Machame route trekking, 6 days

ITINERARY DESCRIPTION BY DAY

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

The climb starts from Machame Gate (1,800m.) and follows a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain, and also the zone from where 96 % of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! We have lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing’, a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame

Hut (3,000m.). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. [6-8 hours walking]

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

A shorter day begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau from here, and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3,840m.) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. [4-6 hours walking]

Day 3: 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

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch, near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below.
[5-7 hours walking]

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
• Distance: 9km
• Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4,000 m.) the last water point on the approach to Barafu (4,600m), in a narrow valley.

At this camp, we rest, dine, and prepare for the summit. Marvel at the majestic twin peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo from this position. [8-10 hours walking]

Day 5: 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

Very early in the morning, we continue our ascent towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. It is during this challenging stretch that the mental and physical strength of our trekkers is truly tested. At Stella Point, located at an impressive altitude of 18,600 ft, a brief rest will be taken, and if the weather permits, an awe-inspiring sunrise will be witnessed. From Stella Point, prepare for the possibility of encountering snow as you make your way to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. Those who hike faster will have the privilege of witnessing the sunrise from the summit. The descent begins from the summit, leading us straight to the Mweka Hut campsite with a stop for lunch at Barafu. For the loose gravel on the way down, it is recommended to use gaiters and trekking poles. Mweka Camp, nestled in the upper forest, often experiences mist or rain in the late afternoon. Finally, after enjoying our last dinner on the mountain, a well-deserved rest awaits us. [11-14 hours walking]

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Your Hotel in Moshi or Arusha

• Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

A sustained descent on a well-constructed path through a lovely tropical forest alive with birds’ songs and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m). Here we sign out from the national park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits to transfer you to your hotel.