Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a WeWild Travel representative will welcome you and transfer you to Kahawa House in Arusha, where you can rest before your 7-Day Machame Route climb.

Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel and enjoy the surroundings. If your schedule allows, you will meet your mountain guide for a pre-climb briefing. Your guide will explain the trekking itinerary, review essential safety procedures, check your hiking equipment, and answer your questions about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

If you need additional equipment, ask the team about rental options before the trek begins. Use the remaining time to rest, drink enough water, and prepare for the mountain journey ahead.

The following day, you will travel to Machame Gate to begin your trek through Kilimanjaro’s rainforest zone.

Accommodation: Kahawa House, Arusha
Meals: Dinner, depending on your package and arrival time

Arrival Day Highlights

• Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Meet and greet with the WeWild Travel representative
• Transfer to Kahawa House in Arusha
• Pre-climb briefing and equipment check, as scheduled
• Time to rest and prepare for the Machame Route trek

After breakfast, you will travel from your hotel in Arusha to Machame Gate on Mount Kilimanjaro’s southern side. At the gate, you will complete park registration and meet your mountain crew before starting the 7-Day Machame Route trek.

The trail climbs through Kilimanjaro’s montane rainforest, where tall trees, ferns, moss-covered branches and forest birds line the path. You may also spot black-and-white colobus monkeys or blue monkeys in the canopy. The shaded trail climbs steadily, with occasional forest openings offering glimpses of the mountain.

After several hours of hiking, you will reach Machame Camp, where your crew will prepare your campsite and dinner. Rest at camp, stay hydrated and prepare for the next day’s trek toward the Shira Plateau.

Hiking time: Approximately 5 to 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11 km (7 miles)
Starting elevation: Machame Gate, approximately 1,800 m
Sleeping elevation: Machame Camp, approximately 2,980 m
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,180 m
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to your package
Accommodation: Camping at Machame Camp

Day 1 Highlights

• Complete park registration at Machame Gate
• Begin the Machame Route through montane rainforest
• Observe forest vegetation and look for wildlife
• Follow a steady uphill trail toward Machame Camp
• Spend your first night camping on Mount Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, you will leave the rainforest behind and climb into Kilimanjaro’s heath and moorland zone. The trail rises across rocky ridges and open slopes, with wider views of Mount Kilimanjaro as you gain altitude.

The dense forest gradually gives way to giant heathers, low-growing plants and volcanic terrain. When the weather is clear, you may see Kibo Peak and the broad Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic landscape on Kilimanjaro’s western side.

This stage of the 7-Day Machame Route itinerary takes you to a higher elevation and prepares you for the following day’s trek toward Lava Tower and Barranco Camp. Walk at a steady pace, drink water regularly and follow your guide’s advice as you adjust to the altitude.

By afternoon, you will arrive at Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau. After settling into camp, enjoy the mountain scenery, have dinner and rest before the next day’s longer trek.

Hiking time: Approximately 4 to 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 km (3 miles)
Starting elevation: Machame Camp, approximately 2,980 m
Sleeping elevation: Shira Camp, approximately 3,840 m
Elevation gain: Approximately 860 m
Habitat: Heath and moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to your package
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Camp

Day 2 Highlights

• Leave the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone
• Walk through giant heathers and volcanic terrain
• Enjoy views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau when weather permits
• Continue ascending at a steady, guided pace
• Overnight at Shira Camp before the Lava Tower and Barranco trek

Day 3 of the 7-Day Machame Route itinerary follows a climb-high, sleep-low pattern that supports acclimatization. After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp and ascend across Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert toward Lava Tower, a prominent volcanic rock formation at approximately 4,630 m.

As you climb, the terrain becomes more rugged and exposed, with rocky slopes and wide views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding valleys. Your guide will set a steady pace and monitor how you respond to the increasing altitude. Some trekkers may experience altitude-related symptoms, so report any discomfort promptly.

After lunch near Lava Tower, you will descend to Barranco Camp at approximately 3,950 m. Spending the night lower than the day’s highest point gives your body an opportunity to adjust to the altitude.

The descent passes through the Barranco Valley, known for its giant groundsels and distinctive high-altitude vegetation. By afternoon, you will reach Barranco Camp beneath the imposing Barranco Wall. Settle into camp, enjoy dinner, and rest before the next day’s climb.

Hiking time: Approximately 6 to 8 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km (6 miles)
Starting elevation: Shira Camp, approximately 3,840 m
Highest point: Lava Tower, approximately 4,630 m
Sleeping elevation: Barranco Camp, approximately 3,950 m
Ascent to Lava Tower: Approximately 790 m
Descent to Barranco Camp: Approximately 680 m
Habitat: Alpine desert and high-altitude semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, according to your package
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp

Day 3 Highlights

• Cross the Shira Plateau toward Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert
• Reach Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 m
• Follow the climb-high, sleep-low itinerary
• Descend through the scenic Barranco Valley
• Camp beneath the Barranco Wall at Barranco Camp

Day 4 of the 7-Day Machame Route itinerary begins with the ascent of the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the climb. Although the wall looks steep from camp, the route follows a non-technical scrambling trail. Your mountain guides will help you navigate the rocky sections as you climb above the Barranco Valley.

From the top of the wall, you will continue across ridges and descend into valleys along Kilimanjaro’s southern circuit. The trail passes through rugged alpine terrain, with giant groundsels, volcanic rock formations and views of Kibo Peak when the weather is clear.

Although the distance is relatively short, the route includes several ascents and descents. Take your time, follow your guide’s pace and drink water regularly throughout the trek.

You will then descend into the Karanga Valley before climbing to Karanga Camp, situated at approximately 4,000 m. After arriving, you can rest, hydrate and prepare for the following day’s trek to Barafu Camp, your final camp before the summit attempt.

Hiking time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 km (3 miles)
Starting elevation: Barranco Camp, approximately 3,960 m
Sleeping elevation: Karanga Camp, approximately 4,035 m
Net elevation gain: Approximately 75 m
Habitat: Alpine desert and high-altitude moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to your package
Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp

Day 4 Highlights

• Climb the famous Barranco Wall with guidance from your mountain crew
• Cross ridges and descend into the Karanga Valley
• Enjoy views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding high-altitude landscape when weather permits
• Continue along Kilimanjaro’s southern circuit
• Rest at Karanga Camp before the trek to Barafu Camp

On Day 5 of the 7-Day Machame Route itinerary, you will trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, the final campsite before your summit attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail climbs steadily through a rocky alpine desert toward the mountain’s high-altitude summit zone.

As you gain elevation, vegetation becomes sparse and the landscape more exposed. Your guide will set a steady pace and monitor how you respond to the altitude. When the weather is clear, you may enjoy views of Kibo and the surrounding mountain terrain.

After approximately 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you will reach Barafu Camp, at around 4,600 to 4,680 m, depending on the campsite location. Your mountain crew will prepare your meal while your guide reviews the summit plan and answers any final questions.

After an early dinner, rest and organize your warm layers, headlamp, water, snacks, and trekking equipment. The summit attempt usually begins around midnight, although the exact departure time depends on the guide’s plan and mountain conditions.

Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 4 to 6 km (2.5 to 3.7 miles)
Starting elevation: Karanga Camp, approximately 4,000 m
Sleeping elevation: Barafu Camp, approximately 4,600 to 4,680 m
Elevation gain: Approximately 565 to 680 m
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to your package
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp

Day 5 Highlights

• Trek through Kilimanjaro’s rocky alpine desert
• Reach Barafu Camp before the summit attempt
• Review the summit plan with your mountain guide
• Organize warm clothing, a headlamp, water, and snacks
• Eat an early dinner and rest before the night ascent toward Uhuru Peak

Day 6 of the 7-Day Machame Route itinerary is summit day. You will begin the climb from Barafu Camp around midnight, ascending through the cold, rocky terrain toward Stella Point on Kilimanjaro’s crater rim.

Your guide will set a slow, steady pace and monitor how you respond to the altitude and cold. After reaching Stella Point at approximately 5,756 m, you will continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 m. The final ascent is physically demanding, and progress depends on your condition, weather, and the guide’s safety assessment.

At Uhuru Peak, you can celebrate reaching the summit and take photographs, provided conditions allow. After the summit visit, you will descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments before continuing down to Millennium Camp.

This long, strenuous trekking day involves a major ascent followed by a substantial descent. At Millennium Camp, your crew will prepare dinner, and you can rest before the final descent from the mountain the following day.

Hiking time: Approximately 12 to 15 hours, depending on conditions and pace
Distance: Approximately 14 to 16 km (8.5 to 10 miles), subject to route measurements
Route: Barafu Camp to Stella Point to Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp to Millennium Camp
Starting elevation: Barafu Camp, approximately 4,600 to 4,680 m
Crater rim: Stella Point, approximately 5,756 m
Highest point: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
Sleeping elevation: Millennium Camp, approximately 3,790 to 3,820 m
Ascent to Uhuru Peak: Approximately 1,215 to 1,295 m, depending on the starting camp elevation
Descent to Millennium Camp: Approximately 1,780 to 1,890 m from Uhuru Peak
Habitat: Arctic summit zone, alpine desert and upper moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to your package
Accommodation: Camping at Millennium Camp, if confirmed for this itinerary

Day 6 Highlights

• Begin the summit ascent from Barafu Camp at night
• Reach Stella Point on the crater rim
• Attempt Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, subject to conditions and guide assessment
• Descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest
• Continue to Millennium Camp for an overnight rest before the final descent

Day 7 of the 7-Day Machame Route itinerary is the final descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate. After breakfast, you will follow the trail downhill through Mount Kilimanjaro’s montane rainforest toward the national park exit.

As you descend, the air becomes warmer, and the vegetation grows thicker. The forest trail can be wet or muddy, so maintain a steady pace and follow your guide’s instructions. You may also hear forest birds or spot monkeys among the trees.

After reaching Mweka Gate, you will complete the park exit procedures with your mountain crew. Climbers who reach the required summit point can receive their corresponding Kilimanjaro summit certificates. Your driver will then transfer you to Kahawa House in Arusha, if this accommodation and transfer are included in your booking.

After seven days on the mountain, you can rest and celebrate the completion of your Machame Route climb.

Hiking time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km (7.5 miles)
Trekking route: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Starting elevation: Millennium Camp, approximately 3,820 m
Finish elevation: Mweka Gate, approximately 1,640 m
Elevation loss: Approximately 2,180 m
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Meals: Breakfast and lunch, according to your package
Accommodation: Kahawa House, Arusha, if included in your package

Day 7 Highlights

• Descend from Millennium Camp through Kilimanjaro’s rainforest
• Walk through the mountain’s lower, greener terrain
• Complete the trek at Mweka Gate
• Finish the park exit procedures and collect your summit certificate if eligible
• Transfer to Arusha and rest after your Kilimanjaro climb

After completing your Kilimanjaro trek, today is your departure day from Tanzania. You will enjoy a relaxed morning at your Kahawa House, Arusha, reflecting on your successful climb and the unforgettable experience on the mountain.

At the agreed time, a transfer vehicle will take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Along the way, you can enjoy the views of the Tanzanian countryside one last time, marking the end of your adventure.

This day is also an opportunity to say goodbye to your mountain team and guide who supported you throughout the journey. You leave with strong memories, new friendships, and the achievement of reaching the Roof of Africa.

• Transfer: Kahawa House, Arusha  to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Duration: 1 to 2-hour drive
• Activity: Airport drop-off & departure
• Altitude: 800 to 1,400m