Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

DAY 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp, Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft

The drive from your Moshi Hotel to the Machame Gate . The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.

DAY 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp, Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft

We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

DAY 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

DAY 4:Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Barafu to Uhuru Peak The last day will be a really early beginning for the summit, probably 00:00 am, passing through the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers to the Highest point of Africa Uhuru Peak 5,896m above the sea level. After relaxing, watching the sun rise and taking memorable pictures, start descending to the Mweka Hut and spend overnight there.

DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate 

Mweka Hut - Mweka Gate to the Hotel After breakfast descend to Mweka Gate and drive away to your local accommodation for dinner & overnight.