Machame Route 6 Days Hiking

Kilimanjaro

Day 1: From Machame Gate to Machame Camp The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.   We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp. Machame Gate to Machame Camp Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft Distance: 11 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest Meals & Drinks All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)  

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Semi Desert Meals & Drinks All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)  

Kilimanjaro

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.   At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent Habitat: Arctic Meals & Drinks All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)