6 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, there will be a pre-trek briefing, equipment check, and an opportunity to meet your guide. Overnight at the hotel in Moshi.

• Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

The journey begins at Machame Gate. You’ll hike through lush rainforest, encountering exotic plant life and potentially seeing some wildlife. This day is relatively easy as you adjust to the trail. Arrive at Machame Camp by evening and set up camp for the night.

• Elevation: 3,000m to 3,840m
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Leaving the rainforest behind, the path ascends steeply through the heather and moorland zone. Today’s hike provides expansive views of the plains below and Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll reach Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau and enjoy a peaceful evening with spectacular views.

• Elevation: 3,840m to 3,950m (with a climb to Lava Tower at 4,630m)
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert

This day is critical for acclimatization as you hike up to Lava Tower, reaching 4,630 meters. After enjoying the views, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude, improving your chances for a successful summit. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

• Elevation: 3,950m to 4,673m
• Distance: 9 km
• Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day begins with an exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding section of the trail. From the top, you’ll continue across the alpine desert, passing the Karanga Valley and onward to Barafu Camp. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp in the late afternoon to prepare for your early morning summit attempt.

• Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m
• Distance: 17 km
• Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic, then Rainforest

Your summit attempt begins around midnight, a challenging climb in the dark to Stella Point and then on to Uhuru Peak. Reaching the summit at dawn, you’ll experience an incredible sunrise over the African continent. After a moment of celebration, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The final leg of the journey takes you back down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive a summit certificate. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.