6-Day Machame Route for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing

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

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes, passing through the village of Machame located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

You will leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The hike continues steadily uphill through dense vegetation until you reach Machame Camp.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏕️ Accommodation: Machame Camp
🌦️ Weather: Humid with a high chance of rain.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After a hearty breakfast at Machame Camp, you will leave the lush glades of the rainforest behind and begin an ascending trek. The path takes you across a small valley and up a steep, rocky ridge blanketed with beautiful heather and alpine vegetation. As you reach the end of the ridge, the trail shifts westward, descending gently into a river gorge. The landscape will change noticeably as you enter the moorland zone, with expansive views opening up and cooler air. You will arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy the stunning surroundings, and prepare for the next day’s journey. Dinner will be served, and you’ll spend the night at the camp under the crisp mountain air.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏕️ Accommodation: Shira Camp
🌤️ Weather: Cool and partly cloudy.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Distance: Approx. 15 km
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert / Semi-Desert

From the expansive Shira Plateau, you will begin hiking east ward up a ridge, passing the junction that leads towards the peak of Kibo. As your trail turns southeast, you approach the striking Lava Tower, often called the “Shark’s Tooth” due to its jagged shape. Shortly after this impressive volcanic formation, you’ll reach the second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier, perched at around 16,000 feet. This challenging segment offers incredible views and a unique alpine landscape. After reaching the glacier, you descend back down to Barranco Camp, situated in a scenic valley at about 13,000 feet. Though you end the day near your starting elevation, this trek is crucial for acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude and prepare for the summit push.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏕️ Accommodation: Barranco Camp
🌤️ Weather: Cool, with possible wind and clear skies.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you will leave Barranco Camp and ascend a steep ridge, climbing the iconic Barranco Wall, which often appears intimidating but is easier than it looks. Once you top the ridge, you descend into the lush Karanga Valley campsite, where the jagged peaks of Mawenzi tower to the east. After leaving Karanga, you’ll reach a junction connecting to the Mweka Trail, which is your descent route. From here, you continue the final push up to Barafu Hut, perched on a narrow, stony ridge. This marks the completion of the South Circuit, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. At Barafu Camp, you will rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare your gear and clothing for the challenging summit day ahead. The snow-capped peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this camp, serving as a dramatic reminder of the climb still to come.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏕️ Accommodation: Barafu Camp
🌤️ Weather: Cold, windy, with clear skies likely.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Start your final climb around midnight, ascending through steep scree to Stella Point, where you can catch a stunning sunrise. From there, continue through snow to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend to Barafu for lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp for dinner and rest. Use gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel descent.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Weather: Cold, possible snow near summit.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha

After breakfast, hike down through wet and muddy forest trails to Mweka Park Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Dress in shorts and t-shirts but keep rain gear and warm clothes ready. From the gate, walk another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
Weather: Wet and muddy forest conditions.

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.