6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Expeditions - 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.

Arusha to Machame gate then to Machame Camp

The drive from Arusha/Moshi to the Machame Gate takes around 1 hour. During this journey, we pass through the village of Machame, situated on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once we leave the park gate, we begin our hike by walking through a dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. After a 5-7 hour hike, we reach the Machame Camp, located at an elevation of 9,350 ft. This leg of the journey spans a distance of 11 km/7 miles and is characterized by a Rainforest habitat.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

We leave behind the rainforest glades and continue on an upward path towards a steep, rocky ridge. Heading towards the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, before crossing a large river gorge to reach Shira Camp.

Here are some additional details about this leg of the journey:
- Starting Point: Machame Camp
- Ending Point: Shira Camp
- Elevation: From 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Heath.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shira Camp to Baranko Camp

We will continue our trek towards the east, ascending a ridge and then heading southeast towards the Lava Tower, which is a 300 feet tall volcanic rock formation. After that, we will descend down to Barranco Camp through the Senecio Forest, a strange but beautiful forest, to an altitude of 13,000 feet. Even though you start and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude will help you acclimatize better.

The hike from Machame Camp to Shira Camp involves an elevation gain from 12,500 feet to 15,190 feet. The distance covered during this hike is 7 km or 4 miles. The total hiking time is expected to be around 4-5 hours, and the habitat we will encounter is an Alpine Desert.

From Lava Tower to Barranco Camp, we will be descending from an elevation of 15,190 feet to 13,044 feet while covering a distance of 3 km or 2 miles. The hiking time for this stretch is expected to be around 2-3 hours, and the habitat we will encounter is an Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Baranko Camp to Barafu Camp

Our day begins by descending into the Great Barranco, a vast ravine. We then climb up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The climb is over rocks, not technical, but it is long and tiring. We pass underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, heading towards the Karanga valley, which is our final stop to get fresh water before the summit. As we walk through barren and desolate land, the terrain becomes scree until we reach Barafu camp.

- Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
- Distance: 8 km/5.3 miles
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Barafu Camp to Uhuru peak then Millennium Camp

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. 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. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak– the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Millennium Camp to Mweka gate

On our final day, we will continue to descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and receive our summit certificates. The terrain at lower elevations can be muddy and wet, so we should be prepared for that. After reaching the gate, we will carry on for another hour to Mweka Village. From there, a vehicle will pick us up and drive us back to Moshi Town.

Here are some additional details about this leg of the journey:
- Starting Elevation: 10,065 ft
- Ending Elevation: 5,380 ft
- Distance Covered: 10 km/6 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest.

Main Destination:

Foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals 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.