Machame Route 6 Days Itinerary
This is one of the most popular routes for trekkers to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and offers spectacular views as the trail circles around the mountain. The route is normally completed in 6 days but extra days can be added for acclimatisation at the Shira plateau or Barafu.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
Pick up from airport and transfer to accommodation in Arusha for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Machame Camp (2980m)
Hiking: 7 hours (appox 18km)
After breakfast, we will drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate to register at the park entrance. We will begin our hike through the natural rainforest to Machame Camp, situated in a clearing in the forest. We will have a packed lunch en route before continuing our walk in the late afternoon towards camp.
Day 3: Shira Camp (3840m)
Hiking: 6 hours (approx 9km)
In the morning, we will continue our ascent through the forest for another hour before reaching moorland areas where we will continue our trail. After lunch, we continue onto a rocky path before levelling out on to the Shira Plateau.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950m)
Hiking: 7 hours (approx 15km)
On Day 4, we will hike along a rocky path which leads us towards Lava Tower where we will reach an altitude of 4630m and the change in atmosphere is most likely to be felt here. After lunch, we descend back to Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4550m)
Hiking: 7 hours (approx 13km)
A highlight for many trekkers, we continue our ascent scrambling up the Great Barranco Wall and then over scree and ridges of the Karanga Valley which lies beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers towards Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Uhuru Peak (5895m)
Hiking time: Approx 16 hours (approx 30km)
We depart for the Summit at around midnight, through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is a 6 hour walk to Stella point and is for many climbers, the most challenging part of the entire journey. From Stella Point, after a short break, we will commence the 40 minute walk towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro before descending back to Barafu camp. After a short break, we will head down to Mweka Hut.
Day 7: Mweka Gate
Hiking time: 3 hours (approx 15km)
On our final day of trekking, we will commence a 3 hour hike to Mweka Park gate and drive back towards Arusha. >>