6 Days: Hiking Kilimanjaro via Machame Route

Day 1 Machame Gate to Machame Camp

1. 1

   Kilimanjaro National Park

   6 hours

   In the morning you will be taken to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (about an hour drive). You will begin your trek towards Shira Cathedral. On the journey you might spot the black and white colobus monkeys watching you curiously as you walk past. In about 5 to 6 hours, you will reach the Machame Camp, situated 3,010 m above the tree line, where you will enjoy your evening meal and overnight stay.

Day 2 Machame Camp to Shira Hut Campsite

1. 1

   Kilimanjaro National Park

   6 hours

   After breakfast, you will leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a little valley and walking along steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the end of the ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge at 3658m (5-7 hours). You will spend overnight at Shira hut campsite (3845m).

Day 3 Shira Hut Campsite to Lava Tower - Barranco Camp

1. 1

   Kilimanjaro National Park

   7 hours

   In this new day your trek begins with an ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower (4,640 m). The surrounding vegetation becomes more sporadic as the landscape changes to an alpine desert. The route stretches through the sweeping Barranco Valley, with its lobelia and giant senecio plants, and in approximately 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the Barranco Camp, the most beautiful camp on the mountain.

Day 4 Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

1. 1

   Kilimanjaro National Park

   6 hours

   Today you will climb the “Barranco Wall”, where a steady hold will be needed. Luckily a helping hand is never far behind and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Leaving Barranco and ascend the Barranco Wall with some wonderful views for the top. Then descend through the Karanga Valley where you will stop for a lunch, before embarking on another 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp (4,640 m). At the camp you will enjoy a well-deserved break, evening meal and an early night.

Day 5 Barafu Camp to Uhuru Camp - Mweka Camp

1. 1

   Kilimanjaro National Park

   6 hours

   Around mid-night after getting hot tea with light snacks, you will start your climb to Uhuru Peak. Ascending in the dark, with only a headlight to shine the way, you will climb the screes of Kibo, reaching Stella Point in about 5 to 7 hours. Walking along the crater ridge you will finally reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). On the “Roof of Africa” you will enjoy a 360° view over the surrounding landscape before starting your descent along the same route. From the summit descend back to Barafu, where you will have a warm meal and relax. Then continue to Mweka hut campsite (3080m). (The journey will take 5 hours). At Mweka camp you will have your evening meal and then sleep with the sights of Mount Kilimanjaro still fresh in your mind.

Day 6 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate - Arusha

1. 1

   Kilimanjaro National Park

   6 hours

   This will be the last day for the journey you will gently descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. After you descend the whole group will gather to congratulate you and you will get a chance to share your opinion of the hiking on the guest book and certificate will be provided. The driver will pick you up and drive you back to your hotel.