6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

Day 1 – Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha:

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa in Arusha. The rest of the day is for you to do as you please. You can opt to spend the day relaxing by the lodge pool or explore the town of Arusha. In the late afternoon you will be briefed by our team on what to expect on your upcoming trek.

Day 2 – Arusha to Machame Gate (1,790 m) to Machame Camp (3,010 m):

After breakfast, you will be taken to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. While your guide handles the registration forms, you can take the time to take in the surrounding area, read the information boards and watch the mountain crew prepare for the climb. You will start your trekking adventure through the cool rainforest with lush green moss and lichen carpeting the ground and tall trees and ferns sheltering you from the sun. You might spot the black and white colobus monkeys in the branches as you walk past. After 5 to 6 hours, you will arrive at the Machame Camp, situated 3,010 m above the tree line, where you will have your evening meal and overnight stay in tents.

Day 3 – Machame Camp (3,010 m) to New Shira Camp (3,845 m):

You will continue your ascent, leaving the rainforest behind and entering the moor and heathland. On your way to New Shira Camp (3,845 m), you will enjoy spectacular views of the mountain range. In the mid-afternoon, you will reach your destination where you can enjoy a view of the sun glistening against the rock face and glacier of Kibo. You will spend the night at New Shira Camp.

Day 4 – New Shira Camp (3,845 m) to Lava Tower (4,640 m) to Barranco Camp (3,960 m):

Today, you will climb 700m, with your final destination only slightly higher than the previous night. This will help your body acclimatize to the altitude changes as you will reach a height of over 4,500 m in the following days. You will start your trek by ascending above the Shira Plateau towards the Lava Tower (4,640 m). The landscape changes to an alpine desert with the vegetation becoming more sporadic. You will walk through the sweeping Barranco Valley, with its lobelia and giant senecio plants, and arrive at the Barranco Camp, the most beautiful camp on the mountain, after approximately 6 to 7 hours. You will have your evening meal and spend the night at the Barranco Camp.

Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3,960 m) to Barafu Camp (4,640 m):

Today, you will climb the “Barranco Wall” where you will need a steady hold. Your guides will be there to assist you wherever necessary. You will walk across the ridge while enjoying beautiful views of Kibo’s south glacier. In the Karanga Valley, you will stop for lunch before embarking on a 2 to 3-hour climb to Barafu Camp (4,640 m). You will have a well-deserved break, evening meal, and an early night at the camp.

Day 6 – Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m):

On Day 6, you will begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at around midnight. A hot tea and light snack will be provided to awaken you before the climb. You will be guided by a headlight as you ascend the screes of Kibo, and after 5 to 7 hours of walking, you will reach Stella Point. From there, you will follow the crater ridge until you finally arrive at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), where you will enjoy a 360° view over the surrounding landscape. After taking in the view, you will descend along the same route and arrive at Barafu Camp just before midday. You will have a warm meal and some relaxation time before continuing on to Mweka Camp (3,080 m) for another 1 to 2 hours. At Mweka Camp, you will have your evening meal and settle in for the night.

Day 7 – Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Arusha:

On Day 7, after breakfast and a traditional farewell ceremony, you will begin your gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,630 m). Your driver will be waiting for you there to take you back to the Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa, where you can relax at the pool and celebrate your achievement.