6 Days Machame route

Itinerary

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi town

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you will be taken by our professional driver to Moshi town, where you will spend the remaining day as well as we will give you a brief information about your upcoming trek. You may spend your day at the Hotel or hang around Moshi town (taxi ride may be necessary).

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,790 m) – Machame Camp (3,010 m)

In the morning you will be taken to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (about an hour drives away). You will begin your trek towards Shira Cathedral. During the journey you might spot the black and white colobus monkeys watching you curiously as you walk past. In about 5 to 6 hours, you will reach the Machame Camp, situated 3,010 m above the tree line, where you will enjoy your evening meal and overnight stay.

Day 3: Machame Camp (3,010 m) – Shira hut Campsite (3,845 m)

After breakfast, leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the end of the ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge at 3658m (5-7 hours). You will spend the overnight at the Shira hut campsite (3845m).

Day 4: Shira hut campsite (3,845 m) – Lava Tower (4,640 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)

In this new day your trek begins with an ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower (4,640 m). The surrounding vegetation becomes more sporadic as the landscape changes to an alpine desert. The route stretches through the sweeping Barranco Valley, with its lobelia and giant senecio plants, and in approximately 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the Barranco Camp, the most beautiful camp on the mountain.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

Today you will climb the “Barranco Wall”, where a steady hold will be needed. Luckily a helping hand is never far behind and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Leaving Barranco and ascend the Barranco Wall with some wonderful views for the top. Then descend through the Karanga Valley where you will stop for a lunch, before embarking on another 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp (4,640 m). At the camp you will enjoy a well-deserved break, evening meal and an early night.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m)

Around mid-night after getting hot tea with light snacks, you will start your climb to Uhuru Peak. Ascending in the dark, with only a headlight to shine the way, you will climb the screes of Kibo, reaching Stella Point in about 5 to 7 hours. Walking along the crater ridge you will finally reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). On the “Roof of Africa” you will enjoy a 360° view over the surrounding landscape before starting your descent along the same route. From the summit descend back to Barafu, where you will have a warm meal and relax. Then continue to Mweka hut campsite (3080m). (The journey will take 5 hours). At Mweka camp you will have your evening meal and sleep with the sights of Mount Kilimanjaro still fresh in your mind.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Moshi

This will be the last day for the journey which will be accompanied by the by a traditional farewell ceremony, you will gently descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will be met and transferred to Moshi where you will can celebrate your achievement.

Day 8: Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast you can opt to extend your tour with a safari or be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.