7 Days Machame Route

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a La Pisada Africa Safaris representative will meet and assist you with your transfer to Springlands Hotel in Moshi. Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and take some time to relax before dinner.

A climb briefing session will be conducted by your lead guide, providing essential information for the trek. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, check your gear, and make any necessary last-minute preparations.

Overnight at Springlands Hotel, Moshi (Full Board).

The adventure begins early with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to Machame Village (1,490m). Here, guides and porters will organize and pack all supplies and equipment. If road conditions are favourable, you’ll proceed by vehicle to Machame Gate (1,800m). If the road is muddy, expect a 3 km trek to the gate, taking approximately 1 hour.

Upon arrival at Machame Gate, complete registration formalities before beginning your ascent through the lush rainforest. The trail may be muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are recommended. Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys, colourful birds, and towering Eucalyptus trees.
 
In the evening, porters will boil drinking and washing water, and the cook will prepare dinner. As night falls, temperatures drop significantly, so ensure you have warm clothing for a cold night at Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1,490m/4,888ft to 3,010m/9,875ft
 
Distance: 11km/7mi
 
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
 
Habitat: Rainforest
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wake up early for breakfast before leaving Machame Camp. The initial ascent is steep, taking you through the upper rainforest before entering the moorland zone, where the landscape is dotted with giant heathers and lobelias.

After an hour of climbing, reach the top of the forest, then continue at a gentler gradient for another two hours through moorland vegetation. After a short break and lunch, the trail leads to a rocky ridge that opens up to the Shira Plateau.
 
Upon arrival at Shira Camp (3,840m), take in stunning views of the Western Breach and its glaciers. Due to the exposed location, expect temperatures to drop well below freezing at night.

Elevation Gain: 3,000m / 9,800ft to 3,840m / 12,600ft
 
Distance: 5km / 3mi
 
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
 
Habitat: Moorland
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today's trek involves altitude acclimatization as the route takes you eastward into a semi-desert landscape. After about 5 hours, reach Lava Tower (4,630m), an important acclimatization stop. This is one of the toughest days so far, and some climbers may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or headaches.

After lunch near Lava Tower, descend 680m to Barranco Camp (3,950m). This descent plays a crucial role in acclimatization, helping the body adjust to high altitudes. Along the way, enjoy incredible views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.
 
The sunset over Barranco Valley is a memorable sight.

Elevation Gain: 3,840m/12,600ft to 4,630m/15,190ft (Lava Tower), then down to 3,950m/13,044ft
 
Distance: 10km / 6mi
 
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
 
Habitat: Alpine Desert, Moorland
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Begin the morning with a climb up the Great Barranco Wall, an exciting non-technical scramble that requires some hand-and-foot climbing. Once at the top, enjoy stunning panoramic views before descending into Karanga Valley.

After lunch at Karanga Camp, the remainder of the day is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing the body to adjust before the final summit push.

Elevation Gain: 3,950m/13,044ft to 4,035m/13,238ft
 
Distance: 6km/3.7mi
 
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
 
Habitat: Alpine Desert
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trek continues to Barafu Camp (4,640m), the final base camp before the summit attempt. The route is steep and exposed, with strong winds often blowing across the ridge.

Upon reaching Barafu, prepare your gear, check headlamps, and pack thermal clothing for the midnight summit push. Climbers must eat well and sleep early, as the ascent begins at around 23:30.

Elevation Gain: 4,035m/13,238ft to 4,640m/15,223ft
 
Distance: 4km / 2.5mi
 
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
 
Habitat: Alpine Desert
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The summit push begins at 23:30 with a light snack and tea, followed by a steep six-hour ascent through loose scree toward Stella Point (5,685m). This is the most challenging part of the climb.

At Stella Point, take a brief rest before the final two-hour trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Enjoy an unforgettable sunrise before beginning the descent.
 
After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for the night.

Elevation Gain / Loss: 4,600m / 15,100ft to 5,895m / 19,300ft (Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,110m / 10,200ft
 
Distance: 17km / 11mi
 
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
 
Habitat: Arctic, Alpine Desert, Moorland
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m).
 
At Mweka Gate, receive summit certificates—gold for Uhuru Peak climbers, green for Stella Point climbers.

Drive to Springlands Hotel in Moshi, where a hot lunch, warm shower, and well-earned rest await.

Elevation: 3,100m/10,170ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
 
Distance: 10km/6mi
 
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
 
Habitat: Rainforest
 
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, check out from Springlands Hotel and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.