just a few short hours away. Today’s meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Around midnight, your guide will rouse you with a warm cup of tea and biscuits, preparing you for the ultimate ascent. With only the moon and your headlamps illuminating the path, you’ll ascend to Stella Point (5,730m), reaching the crater rim in approximately 5 to 7 hours. Another 1 to 2 hours will bring you to Uhuru Peak, where you can witness the sunrise over the African landscape, casting a pink hue over the snowy peak and causing the glaciers to sparkle like diamonds. After capturing this extraordinary view and monumental achievement, you’ll commence your descent along the same route back to Barafu Camp. There, your team awaits you with snacks and refreshments. Rested and relaxed, you’ll proceed to Mweka Camp for your final night on the highest mountain in Africa. Today’s meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast, and then participate in a traditional farewell ceremony from your dedicated mountain crew, marking the beginning of your final descent down the mountain. Once again, you’ll traverse through the rainforest, providing another chance to catch glimpses of the playful colobus monkeys, until you reach the Mweka Gate. There, you’ll be greeted and escorted back to the Lodge for a refreshing shower and a leisurely day by the pool. Dinner and overnight accommodations await you at Meru View Lodge or Mount Meru Hotel. Today’s meals include breakfast and dinner.

Following breakfast, you’ll be transported to Kilimanjaro Airport, concluding your mountain adventure. Alternatively, you have the option to extend your journey with a safari or a relaxing beach holiday on the enchanting island of Zanzibar. Enjoy your breakfast before embarking on the next leg of your travel experience.