Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (3,010m)

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 11 km
Habitat: Rainforest

Your climb begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate for registration and a short briefing. Once you meet your climbing team, you’ll start trekking through the lush rainforest filled with colobus monkeys, birds, and dense tropical vegetation. The trail is steep in some areas but well-maintained, offering a rewarding introduction to Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.

Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp (3,010m) → Shira Camp (3,840m)

Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Moorland

Leaving the forest behind, you ascend into the moorland zone. The path climbs steadily along rocky ridges, revealing sweeping views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Shira Camp, set on the western side of the ancient volcanic plateau.

Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today is an important acclimatization day. The trail gradually climbs to Lava Tower at 4,630m, where you’ll stop for lunch beneath the towering volcanic rock. From here, the route descends into the stunning Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” pattern is essential for adapting to altitude.

Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) → Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Distance: 9 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Your day begins with a fun and scenic challenge—the famous Barranco Wall. After a non-technical scramble to the top, enjoy panoramic views before continuing across ridges and valleys toward Karanga Valley. From here, you’ll continue your ascent to Barafu Camp, the high camp for your summit push. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the early-morning ascent.

Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,673m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Distance: ~17 km
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Summit day begins around midnight. You’ll ascend slowly up the steep slope toward Stella Point (5,756m), then follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point. Witness an unforgettable sunrise above the clouds and celebrate your achievement.

After the summit, descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and brunch. You’ll then continue your descent to Mweka Camp for a well-earned night of rest.

Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Return to Moshi/Arusha

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Rainforest

Your final descent takes you through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate. A driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and celebration.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Why Choose the Machame Route (6 Days)

• Excellent acclimatization profile with the effective “climb high, sleep low” strategy

• Varied and dramatic scenery from rainforest to glaciers

• High success rate among Kilimanjaro routes

• Adventurous, scenic, and ideal for fit trekkers seeking a rewarding challenge

Best Time to Climb Machame Route

Best seasons:

• January – March: Clear skies, cooler weather, fewer crowds

• June – October: Dry conditions and excellent summit visibility

It’s best to avoid the rainy seasons (April–May and November) for optimal climbing conditions.