6-Day Kilimanjaro Summit Trek via the Machame Route

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Machame gate to shira cave camp

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel or a designated location in Moshi or nearby areas. You’ll be transported comfortably to Machame Gate, passing through lush foothills, coffee and banana plantations, and scenic Chagga villages, with your first breathtaking views of Africa’s tallest mountain along the way.
Upon arrival at Machame Gate, your guide manages all park formalities, including registration, issuing permits, weighing your luggage, and conducting safety checks. Here, you meet your experienced mountain crew, including guides, porters, and a chef, who will provide full support throughout your trek. A safety and equipment briefing follows, covering proper trekking techniques, altitude acclimatization, emergency procedures, and tips to maximize comfort and safety on the mountain.
The hike begins in the montane rainforest, a lush ecosystem filled with towering trees, dense ferns, mosses, and a chorus of tropical birds.

Main Destination:

Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame camp to shira cave

After a peaceful night at Machame Camp, your second day begins with a hearty breakfast and a short briefing from your guide. Today’s route takes you steadily upward from the lush rainforest into the heath and moorland zone, where the vegetation changes completely. You’ll pass through bamboo groves, tall heather, and unique high-altitude plants that make Kilimanjaro unlike any other mountain in Africa.

Your guide sets a slow, comfortable pace to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude. You’ll take a relaxing break midway for snacks, water, and photos, while learning interesting facts about Kilimanjaro’s volcanic history and wildlife.

As you continue, you reach the Shira Plateau, one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the mountain. Here, the views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding volcanic plains are absolutely spectacular and create unforgettable photo moments.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira cave to baranco camp

After breakfast at Shira Camp (3,850m), you begin hiking through the alpine desert zone, where the landscape becomes rocky, raw, and dramatic. The trail gradually climbs toward Lava Tower (4,630m), a massive volcanic rock formation that stands as one of the most iconic landmarks on Kilimanjaro.

Reaching Lava Tower is a key part of your acclimatization strategy. Your guide monitors your oxygen levels and overall condition, ensuring that your body adjusts safely to the higher altitude. You’ll enjoy a hot lunch or snacks at the tower while taking in incredible views of Kibo’s icy glaciers, rugged ridgelines, and vast plains stretching far below.
After resting, you begin a slow descent into the Great Barranco Valley, allowing your body to follow the essential “climb high, sleep low” principle. This technique greatly increases your chances of a successful summit.
By afternoon, you arrive at Barranco Camp (3,950m)—one of the most beautiful and dramatic campsites on the entire mountain.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Baranco camp to barafu base camp

Your day begins with the exciting ascent of the famous Baranco Wall—a fun, non-technical scramble that rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of dramatic valleys, towering ridges, and ancient volcanic formations. This section is one of the most memorable highlights of the Machame Route and gives climbers a real sense of adventure and achievement.

Once at the top, the trail gently undulates before descending into the beautiful Karanga Valley, a high-altitude landscape filled with unique alpine vegetation and excellent photo stops. After a nourishing lunch at Karanga Camp, you continue climbing gradually toward Barafu Base Camp (4,600m).
As you approach Barafu, the environment transforms into a rugged alpine desert—rocky, raw, and dominated by sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, Mawenzi Peak, and endless plains below. Upon arrival, your porters will already have your tents set up, and your mountain chef will prepare a warm meal to help you refuel.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Uhuru peak to mweka camp

The ultimate day of your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a midnight start from Barafu Base Camp. Hiking by headlamp through the cold, quiet alpine desert, you follow your experienced guide at a slow, steady pace designed to conserve energy and help your body cope with the extreme altitude.

The climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) is physically demanding due to steep slopes, low oxygen, and freezing temperatures, but the reward is indescribable—the roof of Africa at sunrise. From the summit, marvel at the glaciers, volcanic ridges, valleys, and distant Tanzanian landscapes as the first light of day paints the mountain in gold—a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment.

After a short rest and plenty of photos at the summit, you descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for a light snack and water. The descent continues through the alpine desert, moorland, and lush rainforest, passing through a variety of ecosystems and offering one last chance to admire the mountain’s beauty.

Main Destination:

Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka camp to moshi town

On your final day, you begin the descent from Mweka Camp through the lush, vibrant rainforest toward Mweka Gate. The trail is mostly downhill, with some muddy and steep sections, so trekking poles and sturdy hiking boots are essential for safety and comfort. As you walk, immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings: tropical flora, colorful birds, and playful monkeys, offering a relaxing and scenic contrast to the challenging summit climb.

Along the way, your experienced guides ensure your safety, assist with pacing, and share insights about the mountain’s ecology, culture, and history. This is also a perfect opportunity to reflect on your journey and take memorable photographs.

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll complete your descent registration and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate, a treasured memento marking your achievement. From the gate, a private transfer takes you back to Moshi Town or your lodge, where a warm shower, celebratory meal, and rest await.

Main Destination:

Moshi (Town)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.