7 Days Machame Route in Tanzania

We will drive from Moshi/ Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Overnight: Machame Camp.

Meals: Lunch and diner

After breakfast, you depart the rainforest zone and ascend steadily into the heath and moorland landscape. The trail crosses a small valley before climbing a steep, rocky ridge draped in giant heather and open alpine vegetation. As the ridge tapers off, the route gradually turns west toward a scenic river gorge, offering expansive views across the Shira Plateau. Upon arrival at Shira Camp, you will have time to rest, enjoy a hot dinner, and settle in for your overnight stay.

Overnight: Shira Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and diner

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the ”Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Overnight: Barranco Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and diner

After breakfast, you depart Barranco Camp and ascend the iconic Barranco Wall, a dramatic yet manageable scramble offering outstanding panoramic views. The trail then follows a steep ridge before descending into the Karanga Valley. This is intentionally a shorter trekking day, strategically designed to support acclimatization and enhance altitude adaptation. Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, you will have time to rest, rehydrate, and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

Overnight: Karanga Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and diner

After breakfast, you depart Karanga Camp and proceed to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. The ascent continues steadily toward Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the Southern Circuit, which presents spectacular summit perspectives from multiple angles. Upon arrival, camp is established at high altitude, allowing time to rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. From this vantage point, the striking peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are clearly visible.

Overnight: Barafu Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and diner

Shortly after midnight, you begin the summit ascent between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, climbing northwest through steep scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most demanding section, both physically and mentally. After a brief rest and sunrise views, you continue for approximately one hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa on Mount Kilimanjaro. Thereafter, descend via Barafu for lunch and proceed to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Mweka Hut

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and diner

After breakfast, you proceed with the final descent to Mweka Park Gate, where you will officially sign out and receive your summit certificate in recognition of your achievement on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route. At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. Light clothing is usually sufficient, though rain gear should remain accessible. Following this accomplishment, you may extend your journey with a Tanzania wildlife safari or gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch