•Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
•Distance: 11 km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest

The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes approximately 50 minutes. The route passes through the village of Machame, situated on the lower slopes of the mountain.

The journey begins at the park gate, leading through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. The lower sections of the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The hike continues for a short distance until reaching Machame Camp.

•Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, the trek leaves the rain forest glades and follows an ascending path, crossing a small valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge ends. The path then turns west into a river gorge. Rest, dinner, and overnight stay are at the Shira campsite.

•Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, the trek continues east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo’s peak. The direction then changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, the path reaches a second junction leading up to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000ft. The descent continues to the Barranco Hut at 13,000ft, where rest, dinner, and overnight stay occur. Although the day ends at the same elevation as it started, it is crucial for acclimatization, preparing the body for summit day.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
•Distance: 9km
•Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, the trek leaves Barranco and continues on a steep ridge past the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. From Karanga, the path connects with the Mweka Trail and continues up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, the South Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. Camp is set up here, with time to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.

•Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic

In the early morning (midnight to 2am), the trek continues to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The path heads northwest, ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), a short rest is taken, offering the chance to witness a magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, snow may be encountered all the way on the 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent is reached. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit.

The descent from the summit continues straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are advisable for the loose gravel on the descent. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain is possible in the late afternoon. The evening is spent enjoying the last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved sleep.

•Mweka Camp to Arusha

Mount Kilimanjaro - •Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, the descent continues to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are likely sufficient (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, the journey continues for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet at Mweka Village to drive back to the hotel in Arusha.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

For those who only have six days to climb Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile. Compared to other six day routes, the Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker (day three) which kickstarts the body’s adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires that a person be in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses.

The six day Machame variation is a difficult route. In particular, day four combined with day five makes for a very hard schedule. Day four is a full day of hiking from Barranco to Barafu. Then after dinner and a partial night’s sleep, the very long and strenuous summit day begins around midnight. The 6 day Machame route requires 19-24 hours of demanding walking, at extremely high elevation, with only 4-6 hours of sleep.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.