7 Day – Kilimanjaro trek via Machame Route

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and meet your Altezza Travel representative. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and settle into cozy rooms equipped with hot water, Wi-Fi, and a swimming pool. In the evening, attend a briefing with your guides and managers to review the climb, check your equipment, and discuss safety and acclimatization.

After breakfast, your guide and mountain crew meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Machame Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft). Complete climbing permit registration and search-and-rescue formalities before starting the trek. Hike through the dense rainforest, enjoying tropical flora and occasional wildlife sightings. This first day covers about 5 km (3.1 miles) over 5-6 hours. Upon arrival at Machame Camp (2,835 m / 9,301 ft), enjoy a hot lunch, settle into tents, and rest. Remember to drink plenty of water and monitor your body for any signs of altitude sickness.

Trek out of the rainforest and into open heathland and moorlands, gradually reaching Shira Plateau. The day is approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) over 4-5 hours. Enjoy spectacular views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. After lunch at Shira Camp (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), embark on a 2 km (1.2 miles) acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower (4,120 m / 13,517 ft) to help your body adjust to higher altitude. Return to Shira Camp for dinner and overnight.

Start early from Shira Camp and hike to Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,088 ft), ascending and descending along a rise-and-fall route that aids acclimatization. Pause for lunch at the Lava Tower before descending about 700 m (2,297 ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950 m / 12,959 ft). Take in views of the famous Barranco Wall and surrounding peaks. Trekking distance for the day is 11 km (6.8 miles), taking 6-8 hours, combining both hiking and altitude adaptation. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

After an early breakfast, climb the Barranco Wall—a short but rewarding ascent that offers excellent photo opportunities of Kibo Peak. Afterward, trek through ups and downs across the Karanga Valley, covering 5 km (3.1 miles) over 4-5 hours. Upon reaching Karanga Camp (3,995 m / 13,106 ft), complete a 2.5 km (1.5 miles) acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp (highest point 4,270 m / 14,009 ft) before returning for dinner and overnight.

Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 m / 15,331 ft), covering 6 km (3.7 miles) over 4-5 hours. Barafu serves as the summit base camp. Upon arrival, rest and enjoy a hot meal. Later, complete a short acclimatization climb to Kosovo Camp (4,870 m / 15,974 ft) and return to Barafu. Spend the remainder of the day resting and hydrating in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.

Depart around midnight from Barafu Camp for the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft). Trekking takes 7-12 hours over 15.5 km (9.6 miles), and climbers are paired with guides to monitor safety and pacing. After reaching the summit, enjoy views of glaciers and crater landscapes. Descend to Barafu for a brief rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,820 m / 12,533 ft) for dinner and overnight. Careful footing is crucial on the descent to avoid accidents.

Descend through moorlands and rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,379 ft) over 12 km (7.4 miles), taking approximately 4-5 hours. Celebrate your achievement with your climbing crew and receive your official summit certificate. Transfer back to your hotel for rest, shower, and relaxation.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Late check-out is available for evening flights at an additional fee.