7 Days Machame Route Itinerary - Join a Group for an Unforgettable Kilimanjaro Trek

Day 00: Arrival

Upon arrival in Tanzania, your group will be warmly welcomed at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Afterward, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi where you’ll meet your fellow climbers. In the evening, there will be a briefing with your climbing team to discuss the 7 days Machame route itinerary, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Relax and get ready for your trek to the Roof of Africa, starting tomorrow!

Day 01: Hotel to Machame Camp

Your 7-day Machame route itinerary begins with a transfer from your hotel to Machame Gate, where you’ll meet your group and complete the necessary registration. From there, the group will hike through a lush rainforest, ascending to Machame Camp at an elevation of 3,000 m / 9,840 ft. You will cover 11 km / 6.8 mi over 5-6 hours, immersing yourself in the beauty of Kilimanjaro’s foothills.

Day 02: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

On Day 2, the group will trek from Machame Camp through moorland, making your way to the Shira Plateau at an elevation of 3,850 m / 12,630 ft. Expect a 5 km / 3 mi hike, taking about 4-5 hours. At Shira Camp, you will rest while enjoying panoramic views of the plateau and the surrounding peaks, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscape.

Day 03: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

The group will hike to Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,100 ft) for altitude acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp (3,900 m / 12,800 ft). This segment of the 7-day Machame route itinerary covers 10 km / 6.2 mi and takes 7-8 hours. The Barranco Wall, which you'll face on this day, offers a thrilling challenge that brings climbers together as they support each other on the ascent.

Day 04: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day 4 of the 7-day Machame route itinerary is all about tackling the Barranco Wall—a tough but rewarding climb. Once at the top, you'll head toward Karanga Camp (4,035 m / 13,235 ft). This is a shorter day, covering 5 km / 3 mi in 4-5 hours, with stunning views of the alpine desert environment. It’s a perfect spot to rest and acclimatize as you get closer to the summit.

Day 05: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

On Day 5, you’ll hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, located at 4,640 m / 15,223 ft. The group will cover a 7 km / 4.3 mi distance in about 4-5 hours. Barafu Camp is the final base before the summit, and it’s where you’ll rest and prepare for the final climb. The excitement builds as you spend the night here, ready for the next day’s ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Day 06: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Today, the group will begin the climb to Uhuru Peak early in the morning, reaching the summit at 5,895 m / 19,341 ft. After celebrating at the highest point in Africa, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m / 10,171 ft). This is the longest day, covering 11 km / 6.8 mi and taking 12-14 hours in total. The shared effort and camaraderie with your fellow climbers will make the experience all the more rewarding.

Day 07: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

The last day of your 7 days Machame route itinerary involves descending from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. The group will cover 10 km / 6.2 mi in about 3-4 hours, enjoying the final views of Kilimanjaro's diverse ecosystems. Upon reaching the gate, you will receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to your hotel. It’s time to celebrate your achievement and relax after an incredible group adventure on Kilimanjaro!