7-Day Machame Route Kilimajaro

to the starting point at Machame Gate (approximately 45 mins). After registration, you will begin your journey to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro using a well-maintained trail through Montane Forest. On the way, you’ll walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide talks you through some of the local flora and fauna. Here you will also get a very good chance of witnessing Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as many different species of brightly-colored birds. The climb is steady and gradual incline to Machame Camp which is located on the edge of the rainforest and giant heather zones. Elevation Gain: 1,200 metres / 3,900 feet Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours Habitat: Rainforest

steeper gradient through the moorland vegetation zone. Here you will start to get fantastic views of Kibo, the summit cone of Mt. Kilimanjaro while continuing along a rocky ridge to Shira Plateau. Shira is actually a collapsed volcanic crater and was the first of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones to expire. Once on the plateau, the trail becomes a little easier as you make your way to Shira Camp. If it’s a clear day, you’ll also get to enjoy superb panoramic views. Shira Camp is very exposed and will feel much colder with temperatures dropping below freezing point. Elevation Gain: 840 metres / 2,800 feet Hiking Time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours Habitat: Moorland

ower, a 300ft high volcanic rock formation. You’ll then ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower for great panoramic views, before a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. You may find this trek a little tougher than the previous days as some hikers usually start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Although you will finish today’s climb at almost the same elevation as you started, this is a very good practice for acclimatization and will help prepare your body for summit day. Barranco Camp lies below the imposing Barranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley. Elevation Gain: 710 metres / 2,300 feet Elevation Loss: 700 metres / 2,250 feet Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! From the top of the wall, you will then cross a series of hills and valleys before descending into Karanga Valley. After one steeper climb, you’ll reach Karanga Camp where you will relax for the afternoon before dinner and an overnight rest. Elevation Gain: 145 meters / 456 feet Hiking Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours Habitat: Alpine desert

You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit. Elevation Gain: 605 metres / 1,994 feet Hiking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours Habitat: Alpine desert

We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to millennium or Mweka Camp for a long well-earned rest. Distance: 5km/3miles and 7km/4mile Hiking Time: 6-8 hours and 2-4 hours Eleven: 15,331 ft to 19,341ft and 12,434 ft Vegetation: Arctic to Heath

Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer! Elevation Loss: 1,280 meters / 4,220 feet Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours Habitat: Rainforest after eating breakfast,