7 days Machame route kilimanjaro climbing/trekking

Morning:

• After breakfast, you will be picked up and driven to the Machame Gate (1,800 meters / 5,904 feet), about a 1-2 hour drive from Arusha.
• At the gate, your team will complete the necessary registration, and you will be briefed on the day’s hike.

Trek:

• Begin your trek through the lush rainforest. The path is relatively gentle, and you will pass through thick forest with tall trees, moss-covered branches, and the sounds of tropical birds.
• This section of the trek offers a peaceful atmosphere and the chance to see monkeys and other wildlife.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a packed lunch along the trail.

Afternoon:

• Continue trekking through the forest toward Machame Camp (3,000 meters / 9,840 feet).
• Upon arrival, your tents will be set up, and you can relax.
• The camp is surrounded by trees and provides great views of the mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Machame Camp

Morning:

• After breakfast, continue your ascent as you leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper, and you will pass through rocky terrain, offering dramatic views of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.
• The landscape changes as you climb higher, with fewer trees and more shrubs and wildflowers.

Lunch:

• A packed lunch will be served during the hike.

Afternoon:

• Continue hiking toward Shira Camp (3,840 meters / 12,602 feet), which lies on the edge of the Shira Plateau. This area is characterized by open spaces, and you will be able to catch your first views of the ice caps.
• Enjoy the views as you settle into camp and prepare for the day ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Camp

Morning:

• After breakfast, continue trekking across the Shira Plateau, heading toward Lava Tower (4,630 meters / 15,190 feet). The terrain becomes more rocky as you hike, offering excellent panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and the surrounding valleys.
• Lava Tower is a significant geological feature, and its imposing structure is a great spot for photos.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a packed lunch near Lava Tower.

Afternoon:

• After taking in the views, you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,950 meters / 12,960 feet). The descent is a crucial part of your acclimatization, as it helps your body adjust to the altitude.
• Barranco Camp is situated at the base of the famous Barranco Wall and offers excellent views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp

Morning:

• After breakfast, you will begin the exciting climb of the Barranco Wall (4,200 meters / 13,780 feet). The Barranco Wall is a steep, rocky section that requires some scrambling, but it is non-technical and offers stunning views as you ascend.
• At the top of the wall, you will be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.

Lunch:

• After climbing the Barranco Wall, you will enjoy lunch at a scenic spot.

Afternoon:

• From here, the trek continues towards Karanga Camp (4,000 meters / 13,123 feet), a short but steep descent followed by a gradual ascent.
• Karanga Camp is known for its stunning views and peaceful environment, making it an excellent place to rest and acclimatize.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp

Morning:

• After breakfast, trek towards Barafu Camp (4,640 meters / 15,223 feet), a more challenging section as you leave the lush vegetation behind and enter the alpine desert zone.
• The path is rocky, and the landscape becomes more barren and rugged, but the views of the summit and the surrounding glaciers are awe-inspiring.

Lunch:

• A packed lunch will be provided on the way.

Afternoon:

• Arrive at Barafu Camp in the afternoon, where you will have the rest of the day to rest and prepare for the final summit push.
• Ensure you hydrate, eat well, and get as much rest as possible, as you will be starting your summit attempt during the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp

Midnight:

• After a light dinner and a rest, you will begin the summit attempt at midnight. The first part of the trek takes you through the Saddle, a flat area between the peaks of Kilimanjaro, and onto the final ascent.

Summit:

• After hours of climbing, you will reach Stella Point (5,730 meters / 18,799 feet) on the rim of the crater at sunrise. The sunrise over the glaciers is breathtaking, but you will continue for another 1-hour hike to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa.
• Enjoy the moment of reaching the summit, take photos, and celebrate your achievement.

Descent:

• After spending some time at the summit, you will begin your descent to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters / 10,170 feet) for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp

Morning:

• After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet).
• The descent is easier than the ascent, but it’s still a long journey through lush vegetation.

Lunch:

• A packed lunch will be served along the trail.

Afternoon:

• Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will be transferred back to Arusha for a well-deserved celebration and a rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha (or departure)