Embark on the iconic Machame Route, a challenging yet rewarding 6-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. This route offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts, culminating in a breathtaking ascent to Uhuru Peak. The trek begins at Machame Gate, winding through forests and moorlands, then continues to the majestic Lava Tower and Barranco Wall, testing your endurance and acclimatization. Day 5 brings the ultimate challenge, with an early start to reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of glaciers and the famous sunrise over Africa’s highest point. After standing at 5,895m, celebrate your achievement, then descend to Mweka Camp for a peaceful rest. On Day 6, complete your journey with a descent to Mweka Gate and celebrate your victory with a certificate for your incredible accomplishment!
Your adventure begins with a scenic 45-minute drive from Moshi to the Machame Village, followed by a short drive to the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. While waiting for your permits to be issued, observe the activity of the porters preparing gear for the ascent.
The hike begins with a 5-hour trek through the lush rainforest, where your guide will point out local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Be mindful of the slippery terrain at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended to maintain stability as you traverse this muddy and slippery route.
After breakfast, you’ll start with a brief climb through the forest for about an hour. From here, the gradient becomes gentler as you ascend for another two hours into the moorland zone. After a well-deserved lunch break, you’ll continue your ascent up a rocky ridge to the vast Shira Plateau.
From this point, enjoy spectacular views of the Western Breach and its glaciers to the east. Continue your hike for another short distance until you reach Shira Camp at 3,840m. Temperatures will drop significantly, so prepare for a colder night at this exposed camp.
Today’s trail takes you eastward through semi-desert terrain, eventually leading you to Lava Tower at 4,630m. After about five hours of walking, you’ll stop for lunch before tackling the steep, rocky scree path up to the tower.
This day is challenging, with many climbers experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, such as breathlessness and headaches. After lunch, you’ll descend nearly 680 meters to the Barranco Camp, where the day’s altitude gain will aid in acclimatization. The stunning views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall provide excellent photo opportunities as you settle in for the night.
The day begins with the impressive climb up the Great Barranco Wall, a seemingly daunting but manageable ascent. This section offers breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment as you crest the wall just below the Heim Glacier.
Next, descend through Karanga Valley, navigating ridges and valleys until you merge with the Mweka Route, the descent path from the summit. After reaching Barafu Camp at 4,662m, the last water stop on the trail, prepare for the summit attempt. The camp is located on a narrow ridge, with little shelter from the wind.
Use this time to check your gear, including your headlamp, thermal clothing, and camera batteries. Stay hydrated, and pack your water in a thermal flask to prevent freezing during the night’s summit bid. Rest early for a successful ascent.
The summit day begins in the early hours (between midnight and 2 AM) as you start your ascent toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent.
The first part of the trail crosses Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading northwards through challenging scree terrain. After reaching Stella Point on the crater rim, take a short rest to enjoy a mesmerizing sunrise over the glaciers.
With renewed energy, the final 1-hour stretch to Uhuru Peak will see you walking through snow-capped terrain. Standing at 5,895 meters, the sense of accomplishment will be overwhelming. After celebrating the triumph and taking photos, begin the descent.
The return journey takes you through Barafu Camp, where you’ll rest and refuel before continuing the steep descent to Mweka Camp for the night. This is a long, demanding day, but the sense of achievement will make it all worthwhile.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before celebrating your accomplishment with your guides, assistant guides, chefs, and porters. Afterward, begin the 3-hour descent to Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your completion certificate.
Climbers who reached Stella Point (5,685m) will receive a green certificate.
Those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) will earn the prestigious gold certificate.
Afterward, descend to Mweka Village for a hot lunch before your return drive to Moshi, where well-deserved showers and celebrations await, marking the triumphant end to your Machame Route adventure.
| 6 DAYS MOUNTAIN CLIMBING | |||||
| Standard ACCOMMODATIONS | 1PAX | 2-3PAX | 4-5PAX | 6+PAX | |
| JAN-MAY | 2890 | 2370 | 2260 | 2150 | |
| JUNE – OCT | 2985 | 2460 | 2370 | 2240 | |
| NOV – 15 DEC | 2890 | 2370 | 2260 | 2150 | |
| DEC – 2ND JAN | 2985 | 2460 | 2370 | 2240 | |
