6-Day Climbing Kilimanjaro Machame Route

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

Moshi To Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)

The journey begins with a one-hour drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, where we complete the necessary park formalities, meet our crew of porters, and officially start the climb. The first section of the Machame Route steadily ascends through a magnificent, dense rainforest. This part of the trail is less frequented by hikers, so the path can sometimes be overgrown in places, and the ground is often wet and muddy underfoot, adding a sense of adventure to the journey.

During this section, climbers will experience the lush, vibrant ecosystem of the rainforest, with its rich variety of plant and animal life. The climb is moderate, allowing for a steady acclimatization process as we gradually make our way higher.

Distance covered: 10.8 km / 6.7 miles
Approximate time: 6 hours.

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 (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)

The trek continues as we ascend through the dense rainforest, gradually making our way up to the steep incline that leads to the Shira Plateau. This section of the climb offers a significant change in terrain, transitioning from the lush forest to more open, rocky landscapes as we approach the plateau. Along the way, the views become more expansive, offering stunning panoramas of Mount Kilimanjaro's towering peaks.

Once we reach the Shira Plateau, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountain's upper slopes, where the rugged terrain gives way to a more barren and alpine environment. From this vantage point, you can also take in the striking view of Mount Meru, rising majestically above Arusha town in the distance. The contrast between the two mountains is particularly striking, and it's a memorable moment to pause and take in the beauty of the surroundings.

Distance covered: 5.4 km / 3.4 miles
Approximate time: 5 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Today, we transition into the high moorland of Mount Kilimanjaro, where the landscape takes on a dramatic shift. The terrain becomes more rugged and open, with the once lush rainforest giving way to sparse vegetation and rocky outcrops. As we trek along the southwest side of the mountain, we will pass beneath the imposing Lava Tower, a striking volcanic feature that rises above the landscape. From this point, we continue our climb along the final section of the Western Breach, a well-known and challenging area for mountaineers.

The trek today is physically demanding but offers rewarding views of the mountain’s rugged beauty and the surrounding landscape. At the end of the day, we will arrive at our camp, where we can relax and recover from a full day of trekking at altitude.

Distance covered: 10.8 km / 6.7 miles
Approximate time: 8 hours.

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 (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

Our journey today begins with a descent into the Great Barranco, a massive ravine that carves its way through the mountain's slopes. After reaching the bottom, we face the challenge of ascending the Great Barranco Wall, a steep, rocky climb that separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. While this is not a technical climb, it is long and physically demanding, requiring determination and stamina to reach the top.

As we scale the wall, we are treated to spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers, including the Heim and Kersten glaciers, which glisten in the high-altitude sunlight. After conquering the Barranco Wall, we continue our trek toward the Karanga Valley, which serves as our last opportunity to gather fresh water before heading to the summit. The terrain begins to shift, with scree and loose rocks becoming more prevalent, creating a more arid and desolate landscape as we approach our next stop.

Distance covered: 8.5 km / 5.3 miles
Approximate time: 8 hours.

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 (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

We begin our ascent at around midnight, under the cover of darkness, as the journey toward the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro reaches its most challenging and thrilling stage. The climb starts steeply, and for the next 4 to 5 hours, we ascend the scree slopes, steadily gaining altitude over a short distance. This is a physically demanding stretch, but the reward is a rapid gain in height and spectacular views as we climb.

Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m).

We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millenium camp

Distance covered: 13.4 km / 8.3 miles
Approximate time: 12 – 15 hoursof dawn begin to break across the horizon, and we will reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5,739 meters) just as the sun begins to rise.

Main Destination:

Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

After the exhilarating challenge of reaching the summit, our final day on Mount Kilimanjaro is a more relaxed descent through the lush rainforest. The trek today is gentle, as we make our way down to Mweka Gate, where we complete the necessary park formalities. The rainforest provides a tranquil and refreshing change of pace after the high-altitude challenges, with its cool, shaded environment and rich vegetation.

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, we will be awarded our well-earned certificates, a symbol of your incredible achievement in conquering the highest peak in Africa. These certificates are a proud memento of the journey and can be displayed as a reminder of the adventure you’ve just completed.

Once the formalities are complete, we will be met by our vehicles and begin the drive back to Moshi. The journey back to the hotel is a time to reflect on the amazing experience and accomplishments of the past days.

Distance covered: 12.1 km / 7.5 miles
Approximate time: 6 hours.

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.