Itinerary Summary

Machame route 7 day itinerary is considered to be the best option while attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro because you get an extra precious acclimatization day.

Detailed Itinerary by day

Day1: Arrive in Arusha from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a private transfer waiting at the airport to pick you to Arusha Safari Lodge.

We stay at Arusha Safari Lodge , which is a beautiful Hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and is a perfect place to prepare you for adventure.

We will gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.

We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance. Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Half board.

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame

The climb starts from machame gate (1830m), we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive to the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level

If is a clear day we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 6-7 hours walking.

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

A shorter day climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic site, and continue up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m): 4-6 hours walking.

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Valley

Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.).

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours walking.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the south eastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, finally we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp

Barranco Camp to Karanga camp (4,000 m): 4-5 hours walking.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

A steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can been seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the Camp, The remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m.); 3-4 hours walking.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735mAt Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. After few minutes of appreciate your accomplishment. From the summit, we will start our descent continuing straight down to Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

After breakfast, we continue the descent down through the rainforest to the Mweka Park Gate.

It can be wet and muddy. Successful climb will receive their summit certificates at lower elevation. After lunch we drive back to Arusha Safari Lodge.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.

Day 9: Departure

After saying bye bye to our operation team , we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight UNLESS you have a different departure option which will be discussed.