7 Day Machame Trek

Drive from Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Look out for the silvery-cheeked hornbill, a large bird which lives in the forest. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach Machame Camp.

• 6,000 ft / 1,830 m to 10,200 ft / 3,100 m
• Distance: 18 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Mountain Forest
• Meals: BLD
• Overnight: Machame Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at Shira campsite.

• 10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 12,600 ft / 3,840 m
• Distance: 9 km
• Walking Time: 4-6 hours
• Hiking: Moorland
• Meals: BLD
• Overnight: Shira Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast, towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier (15,997 ft / 4,876 m). We now continue down to the Barranco Hut. Although you end the day around the same elevation as you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

• 12,600 ft / 3,840 m to 12,700 ft / 3,860 m
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Meals: BLD
• Overnight: Barranco Camp

After breakfast we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Karanga Valley is a particularly good place to look out for malachite sunbirds. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

• 12,700 ft / 3,860 m to 15,100 ft / 4,600 m
• Distance: 13 km
• Hiking Time: 8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: BLD
• Overnight: Barafu Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

• 15,100 ft / 4,600 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m
• 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 10,200 ft / 3,100 m
• Distance: 7 km ascent / 23 km descent
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
• Meals: BLD
• Overnight: Mweka Hut

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

• 10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 6,000 ft / 1,830 m
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: BL
• Overnight: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha