6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route A Stunning Trek to Uhuru Peak

Drive to Machame Gate, Hike to Machame CampElevation: 1830m To 3050m | Distance: 11km/7mi | Hiking Time: 5-6 Hours

Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart 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. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Hike Machame Camp to Shira CampElevation: 3050m To 3850m | Distance: 5km/3mi | Walking Time: 4-5 Hours

After breakfast we 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 we arrive at the Shira campsite.Overnight at Shira Camp

Hike Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco CampElevation: 3850m To 4000m | Distance: 10km/6mi | Walking Time: 5-6 Hours

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.Overnight at Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp to Barafu CampElevation (ft) : 13,000ft to 15,000ft Distance : 9km Hiking Time : 8-10 hours Habitat : Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.Overnight at Barafu Camp

Barafu Camp to Summit then Descend to Mweka CampElevation: 4700m To 5895m | Down To 3090m | Distance: 5km/3mi Up / 13km/8mi Down

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly 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 you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise 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 we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.Overnight at Mweka Camp

Descend From Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, then a drive to Moshi/ArushaElevation: 3090m To 1680m | Distance: 10km/6mi | Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the 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 plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).Overnight at Your Hotel/Lodge in Moshi or Arusha