Machame Route (7 Days)

Duration 7 Days / 6 Nights

Route Machame Gate • Shira Plateau • Barranco • Karanga • Barafu • Uhuru Peak

Trek Type Kilimanjaro Trek • Camping Adventure

Starting Point Moshi / Machame Gate (1,800m)

Trek Highlights

One of the most popular and scenic routes on Kilimanjaro.
Diverse landscapes — from rainforest to alpine desert to glaciated summit.
Excellent acclimatization profile with “climb high, sleep low” advantage.
High success rate (85–90%) when done in 7 days.
Suitable for adventurous hikers comfortable with camping.

🗓️ Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Moshi Arrival

Arrive in Moshi for pre-climb briefing and gear check. Overnight at a base hotel.
Meals: — Overnight: Moshi

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (3,000m)

Drive to the gate (approx. 45 min). Trek through lush rainforest with giant ferns and mossy trees. 5–6 hours walking.
Meals: L, D — Overnight: Machame Camp (tents)

Day 3: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (3,840m)

Steady climb up to the Shira Plateau, crossing heath and moorland zones with wide mountain views. 4–6 hours.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Shira Camp

Day 4: Shira → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,950m)

Hike up to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Valley. 6–7 hours; “climb high, sleep low” day.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco → Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Climb the Barranco Wall — an exciting scramble with panoramic views — then descend into Karanga Valley. 4–5 hours.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga → Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Short, steady ascent to Barafu Base Camp. Early dinner and rest before summit push. 3–4 hours.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Midnight start for the summit attempt via Stella Point (5,756m) to Uhuru Peak. Celebrate and descend to Mweka Camp. 12–14 hours trekking.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi

Final descent through montane forest to the gate. Collect certificates and return to Moshi.
Meals: B, L — Overnight: —