6-Day Machame Route – Kilimanjaro Trek

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). A driver will meet you after immigration and customs and transfer you to the hotel in Arusha. Trek orientation will take place with your guide, and rental equipment can be arranged. Extra luggage can be left at the hotel.

Accommodation: Lodge – Mid-range
Meals: None included

Day 2: Machame Gate – Machame Camp (BLD)

Drive 30–45 minutes from Moshi to Machame Gate. Trek through rainforest on winding trails up to Machame Camp. The lower trail can be muddy and slippery—gaiters and trekking poles are recommended.

• Elevation: 1,830m → 3,050m (6,000 → 9,950 ft)

• Distance: 11 km / 7 mi

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Montane Forest

Accommodation: Machame Camp – Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (BLD)

Ascend out of the rainforest into moorland. Cross a valley along a steep rocky ridge and follow a river gorge to Shira Camp.

• Elevation: 3,050m → 3,850m (9,950 → 12,600 ft)

• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Shira Camp – Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp (BLD)

Trek east up a ridge toward Lava Tower (4,650m / 15,250 ft). Continue down to Barranco Camp. This day is critical for acclimatization, preparing your body for the summit.

• Elevation: 3,850m → 4,000m (12,600 → 13,000 ft)

• Distance: 10 km / 6 mi

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Semi-desert

Accommodation: Barranco Camp – Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp (BLD)

Climb the Barranco Wall (4,250m / 13,900 ft) and cross the Karanga Valley (4,050m / 13,250 ft) to reach Barafu Camp. This completes the South Circuit, offering multiple summit views.

• Elevation: 4,000m → 4,700m (13,000 → 15,350 ft)

• Distance: 9 km / 6 mi

• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Barafu Camp – Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp (BLD)

Depart midnight–2:00 AM for the summit climb. Ascend scree and snow to Stella Point on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340 ft). Begin descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

• Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,090m (15,350 → 19,340 → 10,150 ft)

• Distance: 5 km up / 13 km down (3 mi up / 8 mi down)

• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down

• Habitat: Stone scree / ice-capped summit

Accommodation: Mweka Camp – Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha (B)

Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificate, then drive back to Arusha (approx. 30 min).

• Elevation: 3,090m → 1,680m (10,150 → 5,500 ft)

• Distance: 10 km / 6 mi

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Forest

Accommodation: Lodge – Mid-range
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Depart Arusha (B)

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or start your safari adventure.

Meals: Breakfast