Machame 7 days hike

Day 0: Arrival

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a representative from Pundamilia Traverse & Escapade will greet you. After a brief introduction, they will transport you to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, you'll have a briefing with the guide, who will ensure you are prepared to start the climb.

Accommodation: Ameg Lodge

Alternative Accommodation: Ardhi Africa or Maridadi Hotel

Time From JRO to Moshi: 1 hour

Day 1: Hike from Machame Gate to Machame Camp

In the morning, a guide and a mountain support crew will meet you at the hotel to prepare for the journey. You will then travel by vehicle to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park: Machame Gate (1,800 m). After quickly handling the formalities of obtaining climbing permits and weighing the porters' luggage, you will begin your trek to Machame Camp (2,850 m). The route passes through the rainforest, where tropical showers are likely, so we advise bringing spare clothes and raincoats.

Elevation Change: Machame Gate (1,800 m) to Machame Camp (2,850 m)

Hiking distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

Hiking duration: 5 to 6 hours

Day 2: Hike from Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, you'll begin your trek to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp (3,750 m). On this day, you'll leave the rainforest and, for the first time, enjoy stunning views of the Shira Plateau spread out before you. The trek isn't physically demanding, but you might feel the effects of the altitude change, so it's important to listen to your body and maintain a proper pace for a successful trek. Upon reaching the camp, you'll have lunch and rest, followed by an acclimatization hike towards Shira 2 Camp, gaining 200 meters in altitude. Back at Shira Camp, a hot dinner will be served.

Elevation Change: Machame Camp (2,850 m) to Shira Camp (3,750 m)

Hiking distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)

Hiking duration: 4 to 5 hours

Acclimatization hike:

Elevation Change: Shira Camp (3,750 m) — Target location (4,000 m)

Hiking distance: 1.5 km (1 mile)

Hiking duration: 1 to 2 hours

Day 3: Hike from Shira Camp to The Lava Tower, followed by a Descent to Barranco Camp

Following breakfast, you will depart from Shira Camp (3,750 m) and head towards the crucial part of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m). This segment involves numerous ascents and descents, concluding at a camp situated at 4,600 meters. While it may be challenging and potentially uncomfortable, it is essential to spend at least 1 hour here for proper acclimatization to the altitude, making this the location for lunch.

Afterward, you will make your way down to Barranco Camp (3,900 m). At this location, you can view the renowned Barranco Wall, notable for its immense size and steep incline! The following day, you'll be climbing it, but rest assured, it has an easy hiking path.

Elevation Change: Shira Camp (3,750 m) to Lava Tower (4,600 m) and then to Barranco Camp (3,900 m)

Hiking distance: 11 km (6.2 miles)

Hiking duration: 6 to 8 hours

Day 4: Hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga

On this day, it is advisable to start a bit later to avoid crowding on the ascent of Barranco Wall. Although the Wall appears intimidating due to its height and steepness, the climb itself is quite manageable, taking only about an hour. The summit offers a fantastic photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as the backdrop at an elevation of 4,200 meters, serving as our acclimatization point. The remainder of the day involves a series of ascents and descents, with your guides selecting the best route for each climber. After a lunch break at Karanga Camp, you can enjoy an afternoon rest before dinner and an overnight stay.

Elevation Change: Barranco Camp (3,900 m) to Karanga Camp (3,995 m)

Hiking distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)

Hiking duration: 4 to 5 hours

Day 5: Hiking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you head to Barafu Base Camp (4,673 m). Once you arrive, you'll receive a hot lunch and have time to rest. It's recommended to sleep for the remainder of the day to relax your muscles and recuperate before the summit attempt. Dinner will be served early to ensure you get adequate rest, as you'll start around midnight. The guide will give you all the necessary information about the summit attempt to ensure you're ready for the hike.

Elevation Change Karanga Camp (4,035 m) to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

Hiking distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)

Hiking duration: 3–4 hrs.

Day 6: Ascend to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

The adventure kicks at night from Barafu Camp (4,673 m) as you begin the ascent to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Although the climb is technically simple, the high altitude poses the biggest challenge. Each pair of climbers will have a personal guide to monitor their physical and mental condition during the ascent. Once you reach Uhuru Peak, you will spend a few minutes there based on the guide's instructions, after which you will return to Barafu Camp. Following a 1.5-hour rest, you will continue your descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).

Elevation Change: Barafu Camp (4,673 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

Hiking distance: 17.2 km (10.7 miles)

Hiking duration: 10 to 14 hours

Day 7: Descending from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m). After your descent the whole crew will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions and gratitude's. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.

Elevation Change: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking duration: 3 to 4.5 hours

Accommodation: Ameg Lodge

Alternative Accommodation: Ardhi Africa or Maridadi Hotel

Departure

Relax at the hotel and then proceed to the airport.

Note: Check-out time at the hotel is 10:00 AM. If you require a late check-out due to an evening flight, you can extend your stay for an additional fee.