6 Days Kilimanjaro climbing: Machame route

Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Machame Gate. After registering with park authorities, you’ll meet your guide and porters, who will accompany you throughout the trek. The hike starts with an ascent through the lush rainforest, where you’ll encounter towering trees, moss-covered trails, and the chatter of wildlife, including blue monkeys and exotic birds. This 5-7 hour trek gradually gains altitude, leading to Machame Camp, situated above the forest zone. As the sun sets, enjoy your first night on the mountain with a warm meal and stunning views.

On the second day, the rainforest gives way to the moorland zone, characterized by heather, giant lobelias, and open landscapes. The trail ascends steadily, with occasional steep sections, offering trekkers their first glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro’s peaks. The 4-6 hour trek ends at Shira Camp, located on the Shira Plateau, where trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the surrounding plains. The plateau’s expansive terrain provides a unique perspective of the mountain and is an ideal spot for acclimatization and relaxation.

This is a critical acclimatization day as you trek to higher altitudes before descending to sleep at a lower elevation. The journey begins with a gradual climb to Lava Tower, a prominent volcanic rock formation. Here, you’ll stop for lunch and admire the stark beauty of the alpine desert. Afterward, the trail descends into the Barranco Valley, a dramatic landscape framed by the towering Barranco Wall and dotted with unique plant species like senecios and lobelias. The 7-9 hour trek ends at Barranco Camp, where trekkers can marvel at the views of the Western Breach and prepare for the next day’s challenge.

The day starts with a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable ascent that rewards trekkers with awe-inspiring views of the valley below. Once at the top, the trail meanders through rolling ridges and sparse vegetation, providing a sense of solitude and serenity. The relatively short 4-5 hour trek to Karanga Camp allows trekkers to rest and acclimatize further. Karanga Camp offers panoramic views.

This is the most challenging day of the trek, as you begin your journey to Barafu Camp (4,640m), the base camp for the final summit push. The trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and takes 4-5 hours. After a short rest and meal at Barafu Camp, you will start your ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and one of the most iconic summits in the world. The summit push starts very early, around midnight, so you will be hiking in the dark under the stars. It’s a grueling climb, but after 6-8 hours of challenging ascent, you will reach Uhuru Peak, where you will have time to celebrate your achievement and take photographs before descending back to Barafu Camp for a short rest. After a quick break, you'll continue down the mountain to Mweka

On the final day of your Machame Route trek, you will make the descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, which marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure. The trail takes you through lush rainforests with rich vegetation and abundant wildlife, providing a perfect way to conclude your trek. The hike takes around 3-4 hours, and once you arrive at Mweka Gate, you will receive your Kilimanjaro certificate to commemorate your achievement. Afterward, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Distance Covered: 10km (6.2 miles)
Estimated Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: Descent of 1,500 meters
Accommodation: Moshi/Arusha hotel