7-day Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventure via the Machame Route

Overview of the Day
Your journey begins at Machame Gate, entering lush rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes.
Safari Experience
The trail winds through thick forest alive with birdsong and the rustle of leaves. The air feels cool and damp, scented with moss and rich earth. From experience, this first day is all about settling in—finding your pace and enjoying the calm energy of the forest. Blue monkeys are often seen leaping through the trees.
Distance & Travel Time
Approx. 11 km trekking | 5–7 hours walking
What to Expect
Well-used but sometimes muddy forest trails
Gradual ascent with short steeper sections
Humid conditions
Tented campsite in forest zone

Overview of the Day
A steady climb out of the rainforest onto the Shira Plateau.

Safari Experience
The trees slowly thin, replaced by giant heathers and open skies. The air becomes cooler and drier, and sweeping views begin to open across the plateau. From experience, many trekkers feel a surge of excitement here—it’s the first real sense of Kilimanjaro’s vastness.

Distance & Travel Time
Approx. 5 km | 4–6 hours walking

What to Expect

• Steeper ascent early in the day
• Expansive plateau scenery
• Cooler temperatures
• Windswept campsite with wide views

Overview of the Day
A classic acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle.

Safari Experience
The trail rises into alpine desert toward Lava Tower. The ground crunches underfoot, and the air feels noticeably thinner. After lunch, the descent into Barranco Valley brings greenery and warmth back. From experience, this day is critical—it greatly improves how climbers feel higher up the mountain.

Distance & Travel Time
Approx. 10 km | 6–8 hours walking

What to Expect

• Alpine desert terrain
• Possible mild altitude symptoms
• Descent into lush valley
• Camp beneath dramatic cliffs

Overview of the Day
A shorter but exciting day featuring the Barranco Wall.

Safari Experience
Climbing the Barranco Wall is more fun than intimidating. Hands touch cool volcanic rock, boots find secure holds, and laughter echoes across the slope. The views from the top are breathtaking. From experience, this day builds confidence and strong group camaraderie.

Distance & Travel Time
Approx. 6 km | 4–5 hours walking

What to Expect

• Non-technical rock scrambling
• Fantastic photo opportunities
• Gradual altitude gain
• Shorter trekking day for recovery

Overview of the Day
A steady ascent to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt.

Safari Experience
The landscape becomes stark and quiet. The air is thinner, the wind colder. Glaciers shimmer above you in the afternoon light. From experience, this evening is calm and focused—early dinner, final checks, and rest before the summit push.

Distance & Travel Time
Approx. 4 km | 3–4 hours walking

What to Expect

• Rocky, exposed terrain
• Cold temperatures and strong winds
• Early night before summit
• Detailed summit briefing

Overview of the Day
Summit attempt followed by a long descent to Mweka Camp.

Safari Experience
You begin around midnight. Headlamps glow against the darkness, boots crunch on scree, and breath becomes slow and deliberate. Reaching Stella Point as the sun rises is deeply emotional. Standing on Uhuru Peak brings joy, pride, and disbelief. From experience, this moment stays with climbers forever.

Distance & Travel Time
Approx. 17 km | 12–15 hours total

What to Expect

• Extreme cold and thin air
• Slow, steady pacing (“pole pole”)
• Emotional summit celebration
• Long descent into forest zone

Overview of the Day
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate.

Safari Experience
The forest feels alive again—birds calling, leaves dripping with moisture, rich earthy smells filling the air. Laughter replaces silence as certificates are awarded. From experience, this final walk is filled with gratitude and reflection.

Distance & Travel Time
Approx. 10 km | 3–4 hours walking

What to Expect

• Downhill, sometimes slippery trail
• Warmer temperatures
• End-of-trek celebrations
• Transfer back to hotel