Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa
02 Climb via the scenic Machame Route through varied mountain landscapes
03 Witness a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak from high on the mountain
04 Use the acclimatization climb via Lava Tower to prepare for summit day
05 Challenge yourself physically and mentally on the ascent to Uhuru Peak

Embark on a thrilling 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame Route and take on Africa's highest peak. Trek through dense rainforest, heather and open moorlands, and dramatic alpine landscapes as you ascend toward Uhuru Peak. Along the way, experience breathtaking views, a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak, and the challenge of high-altitude trekking. This journey is designed to test you physically and mentally while creating lifelong memories on the mountain.

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.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Trek to Machame Camp

Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by one of our friendly drivers, who will transfer you to the hotel. If you arrive early, you can explore Arusha Town, which is only a short taxi ride away, or relax at the lodge and prepare for the days ahead. You will also meet one of our operations staff and your guide, who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.
The drive from Arusha to Machame Gate takes about 1 hour. The journey passes through the village of Machame, located on the mountain's lower slopes. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach Machame Camp.

Day 02

Ascend from Machame Camp to Shira 2 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

Acclimatization Trek via Lava Tower to 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 brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 ft. We now 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

Climb the Barranco Wall and Continue to High Camp

The first section of today's route is to scale 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 hours of climbing before you reach Barafu Camp (4,640 m). Tonight, drink plenty of fluids, try to eat, and go to bed early so you can rest well before tomorrow.

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak

We begin our push to the summit very 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.

Day 06

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to 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 another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.