6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek to Uhuru Peak

The drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, located on the mountain's lower slopes. After leaving the park gate, we walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach Machame Camp.

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft

Distance: 11 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Machame Camp

We leave the rainforest glades and continue on an ascending path up a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to reach Shira 2 Camp.

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Heath

Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 ft. We then continue down to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000 ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight. Although you end the day at nearly the same elevation as when you started, this day is significant for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

The first section of today's route is scaling the Barranco Wall. Use your hands and feet. Safety is paramount, and you will be secured if necessary, but it looks more daunting than it is. The trail continues with many up-and-down sections, crossing a few streams, winding and climbing, and stopping for lunch in the Karanga Valley. After lunch, there will be another 2-3 hour climb before you reach Barafu Camp (4,640 m). Tonight, drink plenty of fluids, try to eat, and go to bed early to get enough rest before tomorrow's trek.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

We begin our push to the summit early in the morning, around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever likely see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Accommodation: Uhuru Peak

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Moshi