7 day Machame route to Kilimanjaro

Day 1 | Machame Gate to Machame Camp

This is where all of your planning becomes a reality: your adventure starts now. Tanzania is such a wonderful country when it comes to beautiful landscapes. Mount Kilimanjaro is more than Africa's highest peak - it is one of the continent's most challenging yet rewarding expeditions.

At Machame Camp (2,835m), you'll be sleeping on the lower slopes surrounded by trees with beautiful views of the higher country to the north. Spend the evening sharing climbing stories with other adventurers.

Day 2 | Machame Camp to Shira Camp 1

Ascend to Shira Camp 1 at 3,810m on the Shira Plateau. This camp sees fewer travelers than many other Kilimanjaro campsites. You should be able to see Kilimanjaro's Kibo summit northeast from your tent, and Mount Meru to the west.

Although there are no trees at this altitude, the scrubby vegetation adds a tinge of green to the landscape.

Day 3 | Shira Camp 1 to Barranco Camp

You can see the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro from Barranco Camp (3,983m). It's a stirring backdrop to the campsite, and its high snows contrast beautifully with the bare, dry landscape that surrounds you here, high above the tree line.

Barranco lies along the popular Machame Route, so there are always lots of climbers in camp to share experiences with.

Day 4 | Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Landscapes of austere beauty surround you as you reach Karanga Camp at 3,995m. You're well above the treeline in terrain known as alpine desert. The summit is clearly visible high above you, and there's plenty of space to pitch your tent.

The oxygen is getting thinner, but there are always many other climbers around to swap stories with.

Day 5 | Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Reach Barafu Camp at 4,681m, surrounded by a landscape where nothing grows and views extend across the mountain's high and treeless valleys. 'Barafu' means 'ice' in Swahili - it's always cold up here, as well as beautiful.

Rest and prepare for tomorrow's summit attempt. Talk with other climbers who've reached this important milestone.

Day 6 | Summit Day - Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit day! Early morning ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Africa's highest point and the roof of the continent. After celebrating your incredible achievement at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp (3,060m).

There's always a real sense of excitement at Mweka Camp. There's more oxygen here, and everyone enjoys knowing that the most difficult sections are behind you. The views are also beautiful.

Day 7 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate - Departure

Complete your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Your Tanzanian adventure draws to a close, and we're sure that you will have enjoyed it as much as we have. Receive your summit certificates and celebrate this incredible achievement!