Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Christmas Trek via the Machame Route

6 Days Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route
02 Scale the impressive Barranco Wall
03 Witness a magnificent sunrise from Gilman's Point
04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
05 Collect your summit certificate at Mweka Gate

Embark on a thrilling 6-day Christmas trek on Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route. Walk through dense rainforest, cross the Shira Plateau, and tackle the impressive Barranco Wall as you acclimatize for the summit. Begin your midnight ascent in extreme alpine conditions and witness a magnificent sunrise from Gilman's Point before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend via Mweka Gate, collect your summit certificate, and celebrate this remarkable achievement.

At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Moshi / Arusha to Machame Gate and Machame Camp

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 dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach Machame Camp.

Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

We leave the rainforest glades and continue on an ascending path up to 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.

Day 03

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco 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 leads 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 the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 04

Barranco Wall to Barafu Camp

The first section of today's route is to scale the Barranco Wall. You will use both your hands and feet. Safety is paramount, and you will be secured if necessary, but it looks more daunting than it is.
The trail then 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 is another 2-3 hour climb before you reach Barafu Camp (4,640 m). Tonight, drink plenty of fluids, try to eat well, and go to bed early so you can rest enough before tomorrow.

Day 05

Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka 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, and the wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever 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.

Day 06

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi / Arusha

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 for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will meet us and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, Gilman's Point sunrise, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Guide
Park fees
Tax
Meals according to the itinerary
Gate transfer
Crew wages
Fair and sustainable salary crew wages
Environment fees
During the climb, you will sleep in huts
4 breakfasts
5 lunches
5 dinners
Drinking water
Porters
Cook

What's Not Included

Flights
Items of a personal nature
Laundry services
Tips to the mountain crew

Know before you go

Hiking starts from 21st December to 26th December, so you will be on top of Mount Kilimanjaro on 25th December, Christmas Day.

If you are still wondering what to do over the festive season, why not spend your Christmas on Mount Kilimanjaro on this 6-day Machame Route Christmas climbing trekking and hiking tour? Mountain climbing can be an exhilarating experience and is a perfect adventure for you and your best friend or spouse.

Kilimanjaro, especially, is one of a kind. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Also known as the Roof of Africa, the mountain is quite walkable in that it is not particularly challenging to reach the summit. Essentially, most people can do it if they are fit and healthy.

Logistics