Machame Route 7 Days

The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, offering stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and a good balance of altitude gain and acclimatization time. Here is a sample 6-day Machame Route itinerary:

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)

• Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
• Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
• Elevation Gain: +1,200m
• Description:
  • You start at Machame Gate and hike through lush rainforest. As you ascend, you will see a variety of wildlife and plants.
  • The path can be muddy and slippery, but you’ll enjoy the dense vegetation.
  • You reach Machame Camp in the early evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,850m)

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: +850m
• Description:
  • Today’s trek starts with a steep climb and gradually opens into moorland and heather. The views are expansive, and you can get a good look at Kilimanjaro’s summit.
  • You will reach Shira Camp, which is on a high plateau, offering a unique view of the mountain.

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,850m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m) via Lava Tower (4,630m)

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
• Elevation Gain: +780m, then descend -680m
• Description:
  • The route takes you up to Lava Tower (4,630m), a unique volcanic formation, before descending to Barranco Camp.
  • This day is important for acclimatization, as you climb high and then descend to sleep at a lower altitude.
  • You’ll pass through the semi-desert zone and witness a change in vegetation.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: +85m
• Description:
  • This is a shorter day with a steep climb up the Barranco Wall, but the rest of the day is fairly level.
  • After navigating the Barranco Wall, you’ll reach Karanga Camp, which is a good place for acclimatization.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

• Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: +605m
• Description:
  • The trail today is relatively easy compared to earlier sections, but it’s still a steady climb to Barafu Camp, where you will prepare for your summit push.
  • You’ll have dinner early and rest as much as possible, because the summit attempt starts late at night.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) to the summit, then 13 km (8.1 miles) to Mweka Camp
• Trekking Time: 6-8 hours to summit, then 6-7 hours descent
• Elevation Gain: +1,255m to summit, then descend -2,795m
• Description:
  • You will start your summit trek around midnight to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. The first part of the trek is steep and cold, with headlamps lighting the path.
  • Once at the summit, take in the breathtaking views before descending back down to Barafu Camp.
  • After a brief rest, continue descending to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest and overnight stay.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Elevation Loss: -1,460m
• Description:
  • This is the final stretch of your climb as you descend to the Mweka Gate. You’ll pass through rainforest again, and after reaching the gate, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

This 7-day itinerary is designed to give you enough time for acclimatization, which is key to safely summiting Kilimanjaro. The Machame Route is known for its beautiful scenery and relatively moderate difficulty, making it one of the most popular routes for climbers.