7-Day Machame Route Trek with 2-Night Hotel Stay Before and After Climb in Tanzania
Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
Route & Duration · Tanzania · 7-day pacing plan
Core Experiences · Machame Gate to Machame Camp · Machame Camp to Shira Camp · Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Service Coverage · Transportation: Round-trip transportation from/to Arusha or Kilimanjaro to the trailhead. · Accommodation: 6 nights of camping on the mounta...
Overview
Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
Route Snapshot and Travel Rhythm
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Open map in new tabDay 1
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Machame Gate → Machame Camp Elevation (ft): 5
Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ftDistance: 11 kmHiking Time: 5-7 hoursHabitat: Rain ForestDetails: Depart from Arusha or Kilimanjaro at 8:00 AM and drive to Machame Gate (5,400ft)...
Day 1
Machame Gate → Machame Camp Elevation (ft): 5
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ftDistance: 11 kmHiking Time: 5-7 hoursHabitat: Rain ForestDetails: Depart from Arusha or Kilimanjaro at 8:00 AM and drive to Machame Gate (5,400ft)...
Day 2
Machame Camp → Shira Camp Elevation (ft): 9
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ftDistance: 5 kmHiking Time: 4-6 hoursHabitat: MoorlandDetails: After breakfast, leave the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a...
Day 3
Shira Camp → Barranco Camp Elevation (ft): 12
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ftDistance: 10 kmHiking Time: 6-8 hoursHabitat: Semi-DesertDetails: From the Shira Plateau, continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction...
Day 4
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp Elevation (ft): 13
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ftDistance: 5 kmHiking Time: 4-5 hoursHabitat: Alpine DesertDetails: After breakfast, leave Barranco Camp and continue on a steep ridge, passing t...
Day 5
Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp Elevation (ft): 13
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ftDistance: 4 kmHiking Time: 4-5 hoursHabitat: Alpine DesertDetails: After breakfast, leave Karanga Camp and continue up to the Barafu Hut (15,300...
Day 6
Barafu Camp → Mweka Camp Elevation (ft): 15
Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Camp
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descentHiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descentHabitat: ArcticDetails: Wake up aro...
Day 7
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate Elevation (ft): 10
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ftDistance: 10 kmHiking Time: 3-4 hoursHabitat: Rain ForestDetails: After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Gate (5,400ft). The trail passes...
Live Weather & Short Forecast
Auto-loaded current conditions and upcoming temperature ranges for better packing decisions.
Current conditions
27.1°C
Partly cloudy
2026-06-10
Overcast
17.0°C - 28.0°C
2026-06-11
Overcast
17.0°C - 27.9°C
2026-06-12
Overcast
15.6°C - 28.2°C
2026-06-13
Overcast
14.8°C - 28.1°C
Updated at 06/10/2026, 18:48
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Altitude & Temperature Trend
Daily camp and route altitude with temperature trend helps guests quickly understand pacing, gear, and acclimatization needs.
Altitude Trend (m)
5896m / 2865m
Temperature Trend (°C)
5.2°C / -13.6°C
Destination Travel Advice
Practical guidance based on local seasonality and climate to support safer and smoother travel.
Local Temperature Guide
Plains are commonly 21-29C by day, while Ngorongoro mornings feel cold and Kilimanjaro high camps can fall below freezing.
Weather Tips
June to October is drier and more dependable for safari and trekking. April to May is greener, but muddy roads can make transfers longer.
Travel Suggestions
If your priority is scenery and game density, the northern circuit is the most reliable. Add trekking or the coast as a separate second phase to reduce fatigue.
Itinerary
Daily highlights arranged by day, so guests can scan the pace and activities quickly.
Day 1
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Trek section
Machame Gate → Machame Camp Elevation (ft): 5
Primary spotMachame CampExtra spotsMachame GateElevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ftDistance: 11 kmHiking Time: 5-7 hoursHabitat: Rain ForestDetails: Depart from Arusha or Kilimanjaro at 8:00 AM and drive to Machame Gate (5,400ft). Begin your trek through the lush rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. The lower part of the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. After a few hours of trekking, you will reach Machame Camp (9,400ft), where you will set up camp and have dinner. The campsite is nestled in a beautiful clearing surrounded by the forest.
Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Machame Camp → Shira Camp Elevation (ft): 9
Primary spotShira CampExtra spotsMachame CampElevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ftDistance: 5 kmHiking Time: 4-6 hoursHabitat: MoorlandDetails: After breakfast, leave the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a small valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather. The ridge ends, and the route turns west onto a river gorge. The trail gradually ascends through the moorland zone, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Arrive at Shira Camp (12,500ft), where you will set up camp, have dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 3
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Trek section
Shira Camp → Barranco Camp Elevation (ft): 12
Primary spotBarranco CampExtra spotsShira CampElevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ftDistance: 10 kmHiking Time: 6-8 hoursHabitat: Semi-DesertDetails: From the Shira Plateau, continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, your direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, you come to the second junction, which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. Descend from the junction down to Barranco Camp (13,000ft). Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Set up camp, have dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Trek section
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp Elevation (ft): 13
Primary spotKaranga CampExtra spotsBarranco CampElevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ftDistance: 5 kmHiking Time: 4-5 hoursHabitat: Alpine DesertDetails: After breakfast, leave Barranco Camp and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall. The climb up the Barranco Wall is a highlight of the trek, requiring some scrambling and the use of ropes in some sections. The views from the top are spectacular. Continue to Karanga Valley campsite (13,100ft). This is a short day meant for acclimatization. Set up camp, have dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Trek section
Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp Elevation (ft): 13
Primary spotBarafu CampExtra spotsKaranga CampElevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ftDistance: 4 kmHiking Time: 4-5 hoursHabitat: Alpine DesertDetails: After breakfast, leave Karanga Camp and continue up to the Barafu Hut (15,300ft). The trail passes through a rocky and barren landscape, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Barafu Camp is located on a ridge with stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Set up camp, have dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt. This campsite is exposed, and the weather can be harsh, so be prepared for cold and windy conditions.
Day 6
Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Camp
Trek section
Barafu Camp → Mweka Camp Elevation (ft): 15
Primary spotUhuru PeakExtra spotsBarafu CampMweka CampElevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descentHiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descentHabitat: ArcticDetails: Wake up around midnight and start the ascent to the summit. The trail is steep and the conditions can be harsh. Head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600ft), stop for a short rest and enjoy the sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, continue your 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (19,345ft), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Descend from the summit to Mweka Camp (10,000ft), stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch. The descent is long and can be tiring, but the views are still spectacular. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Have dinner and rest for the night.
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Trek section
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate Elevation (ft): 10
Primary spotMweka GateExtra spotsMweka CampElevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ftDistance: 10 kmHiking Time: 3-4 hoursHabitat: Rain ForestDetails: After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Gate (5,400ft). The trail passes through the rainforest, and it can be muddy and slippery. Arrive at Mweka Gate and receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi. Arrive in Moshi in the late afternoon, where you can relax and celebrate your successful trek.
Included
- Transportation: Round-trip transportation from/to Arusha or Kilimanjaro to the trailhead.
- Accommodation: 6 nights of camping on the mountain (tents, sleeping bag and mattresses provided).
- Meals: All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7.
- Park Fees: All national park entrance fees and camping fees.
- Guides and Porters: Professional guides, assistant guides, and porters.
- Equipment: Group camping equipment (tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, and toilet tent).
- Summit Certificates: Official Kilimanjaro summit certificates.
- Emergency Support: Comprehensive emergency support and first aid kit.
Excluded
- Personal Gear: Personal camping gear- trekking poles, headlamp, hiking boots, and warm clothing.
- Flights: International and domestic flights.
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance.
- Visas: Tanzanian visa fees.
- Tips: Tips for guides, porters, and camp staff.
- Additional Nights: Accommodation in Arusha or Moshi before or after the trek.
- Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and phone calls.
- Early Descent: Any additional costs incurred due to early descent (e.g., extra accommodation).
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