7 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Via Machame

Drive from Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate trailhead through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
After the formalities, leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We will continue a short distance until we reach Machame Camp.
•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
•Distance: 11km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest.

After breakfast, we will leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path. We’ll cross the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and your overnight at the Shira Campsite.
•Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
•Distance: 5km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Moorland.

From the Shira Plateau, we will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.”
Shortly after the tower, we will come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We will now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we will rest, enjoy dinner, and your overnight stay. Although you’ll end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 10km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert.

After breakfast, we will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley Campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
•Distance: 5km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert.

After breakfast, we will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We will continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you’ll have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
•Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
•Distance: 4km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2:00 am), we will continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You will head in a northwestern direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
At Stella Point (18,600ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (if the weather permits). At Uhuru Peak, you’ll have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we’ll descend to the Mweka Campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected late in the afternoon. Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
•Distance: 5km ascent / 12km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic.

After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the Mweka 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).
From the gate, you’ll continue another hour to Mweka Village where our vehicle will meet you to drive you back to Arusha.
•Descent(ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest.