7 Days Machame Route
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | |
| Route | Machame Gate to Machame Camp | Machame Camp to Shira | Shira to Barranco | Barranco to Karanga | Karanga to Barafu Camp | Summit Uhuru Peak, descend Mweka | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate |
| Elevation reached | 3000 m | 3845 m | 4630 m (Lava Tower) | 4000(acclimatization day) | 4670 m | 5895 m | Descend to 1640 m |
| Hrs of trekking | 6 hrs | 5-6 hrs | 7 hrs | 4 hrs | 3-4 hrs | 12-14 hrs | 3-4 hrs |
| Overnight | Machame Camp | Shira Camp | Barranco Camp | Karanga Camp | Barafu Camp | Mweka Camp | Depart Kilimanjaro National Park |
The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro because it is incredibly scenic and has a good acclimatization profile. It descends via Mweka Route to give climbers the chance to experience more of the mountain.
While it’s a more challenging route than others, the beauty of Machame route is certainly worth the extra effort.
Machame Route passes through all climate zones: rainforest, moorland, high-altitude desert, and an arctic zone at the summit.
RA Expeditions Ltd recommends a minimum of 7 days trekking Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route. However, if you want to extend or shorten your itinerary, please reach out to us.
Machame Route in detail
Day 1:
Trek distance: 9 km, climb to an elevation of 3000 m.
First, you will have a briefing at your hotel, then you will arrive at Machame Gate (1745 meters above sea level).
After registering at the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, you will begin climbing through the rainforest at the base of the mountain. This first day you will climb to Machame Camp where you will spend the night.
Day 2:
Trek distance: 7km, climb to an elevation of 3845 m
After a hot breakfast in camp, you will trek out of the rainforest and into the highlands toward Shira Camp. Along the way you will cross over the famous Shira Plateau, offering an incredible view all around. Afterward, you will reach Shira Camp. Enjoy views of the summit cone, Kibo, and the remains of the Shira volcano.
Day 3:
Trek distance: 10 km, overnight at an elevation of 3960 m.
This day starts with trekking through semi-desert to climb Lava Tower for a maximum altitude of 4630 m, which is very good for acclimatizing to the high elevation. Finally, you will pass near Arrow Glacier and descend to Barranco Camp (3860 m) for the night.
Day 4:
Trek distance: 3km, to reach an elevation of 4000 m.
This is an acclimatization day to prepare your body for lower oxygen levels. While it is only a short (3-4 hrs) trek, you will tackle the intimidating Barranco Wall shortly after breakfast. Clients usually report that it’s actually easier than it looks from a distance. You can see the Heim Glacier as you continue on toward Karanga Valley.
Day 5:
Trek distance: 6km, to reach an elevation of 4670 m.
After breakfast at Karanga Valley Camp you will continue toward Barafu Camp, the last stop before the final summit.
Make sure to get as much rest as possible, as you will be waking at around midnight to begin the final ascent.
Day 6: Summit Day
Trek distance: 19 km total, to climb to an elevation of 5895 m (Uhuru Peak) and descend to Mweka Camp (3060 m).
You will begin trekking around midnight, passing through Stella Point to reach Uhuru Peak. The summit trek takes approximately 6 hours. You should summit in time to see an amazing sunrise on the roof of Africa from either Stella Point or Uhuru Peak. Then, descend to Barafu Camp (approximately 3 hours) for a brief rest and and continue through Mweka Route to overnight at Mweka Camp (approximately 6 hrs).
This will be your last night on Kilimanjaro.
Day 7:
Trek distance: 10 km, to descend to Mweka Gate (1640 m).
Breakfast and continue your descent to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival you will collect your certificates for Stella Point or Uhuru Peak. You will then be transferred to your accommodations for a well-deserved rest – you did it!
END OF SEVEN DAYS TREKKING MACHAME ROUTE
