6 Days Hiking Kilimanjaro via Machame Route

Register with Tanzania National Park. Begin ascent through the rainforest, expect rain, mud, and fog. Look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys. Lunch break halfway. Reach Machame Camp (2980m) in the late afternoon. Tents, water, and snacks set up by porters. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Destination: Machame Gate To Machame Camp

Accommodation: Machame Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Start the day early from Machame Camp. After breakfast, hike through the forest and then continue for about 2 hours through the moorland zone. Enjoy a short lunch break before hiking a rocky ridge to reach the Shira plateau. From here, you'll have a stunning view of the Western Breach and its glaciers. After a short hike, arrive at Shira Camp at 3840m. The porters will provide boiled water for drinking and washing, and dinner will be served. Expect colder temperatures at this exposed camp, dropping well below freezing

Destination: Machame Camp To Shira Cave

Accommodation: Shira Cave Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Today's route takes you east through a semi-desert and rocky landscape towards Lava Tower. After approximately 5 hours of walking, you'll reach an altitude of 4630m. Enjoy lunch at a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower. This is considered the toughest day, and some hikers may experience symptoms like breathlessness, irritability, and headaches. After lunch, descend about 680m to Barranco Camp, which takes approximately 2 hours. This descent provides valuable acclimatization, and you'll have the opportunity to capture beautiful photos of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. Barranco Camp is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, offering a memorable sunset while dinner is prepared.

Destination: Shira Cave To Lava Tower To Barranco Camp

Accommodation: Barranco Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Today’s hike continues as you conquer the obstacle and find it easier than expected. As you reach the Heim Glacier, you're awestruck by the breathtaking beauty of Kilimanjaro. The trail then descends through the Karanga Valley, crossing ridges and valleys before merging with the Mweka route, the preferred descent from the summit.Keep in mind that the Karanga Valley is the last water stop since Barafu Camp lacks water. Barafu, meaning "ice" in Swahili, is a desolate and exposed camping area on a treacherous ridge, constantly battered by strong winds. Take caution to familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid accidents. The summit awaits 1345m above, and the final ascent will be made during the night. Prepare your equipment, including ski sticks and thermal clothing, and ensure your headlamp and camera batteries are replaced, carrying spares. To prevent freezing, store your water in a thermal flask. Rest and try to get some sleep, aiming for bedtime around 19:00.

Destination: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Accommodation: Barafu Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

After waking up at 23h30 and having some tea and biscuits, you will start your journey towards the north-west. The ascent to Stella Point on the crater rim is mentally and physically challenging, taking about 6 hours. At Stella Point (5685m), you'll take a short rest and witness a breathtaking sunrise if the weather allows. From there, it will be a 2-hour snowy ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. Spend some time at the summit, but be cautious of the cold and fatigue. The descent back to Barafu Camp takes approximately 3 hours. After a brief rest, you will collect your gear and start descending through the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually the forest. Dinner and washing water will be provided at the camp.

Destination: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp

Accommodation: Mweka Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Covering a distance of 6 km. Enjoy a well-deserved breakfast before the descent, and once you reach the gate, there will be a celebration with dancing and singing. You'll have the opportunity to present tips to your guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. Afterward, you'll sign your name to receive certificates of completion from the National Park. Green certificates are given to those who reached Stella Point, and gold certificates are awarded to those who reached Uhuru Peak. After receiving your certificates, you'll descend to the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers) and have a hot lunch. Finally, you'll drive back to Moshi, where you can enjoy showers and celebrate your achievement in your hotel.