Overview
7 days hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro is one of the best experiences one can engage in. This experience will lead you to stepping on the African continent since this is the highest mountain in Africa. Hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro is an experience full of unforgettable memories and it is mostly liked by travel enthusiasts who want to test their adrenaline, resilience, physic and breathtaking view of the African countries. While on the Uhuru peak, Africa will be below your feet. You will use Machame gate as you hike to various heights with the main aim to hit the peak. Machame route is the famous route used by most travelers to reach the peak of Mountain Kilimanjaro.
Day by Day Program
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
On the first day, your drive guide will pick you from the hotel and transfer to Machame gate where hiking starts from. You will drive through Machame village to the Machame gate where you will be briefed about the dos and don’ts about hiking, you will have other precautions as well. Start the hike for about 5-6hours to Machame Camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Arise in the early morning, grab a cup of coffee and head to Shira Camp which is about 12,500 feet above the sea level. You will traverse different vegetation and indulge in moorland vegetation and from here you start catching scenic views including Kilimanjaro national park. The hike takes about 4-5hours depending on how fast and physically fit you will be. Traverse through ridges, arrive at the Camp for relaxation.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
After having your hot coffee at Shira Camp, head out to Barranco camp which is about 13,000ft and it takes between 6-8hours. It’s a bit challenging but worth the experience. You will traverse Shira plateau via peak Kibo to Lava tower in the south western side of the mountain. Cross the second junction which is about 16,000ft, descend to Barranco camp that is about 13,000ft for relaxation and overnight.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Wake up on a hot breakfast and depart for Karanga camp. It is about 4-5 hiking time to Karanga camp. The total distance is about 5kilometers. Expect to traverse steep ridges via the Barranco wall and descend to Karanga camp. You will relax at the camp as you acclimatize.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, leave Karanga camp and head to Barafu camp and hike 4kilometers distance with a height between 13,000ft 135,000ft above the sea level. Proceed with hiking, and cross over the junction which connects to Mweka trail. You will arrive at Barafu camp where you will have a view of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Relax and have an overnight at Barafu camp.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to the Summit then to Mweka Hut
You will wake up at 2am, warm your intestines and exit Barafu camp to catch the summit. You will be at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro which is between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Proceed to Stella point which is about 18,600ft northwestern side of the mountain on the crater rim. Hiking from Barafu camp to Stella point is the most challenging experience but worth because of the memories and adventurous experience it gives. You will take a brief rest and embark on the hike to Uhuru peak which is the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. While at the peak, you will congratulate the fellow hikers for making it to the top, take videos and photographs as the rest of Africa is looking up-to you. After you have danced and jubilated on top of Africa, descend to Barafu hut for a hot lunch, relax and thereafter descend to Mweka hut.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mosh
On the last day of your 7 days hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro, you will have breakfast and then descend to Mosh. It is here that you will be granted your hiking certificate and a congratulatory smile for conquering the great heights. You will descend through the forests, connecting to Mosh where you will find your driver guide waiting to transfer you to Kilimanjaro International airport for your next destination. You can shed off the sweat by combining this trip with Zanzibar beach experience.
