6-Day Machame Route – Mount Kilimanjaro

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Machame camp

Your adventure begins at Machame Gate, where you register and meet your mountain crew. The trek starts through a dense rainforest filled with towering trees, moss, and the calls of exotic birds. The trail can be steep and muddy but offers fresh air and beautiful natural surroundings. After about 5–7 hours of hiking, you arrive at Machame Camp, set in a clearing among giant heathers. Here, you’ll enjoy a hot meal prepared by your chef and relax as the temperatures begin to drop in the evening.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira Cave - Camp

After breakfast, you climb out of the forest and into the moorland zone. The air becomes cooler, and you start seeing the first views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s peaks. The trail is rocky and climbs steadily, rewarding you with spectacular panoramas. You’ll reach Shira Cave Camp, located on the Shira Plateau, where the vegetation is sparse and the stars are incredibly bright at night. The camp area is open, offering amazing sunset views and the opportunity to explore small caves nearby.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp

This is an important acclimatization day. You ascend gradually toward Lava Tower, a large volcanic formation at 4,630m, where you stop for lunch and rest. The climb helps your body adjust to the altitude. Later, you descend to Barranco Camp, one of the most scenic spots on the route. The camp sits beneath the impressive Barranco Wall and offers a dramatic view of the mountain. Expect a cooler night, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as the sun sets behind the valley.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu Camp

The day begins with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble that rewards you with incredible views from the top. The trail then continues through alpine desert terrain, passing the Karanga Valley before reaching Barafu Camp. This camp is the last stop before the summit and is set on a rocky ridge exposed to strong winds. The name “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili. You’ll have an early dinner, prepare your gear, and rest before the midnight summit attempt.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp

You’ll wake up around midnight to start the most challenging and rewarding part of the climb. Using your headlamp, you ascend slowly through the cold and darkness toward Stella Point (5,756m), then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The sunrise from the summit is unforgettable. After photos and celebrations, you descend back to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp through the forest zone. The air gets warmer, and you’ll sleep soundly after the long, unforgettable day.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Gate

The final descent takes you through lush rainforest filled with bird songs and fresh mountain air. It’s an easy, relaxing walk compared to previous days. At Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate to commemorate your achievement. Your team will celebrate with singing and smiles before you drive back to Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and a well-deserved rest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.