Machame 7 Day via Stella Point
(M7S)
WHY THIS ITINERARY?
Many people list Kilimanjaro as a lifelong dream adventure. This slightly shorter itinerary allows you the time to see all of Kilimanjaro's main areas while a 7-day ascent also gives you an adequate amount of time to acclimatise with a great chance of successfully making it to the summit. A very popular and great route.
DESCRIPTION
This is a 7-day Kilimanjaro hike starting at Machame Gate to the south west of the national park. It ascends sharply through afromontane forest, into the heath zone and on to the edge of the remnants of the Shira Volcano. The route then circumnavigates the main peak, Kibo, anticlockwise. En route we pass some spectacular features such as giant steps and glacial valleys. The final ascent is from Barafu Camp. It is a night time ascent to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka Route.
HIGHLIGHTS
Kilimanjaro! Afromontane forest, Shira Plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!
Itinerary
Map Coming SOon…
In Brief
Hike Distance – 39miles / 63 km
Vertical Gain – 16,628ft / 5068m
Drop – 17,153ft / 5228m
Trekking Time – 45 hours
In Detail
DAY 1 - MACHAME CAMP
START – 5,906FT / 1800M
END – 9,302FT / 2835M
DISTANCE – 7 MILES / 11KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST
After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate your crew finalise packing and after finishing with formalities you start hiking from Machame Gate. Today's hiking is through verdant afromontane forest and is steep in places. A picnic lunch is taken on trail during the hike before reaching Machame Camp for the night.
DAY 2 – SHIRA CAVE
START – 9,302FT / 2835M
END – 12,304FT / 3750M
DISTANCE – 3 MILES / 5KM
TIME – 4-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – AFROMONTANE FOREST / HEATH
From Machame Camp you hike to Shira Camp. The first section is relatively steep and altitude is gained rapidly but you will still make it to your next camp in time for a hot lunch. The zone you pass into today is known as the heath zone where attractive heliochrysum and lobelia plants become apparent. Various geologic features can be seen today from lava tubes to glacial valleys.
DAY 3 – BARRANCO CAMP
START – 12,304FT / 3750M
END – 12,796FT / 3900M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 6-8 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
Today is a “walk high sleep low” day. You ascend into alpine desert to Lava Tower (Alt: 15,092ft, 4600m) where lunch is taken before descending to Barranco Camp. This is a long day but note that the next time you head to this altitude is in two days time at base camp – a great acclimatisation day!
DAY 4 – KARANGA CAMP
START – 12,796FT / 3900M
END – 13,108FT / 3995M
DISTANCE – 3 MILES / 5KM
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
From Barranco Camp, famous for its giant groundsels (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga Camp. Today is a relatively short day’s hike and lunch is taken at Karanga camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatising. In the evening a practice walk for the summit is taken to make sure you are completely comfortable with the kit you are going to summit in.
DAY 5 – BARAFU CAMP
START – 13,108 / 3,995M
END – 15,332FT / 4673M
DISTANCE – 2.5 MILES / 4KM
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this camp; yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the rest of the evening.
DAY 6 – KILIMANJARO SUMMIT / MWEKA CAMP
START – 15,332FT / 4673M
END – 10,171FT / 3100M
DISTANCE – 11 MILES / 18KM
TIME – 14-16 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – ALPINE DESERT, ARCTIC, HEATH
Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence are the name of game to reach the summit (Uhuru Peak: 19341ft, 5895m) and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point (Alt: 18,865ft, 5750m) affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down however. The first stage is to get back to our base camp for a quick change of clothes and refuel before the long hike downhill to Mweka Camp. The downhill is hard on the knees and walking poles at this stage are highly recommended. You should reach Mweka Camp before dusk for your final night on the mountain.
DAY 7 – ARUSHA
START – 10,171FT / 3100M
END – 5,381FT / 1640M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 3-4 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST
After breakfast you descend once again through afromontane forest and around midday, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your lodge for a well deserved shower! Later that evening you will be visited by a Summits Africa Representative to congratulate you, to find out how the trip went and to answer any final questions you may have about your onward journey.