7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

Machame Gate to Machame Hut (9,300)

Hike time: 7.5 hrs, Elevation change: +1200 M

Estimated distance: 10 km, Final elevation: 3100 M

An early pick up from hotel and then drive to Machame gate (5,400) where trekking formalities take about 30 minutes. From the gate, we begin our trek following an easy track for the first hour through the dense forest.

The path continues to follow the ridge, rising steadily with several steep sections. The gradient eases slightly as the forest merges into heather covered ground.

We will reach Machame Campsite in 10 km (6.2 miles) after a 1,200–meter (3,936) ascent and 5–7 hours of walking.

Hike time: 7 hrs, Elevation change: +800 M

Estimated distance: 6 km, Final elevation: 3800 M

From Machame Hut, we cross the stream onto its west bank and follow the path up the steep rocky ridge crises-crossing a few times before reaching Shira Hut at the base of a semi-circular wall of rocks.

We will have ascended 900 meters (3,000) in 5–7 hours and about 6 km (3.72 miles) of walking.

Hike time: 5 hrs, Elevation change: +100 M

Final elevation: 3900 M

From Shira Hut, we hike to Lava Tower (15,000) and then proceed to Barranco via the Great Barranco Wall. This route offers panoramic views of Kibo through Karanga Valley as we hike high and sleep low, dropping back down to Barranco after lunch. Our hike will take most of the day.

The Barranco campsite located at an elevation of 3950m.

Hike time: 5 hrs, Elevation change: +100 M

Estimated distance? Final elevation: 3900 M

From Shira Hut, we hike to Lava Tower (15,000) and then proceed to Barranco via the Great Barranco Wall. This route offers panoramic views of Kibo through Karanga Valley as we hike high and sleep low, dropping back down to Barranco after lunch. Our hike will take most of the day.

The Barranco campsite located on elevation of 3950m.

Hike time: 3.5 hrs, Elevation change: +600 M

Estimated distance: 4 km, Final elevation: 4600 M

The day involves gaining a little more elevation, acclimatizing and resting for the summit attempt the next morning. This day will take us 4 to 6 hrs of walking.

SUMMIT DAY! Summit time: 7 hrs, Elevation change: +1300 M

Estimated distance: 5km, Final elevation: 5895 M

Descent time: 5 hrs, Elevation change: -2800M

Estimated distance: 12 km, Final elevation: 3100 M

We will start trekking early before sunrise (1-2 am) as the walk today will take 10-14 + hours. We will avoid the mist that sets in later in the day; the scree and snow will still be safely frozen.

The 1,100-meter (3,600) ascent in just over 3 km (1.86 miles) will take us about 6-8 hours. After a brief stay at the summit of the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak, at over 5,898 meters (19,340'), we descend via the Barafu Route roughly 2,500 meters (8,200) in 12 km (7.44 miles) in about 4–7 hours to Mweka Camp.

Descent time: 4 hrs, Elevation change: -1250M

Estimated distance: 10km, Final elevation: 1828 M

Today, we descend about 1400 meters (4,592) through the forest on a jungle path for about 10 km (6.2 miles) in 3 – 4 hours to reach Mweka Gate where you will be picked by our driver and transferred back to Arusha.

Stay overnight in a hotel of your choice on your own arrangements.