Machame Route 7-Day Kilimanjaro Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide
Date Published
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Start Point: Machame Gate (1828m)
Finish Point: Machame Camp (3020m)
Distance: Approximately 10.8km
Hiking Time: About 6 hours
You'll be picked up from your accommodation at 8am and driven to Machame Gate (a 45-minute drive from Moshi town). After processing your park fees, you'll begin your ascent. Today's trek leads you through the montane forest ecosystem, where you might spot the Black and White colobus monkey. You'll arrive at Machame Camp between 3-5pm, greeted with hot water for washing and a refreshing cup of tea. If you have the energy, there's an optional hike to acclimatize before dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Start Point: Machame Camp (3020m)
Finish Point: Shira Camp (3850m)
Distance: Approximately 5.2km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
After breakfast at 7:30am, you'll leave the forest and enter the moorland zone. Enjoy views of your progress and, on clear days, Mt Meru. Post-lunch, you'll ascend the rocky Shira Plateau ridge. At Shira Camp, you'll be welcomed with hot water before dinner and overnight. There's an optional 30-minute hike to Shira Camp 2 for acclimatization and a great view of the Shira Cathedral.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower Rock
Start Point: Shira Camp (3850m)
Finish Point: Barranco Camp (3980m)
Via: Lava Tower Rock (4600m)
Distance: Approximately 10.7km
Hiking Time: About 7 hours
After breakfast, begin your challenging ascent to Lava Tower Rock, where you might experience altitude sickness. Following lunch at Lava Tower, you'll descend to Barranco Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start Point: Barranco Camp (3980m)
Finish Point: Karanga Camp (4035m)
Distance: Approximately 6.6km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Start the day with a climb up the 'Breakfast Rock,' offering stunning views of Kibo Peak and Mt Meru. The trail features numerous ups and downs, leading you to the valley marking the last water point on the Machame route. Ascend to Karanga Camp to relax before dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Start Point: Karanga Camp (4035m)
Finish Point: Barafu Camp (4640m)
Distance: Approximately 3.9km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
The trail steepens as you head towards Barafu Camp, passing volcanic rocks. Arrive at Barafu Camp around 1pm for lunch and rest. Prepare for the summit night, with a wake-up call around 11pm for the final ascent.
Summit Night: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Start Point: Barafu Camp (4640m)
Finish Point: Uhuru Peak (5895m)
Distance: Approximately 10.8km (round trip)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 2-3 hours descent to Barafu Camp
Begin your ascent at a slow pace to cope with the high altitude. Reach Stella Point (5735m), then continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m) for a memorable sunrise and celebration. Descend back to Barafu Camp for a short break and breakfast.
Day 6: Summit to Mweka Camp
Start Point: Barafu Camp (4640m)
Finish Point: Mweka Camp (3080m)
Distance: Approximately 10.8km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours from summit to Barafu Camp, 4-5 hours from Barafu to Mweka Camp
After a nap, descend from Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp, transitioning from desert to moorland terrain. Arrive at Mweka Camp around 5pm for dinner and overnight.
