7 Day Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route

From the hotel to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park by automobile. At the Park's office by the entrance gates, we register. Then, we prepare to begin climbing. A meandering path leads us past a rain forest and up a ridge to Machame Camp, where we will spend the night. *Altitude change: from 1800 m to 3000 m (+1200 m) *Distance: 11 km *Time: 5-7 hrs *Environment: Montane Forest

After breakfast, we set out on our trek and leave the rain forest behind. Ascending continues as we cross a valley and climb a rocky ridge that is extremely high and covered with heath. To reach the river's gorge, we then turn west. We finish the day by having dinner and spending the night at Camp Shira. *Altitude change: 3000 m to 3850 m (+850 m) *Distance: 9 km *Time: 4-6 hrs *Environment: Moorland

Our bodies are acclimatizing today, which is important because tomorrow will be the summit day. It's a demanding day, and you can experience altitude sickness. We climb up to Lava Tower (4600 meters), where we have lunch and take a break. The campsite in Barranco is where we will spend the night after that. This camp is situated beneath the Great Barranco Wall and the Breach in a stunning valley. Additionally, this sunset is spectacular! It's a unique location to take pictures. *Altitude change: 3850 m to 4600 m to 3950 m (+750 m) *Distance: 12 km *Time: 6-7 hrs *Environment: Semi-desert

The day begins with a fun scramble, quite short, until the top of Great Barranco Wall. Then we cross over the scree to Karan The day starts off with a short but enjoyable climb to the summit of the Great Barranco Wall. Next, we traverse the scree to reach Karange Valley (3930 m), which is tucked away beneath the icefalls of the Kersten, Heim, and Decken Glaciers. We stay the night at the Karanga camp. *Altitude change: 3950 m to 3930 m *Distance: 7 km *Hiking Time: 4 hrs *Environment: Alpine Desert

When we get to the intersection with the Mweka Trail for the descent, we leave the Karanga camp behind. Then we keep going until we reach Barafu Hut. The Southern Circuit has now come to an end. From here, you may see the peak from a variety of perspectives. We'll set up camp, have a nap, and eat dinner. We can clearly see the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks from here. *Altitude change: 3930 m to 4600 m (+670 m) *Distance: 6 km *Hiking Time: 3 hrs *Environment: Alpine Desert

At 11:30 PM, we'll get up, have some tea and cookies, and then head out on the hike. The top between the Ratzel and Rembman glaciers is the final target. We ascend through scree in a northwestern direction to Stella Point, which is located on the crater rim. Probably the hardest part of the hike, both physically and mentally, is this. If the weather is favorable, we will make a brief rest stop at Stella Point (5732 m), where the dawn is likely to be the most magnificent you have ever witnessed. We reach the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and of Africa at the Uhuru Peak (5895 m). During the night, it may become extremely chilly. But after a long day of hiking, it will be incredibly warm. We descend from the peak via Barafu to the Hut Mweka campground, where we have lunch. Trekking poles are necessary due to the loose gravel on the way to Camp Mweka (3100 m). We take in our final alpine dinner and some well-earned relaxation later in the day. *Altitude change: 4600 m to 5895 m (+1295 m) (and down to 3100 m) *Distance: 7 km ascent /23 km descent *Time: 6-8 h ascent /6-7 hrs descent *Environment: Stone scree, ice-capped summit / Alpine desert.

Up until the Mweka Park Gate, where you pick up your summit certificate, we descend. It could be muddy and damp at lower altitudes. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. For this phase, it's practical to have t-shirts and shorts, but keep your rain gear and warmer garments nearby. *Altitude change: 3100 m to 1800 m *Distance: 8 km *Time: 3-4 hrs *Environment: Montane Forest.