6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft

Altitude gained: 1210m

Departing from Moshi, a 45-minute drive takes you through the village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We patiently wait for permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide shares information about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft

Altitude gained: 818m

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft

Altitude gained: 147m

Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward Kibo Peak before continuing southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend for an overnight stay at Barranco Camp.

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft

Altitude gained: 676m

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall, then on to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to witness the power, agility, and strength of your crew as they zip over this wall with what appears to be such ease. We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once there, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. Enjoy an early dinner and rest as you prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft

Altitude gained: 1233m Descent to 3106m/10,190ft

Altitude lost: 2789m

Excitement builds as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment ahead. Moving in a switchback pattern in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here, and faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here, on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you will likely encounter snow. Congratulations - one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft

Altitude lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it is time to say goodbye. We continue descending to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. From the gate, a vehicle meets you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 30 minutes away. Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations. Overnight in a hotel in Moshi. The hotel standard depends on which category you choose for accommodations before being transferred to your journey home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar. Every climb is audited to ensure crew members are provided proper salaries, tips, food, equipment, and sleeping conditions. We think it is pretty great, and our clients do as well.