6 days Machame route Kilimanjaro summit Christmas eve

Arrive in Moshi or Arusha and meet your guide for a detailed pre-climb briefing and gear check. This day allows you to rest and prepare for your trek ahead. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate (1,800m) where park formalities are completed. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest filled with colorful birds, monkeys, and exotic vegetation. The trail ascends steadily to Machame Camp (2,835m). Trekking takes about 5–6 hours. Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp.

Today’s trail leads out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. You’ll climb along a ridge with panoramic views of the Shira Plateau before reaching Shira Camp (3,850m) after 4–6 hours of trekking. The camp offers magnificent views of Mount Meru in the distance. Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.

After breakfast, ascend to the Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization and then descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m) for the night. The trek takes about 6–7 hours and follows the “hike high, sleep low” principle, aiding in acclimatization. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp, set in a stunning valley beneath the Barranco Wall.

Start the day by climbing the Barranco Wall, an exciting scramble that rewards you with incredible views. Continue through alpine desert terrain to Barafu Camp (4,670m), your base camp for the summit attempt. Arrive in the afternoon, rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight ascent to the summit — your Christmas Eve climb.

Your summit push begins around midnight. Trek slowly in the dark, reaching Stella Point (5,685m) and then Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — just in time to watch a magical Christmas sunrise from Africa’s highest point. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for a well-earned rest. Later, continue down to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate and be transferred back to Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and celebration.