7-day Machame Route Kilimanjaro itinerary
Here’s a day-by-day for a 7-day Machame Route Kilimanjaro itinerary, one of the most popular and scenic trekking options.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The trek begins at Machame Gate (1,800 m), passing through lush rainforest with chances to see monkeys and tropical birds. After about 5–6 hours of hiking, you arrive at Machame Camp (2,850 m), where you'll rest and adjust to higher altitude
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today you climb steadily out of the rainforest into the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper and rockier, but the views start opening up. After 4–5 hours, you reach Shira Camp (3,810 m) on a high plateau with views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
A key acclimatization day as you climb up to Lava Tower (4,630 m), then descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). This "climb high, sleep low" strategy helps your body adapt. The hike takes 6–7 hours and introduces you to the alpine desert zone.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
You begin with a scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb offering amazing views. Then it’s a gradual hike through valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp (4,035 m). This is a shorter day (4–5 hours), allowing for rest and acclimatization.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
The trail leads steadily upward across a barren landscape to Barafu Camp (4,673 m), the final base before the summit push. You’ll rest here in preparation for the night climb. The hike takes 3–4 hours, and the cold winds remind you how close you are to the summit.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Summit day starts around midnight. After 6–8 hours of slow, steady hiking in the cold and dark, you reach Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa’s highest point. After photos and celebration, descend all the way to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for a well-earned rest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Your final descent takes 3–4 hours through the lush forest back to Mweka Gate. Here you receive your summit certificate and say goodbye to the mountain and crew. Transport will be waiting to return you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha