6 Days Machame Route

Scenic Diversity:

The route takes trekkers through a variety of landscapes, offering incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty, including rainforests, moorlands, and glaciers.

Challenging Yet Rewarding:

While the Machame Route is more difficult compared to others like Marangu, the challenge is balanced by its higher success rate due to proper acclimatization.

Day 2: Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3,000m)

Morning:

• Drive to Machame Gate: After breakfast, you’ll depart from Arusha and drive to the Machame Gate (about a 1.5-hour drive). After reaching the gate, you’ll complete the registration process, and your guides and porters will prepare for the trek.

• Begin Trekking: The trek begins with a gradual ascent through the lush tropical rainforest. The path is well-defined, and the dense forest provides a cool and shaded environment as you begin your climb.

Afternoon:

• Arrive at Machame Camp: After hiking through the forest, you’ll arrive at Machame Camp, which sits just above the forest zone. The camp offers incredible views of the surrounding area and is a good spot for acclimatization.

Distance: 11 km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Overnight: Machame Camp.

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840m)

Morning:

• Trek to Shira Camp: After breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent out of the forest and into the moorland zone. The trail becomes more open as you climb, offering panoramic views of Kilimanjaro. The path is moderate, and you’ll have a chance to see unique vegetation and, if you’re lucky, wildlife.

Afternoon:

• Arrive at Shira Camp: Shira Camp is located on the Shira Plateau, providing wide views of the summit and surrounding area. The camp is exposed to the elements, so it is important to dress warmly.

Distance: 5 km
Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Overnight: Shira Camp.

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Morning:

• Trek to Barranco Camp: The day begins with a steady climb up to Lava Tower (4,630m), a volcanic rock formation that provides stunning views. The path is rocky, and the air is thinner as you gain altitude. This day also allows for a key acclimatization strategy—climb high, sleep low.

Afternoon:

• Descend to Barranco Camp: After reaching Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, which is located in a valley below the Barranco Wall. The camp provides fantastic views of the mountain’s southern glaciers and the Barranco Wall, which you’ll be tackling the following morning.

Distance: 10 km
Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Overnight: Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Morning:

• Climb Barranco Wall: The day begins with the famous Barranco Wall. This is a steep, rocky section that requires some scrambling but is not technical. It provides a thrilling start to the day and rewards you with stunning views as you climb.

• Trek through the Karanga Valley: After summiting the Barranco Wall, the trail flattens out as you cross the Karanga Valley. This section offers a scenic walk through alpine desert terrain.

Afternoon:

• Arrive at Barafu Camp: After a steady climb, you’ll reach Barafu Camp, which sits on a rocky ridge at the base of the summit. The camp offers a great view of the summit and the surrounding glaciers. Here, you’ll rest and prepare for the final push to the summit later in the night.

Distance: 8 km
Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Overnight: Barafu Camp (prepare for summit day).

Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Descent to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Midnight (Early Morning):

• Summit Attempt: Your summit day starts very early—around midnight—when you depart from Barafu Camp for the long climb to the summit. The route is challenging, with steep scree slopes and high altitudes, so it’s essential to pace yourself slowly. You’ll pass through Stella Point (5,756m) before reaching the true summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

Early Morning:

• Reach Uhuru Peak: After hours of climbing, you’ll finally reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The summit is often cold and windy, but the views from the top are absolutely spectacular, with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, glaciers, and the crater.

Morning:

• Descend to Barafu Camp: After spending some time at the summit and taking photographs, you’ll begin your descent back to Barafu Camp. The descent is steep, so it’s important to take care of your knees and rest as needed.

Afternoon:

• Descend to Mweka Gate: After a short rest at Barafu Camp, you’ll continue your descent down to Mweka Gate, passing through the Mweka Route. The descent takes several hours, and you’ll pass through lush rainforest before arriving at the gate.

Evening:

• Arrive at Mweka Gate: Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate (green for reaching Stella Point, gold for reaching Uhuru Peak). Then, you’ll be transferred back to Arusha for a celebration dinner or, if you’re departing, to Kilimanjaro Airport.

Distance: 5 km ascent, 13 km descent
Trekking time: 7-8 hours ascent, 5-6 hours descent

Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Arusha or transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure.