6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek in Tanzania with Machame Route Summit

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Conquer Uhuru Peak and stand on the roof of Africa at 5,895 metres via the Machame Route
• 02 Trek through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone
• 03 Watch a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds from Stella Point on the crater rim
• 04 Trek with experienced guides, cooks, and porters supporting you every step of the climb

Conquer Africa's highest peak on this thrilling 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the scenic Machame Route. Trek through lush rainforest, sweeping moorland, and alpine desert before reaching the arctic summit zone. Camp at stunning mountain campsites each night and witness a breathtaking sunrise from Stella Point. Guided by experienced mountain crews, climbers receive full support throughout the expedition as they reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres and stand on the roof of Africa.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Machame Gate Through Rainforest to Machame Camp

• The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate takes approximately 50 minutes, passing through the village of Machame on the lower slopes of the mountain.
• Departing from the park gate, trekkers walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. The lower sections of the trail can be muddy and slippery, making gaiters and trekking poles highly advisable.
• The trek continues a short distance until reaching Machame Camp for the night.

2

Day 02

Machame Camp Across Heather Moorland to Shira Camp

• After breakfast, trekkers leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a small valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge ends.
• The route turns west into a river gorge before arriving at Shira Campsite for rest, dinner, and an overnight stay.

3

Day 03

Shira Plateau to Lava Tower and Down to Barranco Camp

• From the Shira Plateau, trekkers continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo, before changing direction to the south-east toward the Lava Tower, known as the "Shark's Tooth."
• Shortly after the tower, the route reaches a second junction leading up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 feet, before descending to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000 feet for rest, dinner, and an overnight stay.
• Although trekkers end the day at the same elevation as when they started, this day is vital for acclimatisation and helps the body prepare for summit day.

4

Day 04

Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp

• After breakfast, trekkers leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite.
• Leaving Karanga, the route reaches the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail before continuing up to Barafu Hut, where the South Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from many different angles.
• The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position, and trekkers make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day.

5

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Hut

• Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am, trekkers set off toward the summit, heading in a north-westerly direction between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers and ascending through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim, which is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
• At Stella Point (18,600 feet), trekkers stop for a short rest and, weather permitting, are rewarded with a magnificent sunrise before completing the one-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
• From the summit, trekkers descend directly to Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch, with gaiters and trekking poles recommended for the loose gravel on the descent.
• Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, where mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon, and trekkers enjoy their last dinner on the mountain before a well-earned sleep.

6

Day 06

Mweka Camp Descent to Park Gate and Return to Moshi

• After breakfast, trekkers continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive their summit certificates, with gaiters and trekking poles recommended as lower elevations can be wet and muddy.
• From the gate, the trek continues for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle meets the group to drive everyone back to the hotel in Moshi.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi/Arusha before and after the climb
• Professional English-speaking mountain guides
• Experienced assistant guides, cooks, and porters
• All park fees and government taxes
• Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
• Camping fees and mountain tents
• Sleeping mattresses
• All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• Drinking water during the climb
• First aid kit
• Daily health monitoring during the trek
• Mess tent and camping furniture
• Hot drinks on the mountain
• Wages for the mountain crew
• Summit certificates for successful climbers

What's Not Included

• International and domestic flights
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal trekking gear and equipment
• Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
• Additional hotel nights before or after the trek
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional activities and excursions
• Portable toilet (available at extra cost if requested)

What to bring

• Warm sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Warm jacket and thermal clothing
• Rain jacket and rain pants
• Hiking trousers and moisture-wicking shirts
• Warm hat, sun hat, and gloves
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Trekking poles
• Daypack and duffel bag
• Reusable water bottles or hydration pack
• Personal toiletries and wet wipes
• Personal medications and basic first aid items
• Snacks and energy bars
• Camera or phone for photos
• Power bank and charging accessories
• Extra socks and comfortable camp shoes

Know before you go

• The Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Good physical fitness and proper preparation are recommended for a successful summit.
• Altitude sickness can affect anyone; gradual acclimatization and hydration are very important.
• Temperatures vary from warm rainforest conditions to freezing temperatures near the summit.
• All climbers must trek with licensed guides, as required by park regulations.
• Porters carry the main luggage; climbers carry only a daypack during the hike.
• Drinking plenty of water during the trek helps with acclimatization.
• Waterproof clothing and layered warm clothing are essential.
• Tipping the mountain crew is a common and appreciated practice.
• Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is highly recommended.
• The best trekking seasons are from January to March and June to October.
• Rental gear is available through Pure African Expeditions upon request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Machame Camp

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.