6-Day Machame Route Mt Kilimanjaro Trekking

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

Machame Gate

You will be picked up by your guide and assistant guide. There’s a fair chance that the majority of the team will be joining you in the van. The others will be met at the gate. All the stuff that is carried by the porters needs to be weighed at the gate. To kill time and to get you properly fueled, the cook will already cook up a small meal for you. You won’t be alone here. There are likely a few dozen climbers waiting to start. The guide will ask you to fill out some paperwork and then you’re off.

Soon you will be hiking through the lush rainforest with its large ancient trees, primeval ferns, and endemic flowers, like the Impatiens Kilimanjaro. You might also spot black and white thumbless colobus monkeys peeking through the leaves. Reaching the campsite, you will have time to relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy a hearty meal before snuggling into your tent for the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Machame Camp

Machame Camp (3,010m) – Shira Camp (3,845m)

Wake up to the aroma of fresh tea or coffee brought right to your tent by the cook’s assistant. He’ll also collect your water bottles to refill them. Shortly after, enjoy a full breakfast—eggs, toast, pancakes, and options for all dietary needs, from vegetarian to gluten-free.

Today, you’ll trek out of the lush rainforest into the open moorland and heath zone. The change in landscape is dramatic, and the views are spectacular as you ascend to Shira Camp. Though the altitude increases, the pace is steady, allowing time to acclimatize, enjoy the scenery, and chat with your guides and fellow climbers.

Upon arrival at Shira Camp, you'll be welcomed with a hot, freshly prepared dinner made from local ingredients. Some nights even feature fish from Lake Victoria. Before bed, join the porters in their tent for warmth, good company, and stories to remember.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira Cave Camp

Start your day with breakfast and the usual “wishy-washy”—a warm basin of water to freshen up. Today’s trek leads you to Lava Tower at 4,640 meters (15,000 ft), a key acclimatization point. The air thins, and you may feel the altitude—try doing some quick math to see how it affects your mind!

The trail ascends gradually, revealing breathtaking views and dramatic changes in landscape. You'll meet climbers from other routes like Lemosho and the Northern Circuit along the way. After lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters (12,992 ft), close to your previous altitude. Spending time at higher elevation helps your body adjust for the days ahead. As evening falls, rest well and prepare mentally for the exciting climb up the Barranco Wall tomorrow.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp (3960 m) – Barafu Camp (4640 m)

Today you will climb the Barranco Wall, where you will need a firm grip. Luckily, the guides will be nearby to give you a hand and assist you whenever you need it. We leave Barranco, and at the top of the Barranco wall, wonderful views await us. Then we descend through the Karanga Valley, where we stop for lunch. After a 2-3 hour hike, we arrive at Barafu camp (4640 m). In the camp you will be able to rest, have dinner and go to bed early. You have earned it.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu Camp

Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5,895m) (midnight start) descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m

Your guide wakes you around midnight for a light breakfast and warm tea or coffee. It’s cold, dark, and the altitude is real—but you’re ready. Headlamps and moonlight guide your way as you ascend to Stella Point in 5–7 hours. From there, it's a challenging 1–2 hour push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The sunrise at the top is breathtaking—an unforgettable reward.

After celebrating and capturing photos, you descend back to Barafu Camp, where snacks and your team await. After some rest, you continue down to Mweka Camp, your last night on the mountain. As you look up at Kibo, it sinks in—you stood there this morning. Incredible. One final wishy-washy, a warm dinner, and perhaps the tipping ceremony to thank your guides and porters. It’s been a massive day, full of emotion and triumph.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp

Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) to Moshi

The more you descend, the better your oxygen intake. The better your oxygen intake, the better your body and mind work. It’s all sinking now. You’ve ascended Kilimanjaro. You will once more trek through the rainforest, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka gate in about 2 – 3 hours. In Mweka, after some paperwork, another meal awaits you. You may as well add a Kilimanjaro beer to that. While you’re at it, your guide will present you with your climbing certificate. Well done!

After some good food and a celebration, you will be taken back to your hotel. It’s time to rest those legs. Jump in the pool, eat, drink and sleep.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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