6-Day Machame Route - Trekking Kilimanjaro

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

From Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Distance: 11 km; • Elevation (ft): 5,400 to 9,400 feet; • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

•Habitat: Rain Forest

It takes roughly fifty minutes to drive from Moshi to the entrance of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Situated on the mountain's lower slopes, the settlement of Machame is traversed throughout the route.

We now exit the park through the gate and follow a meandering track that leads up a ridge through a rain forest. The route can be slick and muddy further down. In this case, hiking poles and gaiters are an excellent option. After a short while, we arrive at the Machame Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

•Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft •Distance: 5 km •Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

• Natural Habitat: Moorland

Following breakfast, we go from the rain forest's glades and proceed uphill, traversing a small valley and hiking a high, rocky ridge that is blanketed in heather till the ridge terminates. The path now heads into a river gorge to the west. Rest, dinner, and an overnight stay in the Shira campsite are scheduled.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft •Distance: 10 km •Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

• Habitat: Semi-Arid

We proceed eastward along a ridge from the Shira Plateau, going beyond the intersection and up towards Kibo's peak. As we proceed, we turn to the southeast in the direction of the Lava Tower, also known as the "Shark's Tooth." We reach the second junction, which leads to the 16,000-foot-high Arrow Glacier, not far from the tower. We now descend to an elevation of 13,000 feet, the Barranco Hut. Here, we relax, have dinner, and spend the night. Even though the day ends at the same elevation as it began, this day is crucial for acclimatisation because it will help your body get ready for summit day.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Height (ft): 13,000–15,000 feet; • Length of walk: 9 km; • Duration of walk: 8-10 hours

• Habitat: the Alps

We depart Barranco after breakfast and head to the Karanga Valley campground across a rocky ridge that passes the Barranco Wall. After that, we depart from Karanga and arrive at the intersection where the Mweka Trail meets. Up to the Barafu Hut we go. You have now finished the South Circuit, which provides numerous perspectives of the top. Here, we set up camp, relax, eat dinner, and get ready for the day of the summit. From this location, one may see Kibo and Mawenzi's two summits.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

We proceed to the peak between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers between midnight and two in the morning. You go in a northwesterly direction and ascend via heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the hardest part of the walk, both physically and mentally.

You will pause for a brief rest at Stella Point (18,600 feet), where, weather allowing, you will be treated to the most spectacular sunrise you have ever likely seen. On your hour-long climb to the summit from Stella Point, snow may be encountered every step of the way. You have arrived at the highest point on both the African continent and Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. Quick hikers will be able to witness the dawn from the top.

We now descend from the summit, making a lunch halt at Barafu before continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site. For the loose gravel descent, gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. We have our final meal on the mountain later in the evening, followed by a well-earned nap.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha

10,000 feet to 5,400 feet in elevation; 10 km in length; 3–4 hours of hiking

•Residence: Forest of Rain

We continue our journey to the Mweka Park Gate to pick up your summit certificates after breakfast. At lower levels, it can be damp and muddy. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. You should probably wear plenty of shorts and t-shirts (have warmer clothes and rain gear accessible).

You travel to Mweka Village an additional hour after leaving the gate. You will be picked up from Mweka Village and driven back to your Arusha hotel by a car.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.