7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro – (Machame Route)

Drive from Arusha/ Moshi to Machame Gate. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on
the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations 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.

At Machame Camp, on the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro, you’ll be sleeping at an altitude of 2835m. That means there are still some trees around, and the views of the higher country to the north are quite beautiful. There are no facilities but you’ll spend the evening sharing climbing stories with other travelers.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a
steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Shira 2 Camp is the third camping area along the Shira and Lemosho route as you climb Mt Kilimanjaro. It’s a simple site with no facilities – you just have to find enough space among the rocky boulders to pitch your tent. The views from here are outstanding, and the altitude of 3890m/12,762ft makes it an important step in acclimatizing to the higher altitudes.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Starting Point: Machame Camp 2,835m

End Point: Shira Camp 3,850m

Walking Time: 4-6 Hours approx.

Overnight – Shira Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro  

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

There’s a wild and beautiful feel to staying at Karanga Camp, which sits at an altitude of 3995m, high on Mt Kilimanjaro. There are no trees here and the surrounding alpine desert landscape is stunning. You can also see the mountain’s summit from here, and there’s plenty of room for everyone’s tent. Lots of other climbers pass through here.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continueo ur way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Benson Safaris vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi/ Arusha).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest