6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Itinerary overview
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by our friendly staff and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Moshi. Enjoy a welcome drink and settle into your room.
Pre-trek Briefing and Gear Check: In the evening, meet your experienced guide for a detailed briefing on the trek. You’ll go through a thorough gear check to ensure you have all the necessary equipment.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Drive to Machame Gate: After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Machame Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet), located at the edge of Kilimanjaro National Park.
Registration and Start of Trek: Complete the registration process and begin your trek through the lush montane rainforest. This initial stage is rich with wildlife and exotic plants.
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,195 meters (3,920 feet)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation: Montane Forest
Camp: Machame Camp (2,835 meters / 9,300 feet)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Hiking: Continue the trek, leaving the rainforest and entering the moorland zone. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the plains below and the peak ahead.
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,015 meters (3,330 feet)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Vegetation: Moorland
Highlights: As you gain elevation, you’ll experience a noticeable change in landscape with more sparse vegetation and giant heathers.
Camp: Shira Camp (3,850 meters / 12,600 feet)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Acclimatization Hike: Today’s trek is crucial for acclimatization. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 meters / 15,190 feet) before descending to Barranco Camp.
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 780 meters (2,560 feet) to Lava Tower, then descend 670 meters (2,190 feet) to Barranco Camp
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Vegetation: Semi-desert
Highlights: The landscape turns to semi-desert as you approach Lava Tower, providing unique geological features and stunning views.
Camp: Barranco Camp (3,960 meters / 13,000 feet)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Hiking: Start the day by climbing the iconic Great Barranco Wall. Despite its intimidating appearance, the climb is manageable and offers breathtaking views. Continue through the Karanga Valley and on to Barafu Camp.
Distance: 9 km / 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 680 meters (2,230 feet)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Highlights: The Barranco Wall provides some exciting scrambling and stunning vistas. The route passes through several ridges and valleys.
Camp: Barafu Camp (4,640 meters / 15,090 feet)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Summit Night: Depart around midnight for your summit attempt. The trail is steep and demanding, with switchbacks up a scree slope.
Ascent Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,255 meters (4,110 feet)
Ascent Time: 7-8 hours
Summit: Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet) at dawn. Celebrate your achievement and enjoy the breathtaking views from the Roof of Africa.
Descent: After a brief celebration at the summit, begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and brunch. Continue descending to Mweka Camp through alpine desert and rainforest.
Descent Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet)
Descent Time: 6-8 hours
Highlights: The early morning light at Uhuru Peak and the sense of accomplishment are unmatched. Descending offers a different perspective of the mountain.
Camp: Mweka Camp (3,100 meters / 10,170 feet)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
Descent: Continue your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be slippery, so proceed with caution.
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Elevation Loss: 1,460 meters (4,790 feet)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Completion: At Mweka Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet), collect your summit certificates and meet your vehicle.
Drive to Moshi: Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
Celebration: Enjoy a celebratory dinner with your team, sharing stories and experiences from the trek.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Departure
Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer: Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions:
All airport transfers
Hotel accommodations in Moshi (2 nights)
Park fees and camping fees
Professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
All meals on the mountain
Drinking water
Tents and camping equipment
First aid kit
Summit certificates
Exclusions:
International flights
Tanzania visa
Travel insurance
Personal trekking gear (can be rented)
Tips for guides, porters, and cook
Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, etc.)
