7 Days Machame Route
Seven days through five worlds of Kilimanjaro: one of the most scenic approaches to Uhuru Peak, from rainforest to alpine desert.
Duration: 7 Days · Style: Kilimanjaro Climbs · Best time: Jan–Mar · Jun–Oct · Route: Machame → Shira → Barranco → Karanga → Barafu → Uhuru
Highlights
- Barranco Wall
- Lava Tower acclimatization
- Mweka descent
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Drive to Machame Gate, register and trek through lush montane forest (5–7 hours).
Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp
Leave the forest into heather and moorland with broad views toward Kibo.
Day 3: Shira → Lava Tower → Barranco
Climb high to Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco: the key acclimatization day.
Day 4: Barranco → Karanga Camp
Scramble the famous Barranco Wall (a trek, not technical) then traverse to Karanga.
Day 5: Karanga → Barafu Camp
Through alpine desert to the high camp. Rest, eat and prepare for summit night.
Day 6: Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka
Night ascent via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Descend through the forest to the gate and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha.