Machame Route 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb

Welcome to Tanzania! Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town (45 minutes). After settling in, attend a comprehensive pre-trek briefing with your lead guide who will review the day-by-day itinerary, conduct equipment check, and answer all your questions. This is your opportunity to rent any missing gear. Enjoy a welcome dinner and rest well before your adventure begins.

After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate (1 hour) where guides complete park registration. Begin your trek through magnificent montane rainforest with towering trees draped in moss and lichen. The trail can be muddy and slippery - trekking poles help. Watch for black and white colobus monkeys in the canopy. The steady climb takes 5-7 hours through increasingly dense vegetation. As you gain altitude, the air cools and forest sounds surround you. Arrive at Machame Camp above the clouds for your first night camping on the mountain. Distance: 11km, Elevation gain: +1,200m.

Leave the rainforest behind as you climb through the heather and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper with rocky paths covered in giant heathers. Spectacular views of Kibo Peak emerge as vegetation thins. Cross several mountain streams and traverse ridges with expanding vistas. The path climbs to the western edge of the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. Shira Camp offers stunning sunset views across the plateau with Kibo rising majestically ahead. Distance: 5km, Elevation gain: +840m. Hiking time: 4-6 hours.

Crucial acclimatization day following "climb high, sleep low" principle. Trek east across Shira Plateau toward Lava Tower (4,630m), a massive volcanic formation. The trail passes through alpine desert with sparse vegetation and stunning views. Reach Lava Tower for lunch and acclimatization - many feel altitude effects here, which is normal and beneficial. After lunch, descend 670m into the Great Barranco Valley through otherworldly Senecio forest with giant groundsels. Despite ending near starting altitude, this up-and-down profile is excellent for acclimatization. Distance: 10km, Elevation gain/loss: +790m/-670m. Hiking time: 6-8 hours.

Begin with the exhilarating Barranco Wall scramble - a 257m rock face that looks intimidating but is non-technical. Use hands in some sections for this fun scramble. From the top, spectacular views of Kilimanjaro and surrounding valleys reward your effort. Continue with series of ups and downs, traversing ridges and valleys on the southern side. Cross alpine desert with stunning glacier views above. The undulating terrain aids acclimatization. Arrive at Karanga Camp, the last water point before summit attempt. Distance: 5km, Elevation gain: +35m. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Important preparation day for summit attempt. Trail climbs steadily through increasingly barren alpine desert. Vegetation disappears as terrain becomes rocky and exposed. Join the Mweka descent route before reaching Barafu Camp (means "ice" in Swahili) on exposed ridge with spectacular 360-degree views. Upon arrival, rest in tent, organize summit gear, hydrate thoroughly. Early dinner at 5pm, then sleep before 11pm wake-up for midnight summit attempt. Prepare warm layers, headlamp, snacks, and water. Distance: 4km, Elevation gain: +678m. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Wake at 11pm for hot tea and biscuits. Begin midnight summit push through steep volcanic scree toward Stella Point (5,756m) on crater rim. This is the most challenging section - steep switchbacks, freezing temperatures, thin air testing mental and physical strength. Progress is slow with frequent breaks. Reaching Stella Point at sunrise is incredibly emotional. Continue 1 hour along crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Africa's highest point! Summit photos and celebration, then begin long descent to Barafu for rest and lunch. Continue down to Mweka Camp through alpine desert and moorland. Summit push: 5-7 hours up, Total: 12-16 hours. Distance: 17km, Elevation: +1,222m/-2,795m.

Final descent through beautiful montane rainforest. Trail can be muddy and slippery - poles useful for tired knees. As you descend, air becomes thicker and warmer, vegetation more vibrant. Pass through moss-covered forest, spotting colobus monkeys. Notice energy returning as you lose altitude. Reach Mweka Gate to sign out with park authorities and receive your summit certificate - gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Stella Point. Your vehicle transfers you to hotel for hot shower, celebration dinner, and well-deserved rest. Distance: 10km, Elevation loss: -1,460m. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.