7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Hike
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Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania/Transfer to Kilimanjaro/ Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (2,835m)
Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to the town of Moshi. From there, it’s a short drive to Kilimanjaro National Park. There are seven routes up the mountain, but Your adventure begins at the Machame Gate which sits at 5,720 feet (1,740 m), trail ascends through a lush rainforest with towering trees, vibrant mosses, and the chance to spot monkeys and exotic birds. The air is humid, and the path may be muddy, so sturdy hiking boots are essential. The day concludes at Machame Camp which sits at 9,950 feet (3,050 m), where you will set up the camp for the overnight and enjoy the views of Kilimanjaro’s three tallest peaks called Kibo.
Hiking duration: 5-6 hours
Hiking distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Ascent: 4,002 feet (1,220 m)
High point: 9,950 feet (3,050 m)
Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835m) to Shira Camp (3,750m)
Today you will have a hearty breakfast, break the camp and continue the ascent Leaving the rainforest, the trail transitions into a heath and moorland zone with fewer trees and more open views. You’ll encounter unique vegetation like giant heathers and proteas. The ascent becomes steeper, temperatures will drop, and you’ll feel the cold more acutely as you approach the Shira Plateau which stretches 8 miles (13 km) to the west of Kibo, and sits at an altitude of around 12,500 feet (3,810 m), a vast expanse of volcanic rock. Today’s destination is Shira 2 Camp, where you will have the overnight.
Hiking duration: 6-8 hours
Hiking distance: 3 miles (5 km)
Ascent: 2,493 feet (760 m)
High point: 12,500 feet (3,810 m)
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,750m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,640m)
After breakfast, depart Shira 2 and head up along the trail into Kilimanjaro’s Alpine Desert. this is a crucial acclimatization day. The trail leads to the iconic Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation at 4,640m. Spending time at this altitude helps your body adjust. After lunch near Lava Tower, the trail descends to Barranco Camp, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Barranco Camp sits beneath the imposing Barranco Wall, providing dramatic views of Kibo and the surrounding valleys.
Faster hikers can pass via the Lava Tower Camp (15,091 ft/4,600 m) which is famous for its giant monolith comprised of dried volcanic rock that rises 290 feet (90 m).
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Hiking distance: 6 miles (10 km)
Ascent: 623 feet (190 m)
Descent: 2,877 (877 m)
High point: 15,944 feet (4,860 m)
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m)
The day begins with the exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable section requiring some scrambling. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail then undulates through a series of ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp (13,250 ft/4,050 m), where you will have the overnight, rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Hiking distance: 3 miles (5 km)
Ascent: 164 feet (50 m)
High point: 13,250 feet (4,050 m)
Day 5: Karanga Camp (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
After breakfast, begin a shorter but steep hike that leads to Barafu Camp (15,419 feet (4,700 m), the final base camp before the summit attempt. The terrain is rocky and barren, with increasing exposure to the elements. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, reflecting the cold temperatures at this altitude. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, after an early dinner, you’ll rest in preparation for the midnight summit push.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Hiking distance: 2 miles (4 km)
Ascent: 2,232 feet (650 m)
High point: 15,419 feet (4,700 m)
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then descend to Mweka Camp (3,068m)
This time you should be prepared for Your summit attempt which begins around midnight. The trail to Uhuru Peak is steep and challenging, with freezing temperatures and thin air. Reaching Stella Point at dawn, this is one of the three summits of Kilimanjaro and sits at 18,885 feet (5,756 m) between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers which offers incredible sunrise views, followed by a final push to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft/5,895 m), the Roof of Africa.
After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for Lunch and a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night, which is also the fastest route down the mountain, spend your last evening camped at Mweka Camp (10,039 ft/3,060 m).
Hiking time: 7-8 hours up, 4-6 hours down
Hiking distance: 3 miles (5 km) up, 7 miles (12 km) down
Ascent: 3,920 feet (1,195 m)
Descent: 9,199 (2,804 m)
High point: 19,340 feet (5,895 m)
Low point: 10,137 feet (3,090 m)
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,068m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)/ Transfer Arusha/ Depart
Today is the final day in Kilimanjaro, a gentle descent through the lush rainforest back to the Mweka Gate. At the gate, you’ll receive a certificate commemorating your achievement—green for reaching Stella Point and gold for reaching Uhuru Peak. Now you will say goodbye to Kilimanjaro and you will be transferred to the Airport for departure flight or your preferred location in Arusha marking the end of your 7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Hike