6 Days Machame Route

1. Stunning Scenery & Diverse Landscapes

Hike through tropical rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers, each offering unique views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty.

3. Challenging Yet Rewarding

While the Machame Route is more difficult than Marangu, the extra effort is worth it for the amazing views and higher summit success rate.

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) – Machame Camp (2,835m)

• Distance: ~11 km | Time: 5–7 hrs

• Habitat: Rainforest
  Activities:

• Transfer from Moshi/Arusha to Machame Gate for registration

• Begin hike through lush forest with chances to spot monkeys and birds

• Arrive at Machame Camp for dinner and overnight

Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3,850m)

• Distance: ~5 km | Time: 4–6 hrs

• Habitat: Moorland
  Activities:

• Climb a steep ridge to emerge from the forest

• Trek through heather and open moorlands

• Stunning views of Shira Plateau and Mount Meru

• Overnight at Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,976m)

• Distance: ~10 km | Time: 6–8 hrs

• Habitat: Alpine Desert
  Activities:

• “Hike high, sleep low” for acclimatization

• Ascend to Lava Tower for lunch and rest

• Descend to Barranco Camp, located below the Great Barranco Wall

• Overnight at Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035m)

• Distance: ~6 km | Time: 4–5 hrs

• Habitat: Alpine Desert
  Activities:

• Climb the iconic Barranco Wall

• Scenic trek with views of glaciers and the Southern Icefields

• Overnight at Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,640m)

• Distance: ~4 km | Time: 3–4 hrs

• Habitat: Alpine Desert
  Activities:

• Steady climb to Barafu Base Camp

• Early dinner and rest before summit push

• Prepare gear and mentally get ready

• Overnight at Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

• Distance: ~5 km up / ~12 km down | Time: 12–14 hrs

• Habitat: Arctic (summit), Rainforest (descent)
  Activities:

• Midnight departure for the summit attempt

• Pass Stella Point and reach Uhuru Peak – the Roof of Africa

• Enjoy sunrise and photo opportunity

• Descend to Mweka Camp for overnight rest

Day 7 (Optional Add-on): Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha/Moshi

• Distance: ~10 km | Time: 3–4 hrs

• Activities:

  • Final descent through rainforest

  • Collect your certificate

  • Drive back to Moshi or Arusha