7 Days Machame Route

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Kilimanjaro Explore representative and transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing with your coordinator.

Private packages include shared group airport transfers; individual transfers may incur extra costs. Please note: Check-in often from 2:00 PM.

A guide and mountain crew meet you at the hotel, then you drive to Machame Gate for permits and registration. The trail climbs through rainforest to Machame Camp — rain is common, so pack waterproofs.

Please note: First day on the mountain at altitude:

• Drink 3–4+ litres of water daily, little and often.
• Discuss preventive altitude strategies with your doctor; your coordinator can outline common options.
• Report headaches, nausea, or other symptoms to your guide early.

Trekking time: 5–6 hours  |  Distance: ~5 km (3.1 mi)

After breakfast, trek toward Shira Camp, leaving the forest for open views of the Shira Plateau. Pace yourself as the altitude increases. At camp, lunch and rest, then an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower before returning to Shira for dinner.

Please note: Acclimatization hikes are intentional and improve summit chances.

Acclimatization hike: Shira (~3,750 m) toward a point en route to Lava Tower (~4,120 m) — about 2 km, 1–2 hours.

Trekking time (main): 4–5 hours  |  Distance: ~5 km (3.1 mi)

Leave Shira and trek to Lava Tower (~4,600 m / 15,088 ft) for acclimatization and lunch. The trail is undulating; you may feel the altitude. After sufficient time high, descend to Barranco Camp below the Barranco Wall.

Trekking time: 6–8 hours  |  Distance: ~11 km (6.8 mi)

This day is primarily focused on acclimatization, with a shorter distance and a moderate elevation gain. The route is renowned for the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that hikers must climb.

Trekking time: 4–5 hours  |  Distance: ~6 km (3.7 mi)

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Your team leaves Barafu at night for Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,336 ft). Altitude makes even simple walking feel hard; pairs of climbers are normally paired with guides for the ascent. After the summit, optional visit toward the nearest glacier ice, then back to Barafu for rest, then descent to Mweka Camp.

Please note: Most accidents occur on the descent — mind your feet and trekking poles.

Trekking time: 12–15 hours  |  Distance: ~17.5 km (11 mi)

After breakfast, descend through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, sign the register and receive your summit certificate. You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha for relaxation or onward travel.

Trekking time: 3–4 hours | Distance: ~12 km (6.2 mi)

Hotel rest and airport transfer. Please note: Check-out often 11:00 AM; late checkout may be available for a fee.