6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek to Uhuru Peak via the Scenic Machame Route

• Depart from Arusha and drive to the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park.
• Complete all registration and permit formalities at the gate.
• Begin trekking through the lush rainforest, observing blue colobus monkeys and several bird species.
• Hike for 5 to 6 hours to reach Machame Camp, located at 3,000 meters.
• Meet your porters and cook, who will prepare a hot meal and bathing water for you.

Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude Gained: 1210m
Habitat: Rainforest
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Machame Camp

• Wake early and prepare for a shorter but steeper hike.
• Leave the rainforest zone and enter moorland with sparse vegetation and incredible views.
• Reach Shira Camp by mid-afternoon and enjoy scenic vistas of the Kibo Glacier.
• Relax and acclimatize in preparation for the following day.

Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude Gained: 818m
Habitat: Moorland
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira Camp

• Begin your ascent to Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic rock formation.
• Tackle this major acclimatization point before descending gradually.
• Trek down to Barranco Camp, widely regarded as the most beautiful campsite on the mountain.
• Settle at 3,986 meters and prepare for the next day's challenging climb.

Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft (via Lava Tower)
Altitude Gained: 147m
Habitat: Semi-desert
Hiking: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp

• Face the formidable Barranco Wall in a thrilling scramble up its rocky face.
• Proceed to Karanga Valley and stop for a hot lunch and brief rest.
• Continue your ascent to Barafu Camp, your final camp before the summit attempt.
• Rehydrate, eat a nutritious dinner, and sleep early for the midnight summit push.

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude Gained: 676m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp

• Wake around midnight and take a light meal and tea before the summit attempt.
• Hike in darkness to Stella Point, then push for two more hours to Uhuru Peak.
• Stand at the highest point in Africa (5895m) as the sun rises over the crater rim.
• Celebrate your success, take photos, and begin your descent to Barafu Camp for a meal.
• Continue the descent to Mweka Camp for a restful overnight stay.

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft (Uhuru Peak)
Descent: to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude Gained: 1233m
Altitude Lost: 2789m
Habitat: Glaciers, Snowcapped Summit
Hiking: 10-13 hours total
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp

• Eat your final breakfast on the mountain and descend through lush rainforest.
• Reach Mweka Gate and receive your summit certificate.
• Celebrate with your team of guides, porters, and cook at the gate.
• Transfer to Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved rest or airport drop-off.

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude Lost: 1473m
Habitat: Rainforest
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch