6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via the Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

• Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, which takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

• Depart from the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here.

• Continue a short distance until you reach Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft

Distance: 11km/7mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: L, D

• After breakfast, leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge.

• The route now turns west onto a river gorge until you arrive at Shira Camp.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: B, L, D

• From the Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As you continue, the direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elevation 4650m/15,250ft).

• Shortly after the tower, come to the second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier.

• Continue down to Barranco Camp. Although you end the day at nearly the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: B, L, D

• After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up to the Barranco Wall (elevation 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elevation 4050m/13,250ft), to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

• Continue up to Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, camp is made with views of the summit in the distance.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft

Distance: 9km/6mi

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

• Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am, continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers.

• Head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree toward 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 one of the most magnificent sunrises you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

• From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

• From the summit, begin the descent by continuing straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the way down.

• Arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy your last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft

Down to 3090m/10,150ft

Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meals: B, L, D

• After breakfast, continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.

• At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be enough to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: B