Machame 7 Days Climb

After breakfast, you are transferred to Machame Gate. After finishing the formalities at the gate you start your climb at around 1200hrs.

Elevation (m) – 1200 to 1490 to 2980

Distance – About 11kms

Hiking Time – 5 to 7 hrs

Habitat – Rainforest

The drive from Arusha Town to Machame Gate is about 2hrs. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro.

We start our journey through the rainforest on a winding trail up the ridge. The lower down terrain can be muddy and slippery so Gaiters and Trekking Poles are a must here. We continue a short distance until we reach Machame Camp. Dinner and Overnight at Machame Camp (DBL)

Elevation (m) – 2980 to 3840

Distance – About 5kms

Hiking Time – 4 to 6 hrs

Habitat – Moorland

After breakfast, we leave the glade of rainforest and continue on an ascending path crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge where it turns west onto a river gorge.

Rest, Dinner and Overnight at Shira Camp (DBL)

Elevation (m) – 3840 to 4690 to 3950

Distance – About 10kms

Hiking Time – 6 to 8 hrs

Habitat – Semi Desert

After breakfast, we continue up 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 4820m. We then continue down to Barranco Camp at an altitude of 3950m.

Although you end up at the same altitude as you began, this day is very important for acclimatising and this will help your body prepare for the summit day.

Rest, Dinner and Overnight at Barranco Camp (DBL)

Elevation (m) – 3950 to 3959

Distance – About 4kms

Hiking Time – 2 to 3 hrs

Habitat – Alpine Desert

This is a short hike day meant for acclimatization. After an early morning breakfast, you conquer the great barranco wall. Although it may look intimidating at first glance, hikers state that this is class 2 hike and is usually much easier than anticipated.

At the top of the wall, you will have a view of heim glacier and will above the clouds.

The trail then winds up and down into the Karanga Valley.

Rest, Dinner and Overnight at Karanga Camp (DBL)

Elevation (m) – 3959 to 4600

Distance – About 4kms

Hiking Time – 2 to 3 hrs

Habitat – Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you will begin your ascent intersecting with the Mweka Route which is also used to descend on the final two days. You continue hiking towards Barafu Camp.

This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no access to water at Barafu Camp which stands at 4600m.

The word BARAFU means ICE in swahili. This camp is located on a rocky exposed ridge.

Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with their surroundings before dark. Early dinner will be served so that you can get some rest as the hike to the summit will be on the same night at midnight.

Your guide will brief you in detail at around 1900 hrs on how to prepare for the summit.

Elevation (m) – 4600 to 5895 to 3100

Distance – About 5kms Ascent & 12 kms Descent

Hiking Time – 7 to 8 hrs Ascent & 4 to 6 hrs Descent

Habitat – Arctic

At midnight, you start your ascent to the Summit between rebmann & ratzel glaciers. We head in the northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards stella point on the crater rim. This is the most challenging portion both mentally and physically.

At stella point which is 5790m, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (Weather Permitting). At stella point you may encounter snow all the way on your one hour ascent to the Summit.

At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the Continent of Africa!!! Usually faster hikers will see the sunrise from the Summit.

After taking some memorable pictures of your achievement, you then start descending, continuing straight to Mweka Camp with a brief stop at Barafu Camp for lunch. Gaiters and Trekking Poles are highly recommended because of the loose gravel whilst going down.

Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, expect some mist and rain during the late afternoon. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and get a well earned sleep.

Rest, Dinner and Overnight at Mweka Camp (DBL)

Elevation (m) – 3100 to 1980 to 1200

Distance – About 10kms

Hiking Time – 3 to 4 hrs

Habitat – Rainforest

After breakfast, we continue our descent towards Mweka Gate. You will receive your certificate at the gate.

At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, gaiters and trekking pole are strongly recommended. Shorts and Tshirts are a good idea for this day however you should have your rain gear handy just in case.

From the gate, it’s about an hour to Mweka Village where a vehicle will meet you and you are then transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Overnight at Venus Premier Hotel (BB)

After breakfast, day at leisure. You check out by 1100hrs and depending on your flight time, you shall then be transferred to the airport for your flight back home with wonderful memories.