6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

The climb starts from Machame Gate (1,830 m), and we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest, you will arrive at the first Machame Hut, situated at 3,000 m above sea level. If the evening clouds permit and the day is clear, we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo.

Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 6-7 hours walking.

On-mountain night - camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

This is a shorter day, climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as a picnic site, then continuing on a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo Peak can be seen from Shira Camp.

Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840 m): 4-6 hours walking.

On-mountain night - camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

Today we walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach. After a hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m), we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m).

Shira Camp to Barranco Valley (3,900 m): 5-7 hours walking.

On-mountain night - camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, and the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley.

After a short break for a hot lunch, we take a steep climb out of Karanga, followed by an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi, can be seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the camp, the remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 7-9 hours walking.

On-mountain night - camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree with some well-graded zig-zags, and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735 m. We will rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi.

Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, we descend to Barafu. The descent is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment before continuing down to reach Mweka Camp.

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3,100 m): 13-15 hours walking.

On-mountain night - camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation tier to choose on the mountain itself.

A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, we drive back to Moshi to Keys Hotel.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.

Dinner and overnight at Moshi Keys Hotel: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.

Departing day: departure day - no accommodation booked for tonight.