Hotel to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - The drive from Arusha to Machame Gate takes approximately 45 minutes, passing through the village of Machame on the mountain’s lower slopes.

The journey begins at the park gate, with a walk through the rainforest along a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail may be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The trek continues for a short distance until reaching Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, the trek leaves the rainforest glades and continues on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route then turns west into a river gorge, leading to the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - From the Shira Plateau, the trek continues east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo’s peak. The direction then shifts southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, the path reaches the second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. The descent then continues to Barranco Camp. Although the day ends at a similar elevation as it began, this day is crucial for acclimatization, preparing the body for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, the trek leaves Barranco and continues up a steep ridge along the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. The journey continues to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from various angles. The camp is set with views of the summit in the distance.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - In the early morning (midnight to 2 am), 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, a short rest is taken, offering a magnificent sunrise view. Faster hikers may witness the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, the descent begins straight down to Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are advisable for the loose gravel on the descent. The day concludes at Mweka Camp, enjoying the last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, the descent continues to the Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are likely sufficient, but rain gear and warmer clothing should be kept handy.

A Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting at Mweka gate to drive back to the hotel in Moshi (approximately 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

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The Machame route is the ideal option for those planning a six-day climb of Kilimanjaro due to its exceptional acclimatization profile. This path allows for faster exposure to higher altitudes (by the third day), triggering the body’s adjustment to high altitudes sooner than on alternative six-day routes. However, this path necessitates that climbers are in good physical condition to handle significant changes in elevation.

The six-day Machame route is challenging. Specifically, the combination of the fourth and fifth days results in an extremely rigorous schedule. The fourth day involves an entire day of trekking from Barranco to Barafu. Following dinner and limited sleep, the demanding summit day commences around midnight. The 6-day Machame route calls for 19-24 hours of challenging trekking at high altitude, with only 4-6 hours allotted for sleep.

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