6 Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

It takes about 45 minutes from Moshi town to Machame Gate. The journey passes through the village of Machame on the lower slopes of the mountain. We leave the park gate and walk up a ridge on a winding path through the rainforest. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Leg protectors and walking sticks are a good idea here. We continue for a short distance until we reach the Machame camp.

• Elevation: 1830 m/6000 ft to 3050 m/9950 ft
• Distance: 11km/7mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

• Elevation: 3050 m (9950 ft) to 3850 m (12,600 ft)
• Distance: 5km/3mi
• Walking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the south-east towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650 m/15,250 ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

• Elevation: 3850 m/12,600 ft to 4000 m/13,000 ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi
• Walking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250 m/13,900 ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050 m/13,250 ft), to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, with views of the summit in the distance.

• Elevation: 4000 m (13,000 ft) to 4700 m (15,350 ft)
• Distance: 9km/6mi
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4700 m/15,350 ft to 5895 m/19,340 ft
  Down to 3090 m/10,150 ft
• Distance: 5 km (3 mi) up, 13 km (8 mi) down
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

• Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast