6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak via Mweka Descent
Highlights
Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi
nature, trekking, photography
Group Tour
6 Days
Medium
English, French, Italian, Spanish
Languages
English, French, Italian, Spanish
Description
Embark on a 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route, a scenic and challenging ascent through diverse landscapes including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial summit zones. Experience carefully planned acclimatisation through key camps such as Machame, Shira, Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This demanding adventure combines physical endurance with breathtaking views, culminating in a rewarding descent through Mweka Route, offering a once-in-a-lifetime achievement and unforgettable high-altitude trekking experience.
Itinerary
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Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met by your representative.
- Transfer to your hotel in Moshi town for check-in and rest.
- Meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing on the upcoming trek.
- Complete an equipment check to ensure you have all required mountain gear.
- Rent any missing trekking equipment if needed before the climb begins.
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Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, passing through Machame village at the base of the mountain.
- Leave the park gate and begin trekking through dense rainforest on a winding uphill trail along a ridge.
- Navigate sections of the trail that can be muddy and slippery, requiring careful footing.
- Use gaiters and trekking poles for better stability on challenging terrain.
- Continue ascending through the forest zone for a short distance.
- Arrive at Machame Camp for rest and overnight stay.
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Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- After breakfast, leave the rainforest glades and continue the ascent on a steady uphill trail.
- Cross a small valley while trekking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather vegetation.
- Continue along the ridge until it naturally comes to an end.
- The route then turns westward towards a river gorge.
- Proceed through the changing terrain as you approach the campsite.
- Arrive at Shira Camp for overnight stay and rest.
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Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, continue eastward along a ridge towards the junction leading in the direction of the Kibo peak.
Progress along the trail as it turns southeast towards Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.”
Pass the Lava Tower and continue towards the junction leading up to Arrow Glacier at approximately 16,000 feet.
Begin a descent towards Barranco Hut, located at around 13,000 feet.
Arrive at Barranco Camp for rest and dinner after a challenging acclimatisation day.
Overnight stay at Barranco Camp, with the day playing a key role in altitude adaptation for summit preparation.
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Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- After breakfast, depart Barranco Camp and begin the ascent along a steep ridge.
- Pass the iconic Barranco Wall and continue towards Karanga Valley campsite.
- Take a short break at Karanga before proceeding onwards on the trail.
- Join the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail and continue the climb.
- Ascend steadily towards Barafu Hut, the final base before summit attempt.
- Complete the South Circuit, offering panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
- Arrive at Barafu Camp, set up camp, and rest in preparation for summit night.
- Enjoy dinner and overnight stay while preparing for the final ascent.
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Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
- Begin the summit attempt very early in the morning between midnight and 2am.
- Ascend between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers in a northwesterly direction.
- Climb through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, the most challenging section of the trek.
- Reach Stella Point at 18,600 feet and take a short rest while witnessing sunrise (weather permitting).
- Continue the final ascent, which may involve snow, towards Uhuru Peak.
- Arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa on Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Begin descent back towards Barafu Camp, stopping for lunch en route.
- Continue down to Mweka Hut using gaiters and trekking poles for stability on loose terrain.
- Arrive at Mweka Camp in the upper forest zone for overnight stay.
- Enjoy dinner and rest after a demanding summit day.
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Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi
- After breakfast, begin the final descent from Mweka Camp through the lush rainforest.
- Continue trekking down towards Mweka Park Gate on a well-defined forest trail.
- Arrive at Mweka Gate and complete the registration formalities.
- Receive your summit certificates as a mark of successful completion of Mount Kilimanjaro climb.
- Meet your waiting vehicle at the gate.
- Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for rest and relaxation.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
| Adult | |
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| 1 to 1 | /person |
| 2 to 4 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 1 | /person |
| 2 to 4 | /person |
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This is a group tour |
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