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7 days Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour via Machame Route

My best experience ever! Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

By African MajesticPublished 10 months ago 3 min read
7 days machame route

Here is the story of how everything went

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (1,800m – 3,000m)

After breakfast, you'll be driven from your hotel to the Machame Gate (1,800 meters). Once there, you'll complete the necessary registration process before beginning your trek. The first part of the climb takes you through lush rainforest, which provides good shade and is rich in plant and animal life. The path gradually ascends, leading you to Machame Camp (3,000 meters), a beautiful site nestled among the trees. It's a relatively easy first day, allowing you to adjust to the altitude. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,000m – 3,840m)

On the second day, you’ll continue your ascent out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The path gradually climbs toward the Shira Plateau, where the views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape become truly breathtaking. You'll reach Shira Camp (3,840 meters), situated on a high plateau. This day is shorter, offering you a chance to acclimatize to the higher altitude. You will have time to rest and enjoy the surroundings before dinner and an overnight stay at Shira Camp.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,840m – 3,950m)

On Day 3, you’ll begin by heading east across the Shira Plateau, passing several notable features, including the Lava Tower. Although you’ll climb above 4,500 meters briefly, the route then descends back to Barranco Camp (3,950 meters). This descent helps with acclimatization, as it allows your body to adjust to the higher altitudes. The stunning Barranco Wall, a large rock face, looms over the camp, and your night will be spent here after a long, scenic day of trekking. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,950m – 4,035m)

Day 4 is a relatively short day but one that provides an exciting challenge. After breakfast, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep and rocky ascent that requires some scrambling. Once at the top, the path flattens out as you cross a rocky ridge, with views of Kibo Peak. You’ll then descend slightly before reaching Karanga Camp (4,035 meters). This day offers a great opportunity for acclimatization, as the altitude is still moderate. After the day's hike, you’ll enjoy dinner and rest at Karanga Camp.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,035m – 4,673m)

On Day 5, you’ll head out from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 meters). The route is short but steep, taking you through an alpine desert environment with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. As you climb higher, the landscape becomes more barren and exposed. Once you arrive at Barafu Camp in the early afternoon, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the summit attempt, which will begin around midnight. After an early dinner, try to get some rest before the challenging trek ahead.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and Descent to Mweka Camp

The final day begins with an early start at around midnight. You'll begin the summit trek from Barafu Camp, aiming to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak) by sunrise. The path is steep and strenuous, and you'll need to pace yourself as you make your way up. After passing Stella Point (5,735 meters), you’ll reach the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). At the summit, take in the incredible views and snap some photos before starting the descent. The descent back to Barafu Camp will take a few hours, where you'll take a brief rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters) for the night. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On the final day of your trek, you'll descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,800 meters), which takes about 3-4 hours. The descent takes you through the rainforest zone once again, providing a different perspective of the landscape. Once you reach the gate, you'll complete the final formalities, sign out, and receive your certificates for completing the trek (green for reaching Stella Point and gold for summiting Uhuru Peak). Afterward, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for some well-deserved rest.

This 7-day Machame Route itinerary is designed for both the physical challenge and optimal acclimatization, offering incredible views and a rewarding summit experience. Enjoy your adventure on Kilimanjaro!

For More of what you can experience, Contact me,

Phone: +255672757346

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://africanmajesticadventure.com/

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