6-Day Kilimanjaro — Machame Route
6 days
Overview
Machame route is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and healthy meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. Done over 6 days, acclimatization is easier and the success rate is fairly high. Descent is down the Mweka trail, staying at Mweka or Millennium camp the final night on the mountain.
Highlights
Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate (approximately 45 minutes). The journey passes through the village of Machame on the lower slopes of the mountain. After registration, depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery — gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Continue until reaching Machame Camp.
Day 2 — Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
After breakfast, leave the rainforest glades and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route turns west onto a river gorge until arriving at the Shira Cave campsite. Views open across the Shira Plateau as you enter the moorland zone.
Day 3 — Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
From the Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. Change direction to the South East towards Lava Tower, called the 'Shark's Tooth' (4,650 m / 15,250 ft). Shortly after the tower, pass the second junction leading to Arrow Glacier. Continue down to Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is vital for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 4 — Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Have lunch at Karanga, then continue to Barafu Camp for overnight and final preparations for the midnight summit attempt. The landscape transforms into the stark alpine desert zone.
Day 5 — Summit Night: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, down to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), continue towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. 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, stop for a short rest and be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise. From Stella Point, ascend for approximately 1 hour to the summit. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), you stand at the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro — the Roof of Africa. Descend straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy the last evening on the mountain.
Day 6 — Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
After breakfast, 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 help. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will meet you to drive back to your hotel in Moshi.
Included
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Portable flush toilet with toilet tent
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Supplemental oxygen & pulse oximeter
- Katadyn filtered water throughout the trek
- Post-trek accommodation on bed & breakfast basis
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by KINAPA and KIATO
Excluded
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips to mountain crew
- Personal gear rental
- Laundry services
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