6 days Mount Kilimanjaro via Machame Route

Day 1: Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m)

After breakfast in the morning, you will drive about 2 to 3 hours to the Londorosi Gate where you will be able to register and obtain entry permits. After that, you will drive again for an hour to the Lemosho starting point where you will get off the jeep and stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, you will meet all the staff including some chief guides, cooks, and porters. Your journey will start by crossing through a rainforest for about 2 to 3 hours to walk 7km to Mti Mkubwa Camp. Along the way, you will see many beautiful flowers such as the Kilimanjaro impatiens, and if you are lucky, you may see black and white Colobus monkeys and other wildlife.

Day 2: Machame camp (2980m) – Shira camp (3840m)

Altitude Change: From an elevation of 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft Gain in Altitude: 818m

Following a restful night’s sleep and a satisfying breakfast, we venture out of the rainforest and proceed along an upward trail, traversing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The path then veers westward, leading us through a river gorge until we reach the Shira campsite. As we ascend, temperatures gradually start to decrease.

Day 3: Shira (at 3840m) to Lava Tower (at 4630m) to Barranco camp (at 3950m)

Altitude Change: From an elevation of 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft Gain in Altitude: 147m

While concluding the day at a similar elevation to the starting point, this day holds significant importance for acclimatization. Progressing from the Shira Plateau, we proceed eastward along a ridge, passing the intersection leading to the Kibo peak. Subsequently, we continue in a southeast direction, reaching the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Following the tower, we encounter a second junction, branching toward the Arrow Glacier. Finally, we descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 4: Barranco camp (3950m)- Barafu camp (4550m)

Altitude Change: From an elevation of 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft Gain in Altitude: 676m

Following breakfast, we embark on a challenging ascent along a steep ridge, navigating the Barranco Wall, leading to the Karanga Valley and the intersection connecting with the Mweka Trail. This day provides a remarkable spectacle of your crew’s power, agility, and strength as they navigate the wall seemingly effortlessly. The journey continues upward toward Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the South Circuit. This circuit presents a diverse array of awe-inspiring views of the summit from various perspectives. An early dinner and rest await as we prepare for the summit night. Overnight stay at Barafu Camp.

Day 5: (Summit attempt) Barafu camp (4550m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)

Today’s walk will take a few hours because the route is steep and requires a slow walk so to avoid tiredness. You will completely walk across an alpine desert with strong and cold winds blowing from the ever closer Kibo peak and its ice. You will have an early dinner at 1700hrs then rest until midnight when we, commence your push for the summit. Elevation: 3900m to 4620m. Distance: 8km. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Day 6: Mweka camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)

Altitude Change: From an elevation of 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft Altitude Lost: 1473m

Following breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony expressing gratitude and fostering team camaraderie with your crew, it is time to bid farewell. The descent continues towards the Mweka Park Gate, where you will be presented with your summit certificates. Given the significantly warmer weather, be prepared for wet, muddy, and steep terrain; we highly recommend using gaiters and trekking poles.

Upon reaching the gate, a vehicle will be waiting at Mweka village to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 30 minutes). Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebrate the successful journey!