7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Itinerary (Including Arrival & Departure Days)

Keys Hotel , Panama Hotel

Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) Arusha Airport

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Arrival Day Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you will have time to relax, recover from your journey, and prepare for the climb. In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed pre-climb briefing, equipment check, and final preparations for your Machame Route adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro in Kilimanjaro National Park. Overnight stay at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800 m) – Machame Camp (2,835 m) After breakfast, drive from Moshi/Arusha to Machame Gate for registration and permit processing. The trek begins through lush rainforest with giant fig trees and rich vegetation. The trail is often muddy and slippery but scenic, offering chances to spot colobus monkeys and exotic birds. After a 5–7 hour hike, you arrive at Machame Camp for dinner and overnight. Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835 m) – Shira Camp (3,750 m) Today, you leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper as you climb through ridges with stunning views of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak. After about 4–6 hours of trekking, you reach Shira Camp where you will enjoy sunset views over the Shira Plateau. Day 3: Shira Camp (3,750 m) – Lava Tower (4,630 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m) This is an important acclimatization day. You ascend gradually to Lava Tower for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to altitude. The trek takes 6–7 hours through dramatic alpine desert landscapes. Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m) The day begins with an exciting climb of the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble with incredible views. You then continue through valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp. The hike takes about 4–5 hours, and the afternoon is reserved for rest and acclimatization. Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,673 m) A shorter but steady climb takes you to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The terrain is rocky and barren, with strong winds and cold temperatures. After arriving, you rest early, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit push. Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m) Around midnight, you begin your summit ascent under headlamps. You climb slowly to Stella Point and then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend back to Barafu for a short rest and continue down to Mweka Camp for overnight stay. Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m) After breakfast, you descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you receive your summit certificate and celebrate your achievement. A vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for rest, shower, and celebration. Departure Day After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. If time allows, you may also extend your stay for safari experiences in the Serengeti or a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday. We hope your journey on Mount Kilimanjaro leaves you with unforgettable memories and a strong sense of achievement.