6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek from Moshi to Uhuru Peak

• The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate takes about 50 minutes. Along the way to Machame Gate, hikers pass through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• From the park gate, hikers begin walking through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. The lower section of the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended and are an excellent idea here. Hikers then continue a short distance until reaching the Machame encampment.

Rising(ft): 3,000m: 6,000ft/1,830m to 10,200ft/3,100m
Stretch: 11 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Climatic habitat: Rainforest
Shelter: Machame Camp

• After breakfast, we 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 we arrive at Shira campsite.

Rising(ft): 10,200ft/3,100m to 12,600ft/3,840m
Stretch: 9 km
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Climatic habitat: Moorland
Shelter: Full board Shira Cave Camp

• On the third day of hiking the Machame route, the hikers and the team walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Mount Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach after a hot lunch. The bottom of the Lava Tower is at 4,600m. We then descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley at 3,950m.

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Hiking time: 5-7 hours walking
Rising: 12,600ft / 3,840m to 12,700ft / 3,860m
Stretch: 15 km
Climatic habitat: Semi-desert
Shelter: Full board Barranco Camp

• After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elevation 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elevation 4050m/13,250ft), to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
• We continue up to Barafu Campsite. You have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here at Barafu campsite, hikers and the team make camp together with views of the summit in the distance.

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4600m)
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Rising: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Stretch: 9 km
Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert
Shelter: Full board at Barafu Camp

• Very early in the morning, from midnight to 2:00 a.m., hikers and the team continue toward the summit between the Rebmann and Reitzel glaciers. The route heads in a northwesterly direction and ascends 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, you stop for a short rest and are rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you have ever seen. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
• From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way during the 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 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. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Rising (ft): 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,343ft; down to 3090m/10,150ft
Stretch: 6km up/13km down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up/5-6 hours down
Climatic habitat: Arctic

• After breakfast, we continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help.
• Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. We will be waiting for you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Decend(ft): 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Stretch: 10 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Climatic habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch