7 Days Machame route: Summit Success Rates

Your adventure begins at the Machame Gate where you'll meet your guide and crew. After completing the necessary paperwork, you will start the trek through a dense tropical rainforest. The forest is filled with vibrant plant life and the chance to spot some wildlife such as monkeys and birds. The hike to Machame Camp takes around 5-6 hours and is a relatively easy start to the climb.

• Distance Covered: 11 km (7 miles)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Accommodation: Machame Camp

Will take you through the moorland zone as you ascend from Machame Camp to Shira Camp. The terrain becomes more open with scenic views of the mountain. You’ll pass through the Shira Plateau, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. This day is also an important acclimatization opportunity, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.

• Distance Covered: 5 km (3 miles)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Shira Camp

you will take a challenging hike towards Lava Tower, an ancient volcanic formation located at 4,600 meters. This part of the climb helps with acclimatization, even though the route ascends significantly. After a rest at Lava Tower, you will descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude, and it also provides great views of the Barranco Wall, a massive rock wall that you will scale on Day 4.

• Distance Covered: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

This day is focused on tackling the famous Barranco Wall. Though the climb is steep, it is manageable with the help of your guides, and offers a great sense of accomplishment. Once at the top, the trail continues across the Karanga Valley and up to Karanga Camp, located at 4,035 meters. The day's hike is relatively short but steep, giving climbers the opportunity to relax and enjoy their surroundings in the afternoon.

• Distance Covered: 5 km (3 miles)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp

short yet demanding day as you ascend from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, situated at 4,640 meters. The hike takes you through alpine desert terrain with fantastic views of the mountain. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, climbers will have time to rest and prepare for the summit push. The night is spent at Barafu Camp to rest and gather strength for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.

• Distance Covered: 4 km (2.5 miles)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

The final day of your trek begins with an early start around midnight. You will begin your summit attempt in the dark, with the goal of reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route is steep, and the final push is difficult, but the satisfaction of standing at the summit will make it all worthwhile. After reaching Uhuru Peak, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing the descent to Mweka Camp for the night. This is a long day, but the achievement of summiting will fuel you through the descent.

• Distance Covered: 22 km (13.7 miles)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 12-15 hours (including ascent and descent)
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp

The final day of the trek is a descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, which takes around 3-4 hours. The descent takes you through lush rainforest, offering beautiful scenery as you make your way back to the park gate. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will be awarded your Kilimanjaro Certificate to commemorate your successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Afterward, you will be transferred back to Moshi or Arusha for a relaxing celebration of your achievement.

• Distance Covered: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Accommodation: Moshi/Arusha hotel