6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

• Drive from Arusha or Moshi to Machame Gate. It may take 1 hour from Moshi or 2 hours from Arusha. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

• Depart from the park gate and walk through the rainforest 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.

Walking Time: 5-7 hours walking (6,000ft/1,830m to 10,200ft/3,100m)

Distance: 11 km

Habitat: Montane Forest

Full board at Machame Hut Camp

• After breakfast, leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route then turns west into a river gorge until you arrive at the Shira Campsite.

Walking Time: 4-6 hours walking (10,200ft/3,100m to 12,600ft/3,840m)

Distance: 9 km

Habitat: Moorland

Full board at Shira Cave Camp

• Today, walk on a gentle ascent and enjoy panoramic views. Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach.

• After a hot lunch, descend to the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600m).

Walking Time: 5-7 hours walking (12,600ft/3,840m to 12,700ft/3,860m)

Distance: 15 km

Habitat: Semi-desert

Full board at Barranco Camp

• After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up to the Barranco Wall (4,250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (4,050m/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. Stay in camp with views of the summit in the distance.

Distance: 9 km

Walking Time: 6-8 hours (4,000m/13,000ft to 4,700m/15,350ft)

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Full board at Barafu Camp

• Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head in a northwest direction and ascend through heavy scree towards 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 you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Fast 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 you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa, begin your descent by continuing straight down to Mweka Camp.

• Stop at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the way down.

• Arrive at Mweka Camp, where you can enjoy your last evening on the mountain (4,700m/15,350ft to 5,895m/19,343ft, then down to 3,090m/10,150ft).

Distance: 6 km up / 13 km down

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

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Full board at Mweka Camp

• After breakfast, continue descending to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. It is advised to keep rain gear and warm clothes handy.

• Drive back to the hotel in Arusha or Moshi. A Haika expedition vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka Gate.

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest