7 Days Kili Climb Via Machame Route

7 Days Kili Climb Via Machame Route

Machame is the second most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro with length of 26 km. This route is considered as the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. With a gradual ascend through the forest you emerge to see wide views of the moorland on Shira plateau, Kibo and Western Breach. The different kinds of vegetation found along the route make it the most scenery route. We are approaching the summit with an acclimatization day by walking in the same heights (Barafu Camp to Karanga Valley Camp), and another day by stopping at Karranga Valley camp (we are one of few tour operators offering this).

Day 1: ARUSHA –MACHAME GATE 1600M –MACHAME CAMP 3100M

Around 8h30 you will be picked up from your Hotel and transfer to Machame gate where trekking formalities are done. Formalities take about 30minutes to 1 hour. From there you will start your easy track through a dense forest for the first hour. The path continues to follow the ridge rising steadily with several steep sections. The gradient eases slightly as the forest merges into heather covered ground. A walk will be done for 7.5hours. Elevation change +1500m. Estimated distance 10km. Final elevation 3100m.Dinner and Overnight Machame Camp FB

Day2: MACHAME CAMP 3100M TO SHIRA CAMP 3,840M

Early after breakfast continue from Machame camp across the stream onto its west bank and follow the path up the steep rocky ridge rises – crossing  a few times before reaching Shira Camp at the base of semicircular wall of rocks. Hike time 5-6hours. Elevation change 740m. Estimated distance 6km.  Final elevation 3,840.Dinner and Overnight Shira Camp

Day 3: SHIRA CAMP 3,850M TO BARRANCO CAMP 3,950M

From Shira Camp hike to Lava Tower 4,700m and then proceed to Barranco 3,950m via the great Barranco Wall. This route offers panoramic views of Kibo through Karanga Valley as we hike high and sleep low, dropping back down from Barranco after lunch. Today’s hike will most of the day. Barranco Campsite is located on elevation of 3,950m. Hike time 5hours. Elevation change 110m. Estimated distance 8km. Dinner and Overnight Barranco Campsite

Day 4: BARRANCO CAMP 3,950M TO KARANGA VALLEY CAMP 3,930

Today walk from Barranco to Karanga Valley where by you can go down to karanga valley for acclimatization with hot lunch. Dinner and overnight at Karanga Valley Camp.

Day 5: KARANGA VALLEY 3,930M TO BARAFU CAMP 4,600M

Today involves gaining a little more elevation acclimatization and resting for the summit attempting the next morning. This day takes us 4hours of walking. Elevation change +650. Estimated distance 7km. Final elevation 4,600m.Dinner and Overnight Barafu Camp

Day 6:  BARAFU CAMP 4,600M TO THE SUMMIT 5,895M.

We will start trekking early before sunrise (1-2am) as the walk will take 10- 14 hours. We will avoid the mist that sets in later in the day. The snow will still be safely frozen. The 1,100m (3,600) ascent in just over 3km will take us about 6 – 8hours. After brief stay at the summit of the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak at over5, 895 m we descent via the Mweka route in 12km in about 2hours to Mweka Camp.

 Day 7: MWEKA CAMP 3,100M TO MWEKA GATE 1,600M:

Today we descend about 1,500 meters through the forest on a jungle path for about 10km in 3 to 4 hours to reach Mweka gate where you will meet our driver for transfer you back to Arusha to your Hotel