6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

• After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi (900m) and driven to Machame Gate. After completing your registration and formalities with the park authority, you enter the rainforest zone immediately and start your Kilimanjaro ascent. Rain in this zone is a strong possibility, leaving the trail muddy, soggy, and slippery. About midway, you will be served a welcome lunch and reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon.
• The porters and other supporting crew will arrive at the campsite before you and set up the tents by the time you arrive. Water for washing and drinking will be prepared in the evening. Later in the evening, dinner will be served before you settle in for an overnight stay and rest at the camp.

Distance: 11km

Habitat: Montane forest

Time: 5 to 6 hours

• After a well-deserved breakfast, you will climb to the top of the forest for an hour or so and then continue for two hours on a gentler slope in the moorland zone. After lunch and a short rest, you'll continue up to Shira Plateau through a rocky ridge. You'll be able to see the Western Breach and its stunning glaciers as you head in an easterly direction. You are now standing west of Kibo and will shortly reach Shira campsite at 3840 metres.

Distance: 11km

Habitat: Montane forest

Time: 5 to 6 hours

• The route then takes an eastward turn and enters a semi-desert and rocky environment surrounding the Lava Tower at an altitude of 4630m. Walking for approximately 5 hours will get you there. This is by far the toughest day on the mountain, and around this point, some climbers report experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness such as irritability, headaches, and breathlessness. The descent to Barranco Camp will take about 2 hours and offers excellent Western Breach and Breach Wall photography opportunities. The camp is located just below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall inside the valley, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for dinner to be prepared.

Distance: 12km

Habitat: Moorland

Time: 6 to 8 hours

• Today, the Barranco Wall stands before you to conquer. Some stages will require you to use your hands for a better grip, but no actual climbing is necessary, and your guide will be with you every step of the way to provide a helping hand. The route, with its numerous ascents and descents, gives you a chance for further acclimatization before reaching the mountain ridge. Walking along the ridge, you can take in the beautiful landscape with its stunning contrasts of desert and vegetation before finally reaching the cloudy Karanga Camp. Your trek will take 4 to 5 hours, leaving more than enough time to rest and play a game of rummy once you reach the campsite.

Distance: 13km

Habitat: Alpine desert

Time: 6 to 8 hours

• After sipping hot tea with snacks, you'll start trekking at around midnight. With the aid of a torchlight, you'll climb the heavily screed surface of Kibo. Ascending for 5 to 7 hours in the dark will lead you to 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 be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, depending on the weather. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on your 1 to 2 hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak (5895m), known as the roof of Africa, you'll experience Kilimanjaro in all its glory and enjoy sweeping views over the landscape. After taking pictures and celebrating, you'll descend by the same route. Shortly before midday, you will arrive at Barafu Camp for lunch. After a warm meal and a few hours' break, you'll head towards Mweka Camp at 3,100 metres, where you'll have dinner and a well-earned rest.

Distance: 20km

Habitat: Alpine desert /stone scree/ice-capped summit/Montane forest

Time: 14 to 16 hours

• The final descent of your amazing Kilimanjaro trekking adventure begins after breakfast. You will enjoy a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then, a gentle 3 to 4 hour descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your Mt. Kilimanjaro trekking certificate, and your transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the hotel in Moshi, and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool, or celebrate your achievement.

Distance: 8km

Habitat: Montane forest

Time: 3 to 4 hours