6 Days Machame Route

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)

• Hiking Distance: 11 km (5–7 hours)
• Habitat: Rainforest

Your journey begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate, where you’ll complete park registration. The trek starts with a gradual climb through lush rainforests, filled with tropical plants, moss-covered trees, and exotic wildlife.

As you ascend, the forest opens up to mossy clearings before reaching Machame Camp, where you’ll enjoy your first night under the stars.

Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)

• Hiking Distance: 5 km (4–6 hours)
• Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone, characterized by rocky terrain, giant heather, and open landscapes. This day’s trek is shorter but steeper, offering incredible views of Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance.

By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Shira Camp, where you’ll rest, hydrate, and enjoy stunning sunset views over the African plains.

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

• Hiking Distance: 10 km (6–8 hours)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

This day follows the “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization strategy. You’ll trek towards Lava Tower (4,630m), where you’ll stop for lunch and adjust to the high altitude.

After Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m), allowing your body to acclimate better. The descent to Barranco offers stunning views of the Great Barranco Wall and Kibo Peak.

This is one of the most challenging but rewarding days on the trek!

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

• Hiking Distance: 5 km (4–5 hours)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today, you’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable rock scramble with breathtaking views of the Barranco Valley below. Though intimidating, the climb is safe and rewarding, offering some of the best photo opportunities on Kilimanjaro.

After conquering the Barranco Wall, you’ll trek through rolling terrain to Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for the final ascent.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

• Hiking Distance: 4 km (4–5 hours)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

This leg of the trek is short but steep, leading you to Barafu Camp, the final stop before the summit push.

Upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, as the summit attempt begins at midnight. Your guides will provide a final briefing, and you’ll prepare your gear for the most challenging part of the climb.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m)

• Hiking Distance: 17 km (10–14 hours)
• Habitat: Arctic (summit), Rainforest (descent)

Midnight Summit Push!

At midnight, you’ll begin the toughest part of the trek, climbing through the freezing darkness toward Uhuru Peak. After 6–7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,739m), where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise over Africa.

After a final push, you’ll stand at Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa! 🎉

Celebrate your achievement with photos at the summit before beginning the descent.

After a short break at Barafu Camp, you’ll continue down to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificate. From there, a private transfer will take you back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can celebrate your success!