Kilimanjaro 7 Days Machame Route

Transfer from your hotel to Machame Gate (1,640 meters or 5,380 ft) and climb to Machame Camp/Machame hut (2,850 meters or 9,350 ft)Hiking hours: 5-6 hours. Distance: 11 km or 7 miles. Zone: RainforestAfter breakfast at your hotel our driver will pick you up and take you to Kilimanjaro National Park's Machame Gate (approximately 1 hour drive).Upon arrival, our experienced and loyal porters will organise all the baggage and other equipment for the climb, while you and your guides register with Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).After all registration and other formalities are complete, you will start your trek through the dense mountain forest. There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest which means that the trail in this zone may become muddy and slippery. Proper hiking shoes and rainwear are a must! In this area you should also be on the lookout for wildlife such as Colobus monkeys and many species of birds.You will stop for a picnic lunch at the halfway point before continuing on to Machame Camp where you will arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and cook who move up the mountain very fast, will setup your tents at the camp, boil your drinking water and prepare snacks for your arrival. You may get your first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the weather is clear and the clouds have dissipated. Your hot dinner will be served after some rest and washing up time at the camp.

Climbing from Shira Camp 2 Via Lava Tower (4,630 m 15, 190 ft) to Barranco Camp (3,976 meters or 13,044 feet)Hiking hours: 8- 9 hours. Distance: 10 km or 6 miles. Zone: Low alpine zone to high alpine zone.After breakfast, you will start a gentle ascent with panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind you and entering into a semi-desert and rocky landscape.After 5 hours of walking eastward, you will come face to face with the lava tower. Here you will have a chance to rest and eat your lunch. Hikers will have the option of climbing the massive lava tower if they wish and if the weather allows for that.When climbers arrive at this point, it is normal to experience some altitude sickness including headaches and shortness of breath, although it is not systematic. Symptoms will vary from person to person. Those choosing not to climb the lava tower will descend after lunch to the Great Barranco Valley, sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. This trekking day is mainly to allow for acclimatization.Drinking and washing water will be made  available upon your arrival at the camp and your hot dinner will be served after sunset.

Climbing from Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp (4.673 meters to 15,331 feet)Hiking hours: 4 hours. Distance: 4 km or 2 miles. Zone: High alpine zoneAfter breakfast, you will embark on your last day full day on the Kilimanjaro Machame Route before reaching the summit. You will cross some splendid volcanic lands, with Kibo volcano (highest of the Kilimanjaro volcanoes) and its remaining glaciers as the backdrop. Your tents will be exposed to freezing winds and the campsite is set among many rocks. It will therefore be very important for you to familiarize yourself with the campsite before dark. Your guide will brief you on how to prepare for your summit night. Also, make sure you settle down to rest and sleep by 7:00 PM so as to feel fit and well for your nighttime ascension. Your dinner will be served earlier than usual on this important day.

Climbing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters or 19,341feet) and descend to Mweka Camp (10,000ft)Hiking hours: 4-6 hours.Distance 12 km or 7 Miles. Zone: Glacial zone and the all preceding zones.Your guide will wake you up at around 11:30 PM for tea and biscuits before you begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb.After about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! Once you are there, you will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu Camp begins.The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. Once at the camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut. The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp is located in the upper rain forest so fog and rain should be expected.Here, you will be served a well-deserved hot dinner and be able to wash and rest after your feat.