6 Days Machame Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.

Once settled, you will receive a comprehensive briefing, including an introduction to your Kilimanjaro trek and a review of your packing list, ensuring you are fully prepared for the climb ahead.

Departing from Arusha, a one-hour drive takes you through Machame Village to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.

Here, you will wait for your permits to be issued while observing the lively activity of crews preparing for their climbs. Once formalities are complete, you will begin your trek through beautiful rainforest, following winding trails as your guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife.

At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended for added stability and comfort.

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you will leave the rainforest behind and continue along an ascending trail, crossing the valley via a steep, rocky ridge.

The route then turns west, following a river gorge until you reach Shira Camp. As you gain altitude, temperatures begin to drop, marking the transition into a cooler, more open alpine environment.

Although you will end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization.

From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak. Then continue, Southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft).

Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.

After breakfast, you will continue along a steep ridge to the adventurous Barranco Wall. From the top, the trail descends into the Karanga Valley, reaching the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

This is one of the most impressive days of the trek, offering a chance to witness the skill, agility, and strength of your mountain crew as they move confidently and effortlessly across the wall.

The route then climbs steadily toward Barafu Camp. Upon arrival, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, a section renowned for its spectacular and varied views of the summit from multiple angles.

An early dinner and time to rest follow, allowing you to prepare both physically and mentally for the summit attempt later that night.

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye.

We continue the descent down to the Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.

From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye.

We continue the descent down to the Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.

From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!