6 Days Machame Route – Kilimanjaro Trekking Itinerary

Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate, where you’ll register with the park authorities and meet your mountain crew. The trek starts in the lush rainforest, where you’ll pass under giant fig trees, ferns, and moss-covered vines. Along the way, you may see black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and exotic birds.

The trail gradually ascends until you reach Machame Camp, located just above the forest line. Here, you’ll enjoy your first dinner on the mountain and rest in tents.

• Trek time: 5–7 hours

• Distance: ~11 km

• Overnight: Machame Camp (3,000m)

Today, the landscape shifts dramatically. Leaving the forest, you enter the moorland zone filled with heathers, giant lobelias, and volcanic rock formations. The trail is steep in places but rewards you with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau.

You’ll arrive at Shira Camp, set on a high plateau with sweeping views across the plains and Mount Meru in the distance. The night sky here is perfect for stargazing.

• Trek time: 4–6 hours

• Distance: ~5 km

• Overnight: Shira Camp (3,840m)

This is an important acclimatization day. The route ascends steadily towards the Lava Tower (4,630m), a striking volcanic rock formation. Here you’ll stop for lunch and spend time at high altitude before descending to Barranco Camp.

The descent helps your body adapt to the altitude following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Barranco Camp is one of the most scenic spots on the mountain, set beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall with views of the Southern Glaciers.

• Trek time: 6–8 hours

• Distance: ~10 km

• Overnight: Barranco Camp (3,950m)

The day starts with an exciting scramble up the Barranco Wall, a non-technical climb that gives a real sense of adventure. At the top, you’re rewarded with spectacular views across the Karanga Valley.

Continue trekking to Karanga Camp (4,200m), where you’ll have lunch. After a short rest, push onwards to Barafu Camp (4,670m), your base camp for the summit attempt. The terrain here is barren, rocky, and windswept, with glaciers looming above.

After an early dinner, prepare your gear and rest before the summit night.

• Trek time: 7–9 hours (combined trek to Barafu)

• Distance: ~9–10 km

• Overnight: Barafu Camp (4,670m)

This is the toughest but most rewarding day of the trek. Wake up around midnight for a hot drink before starting your summit push under the starlit sky. The trail is steep and demanding, with switchbacks across scree and ice.

After several hours, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim — a moment of triumph and a chance to watch the sunrise over Africa. From here, continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point on the continent.

Celebrate your achievement, take photos, and soak in the views of the glaciers before beginning the long descent. You’ll return to Barafu Camp briefly for rest and then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) in the forest zone for your final night on Kilimanjaro.

• Trek time: 10–14 hours

• Distance: ~15 km

• Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100m)

After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out of the park and receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate. The descent is refreshing, with lush vegetation and birdlife accompanying your final steps.

At the gate, your driver will meet you and transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower, rest, and celebration of your achievement.

• Trek time: 3–4 hours

• Distance: ~10 km

• Overnight: Hotel in Moshi/Arusha (not included unless arranged)