Machame Route
6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route
Valid
Year Through
Duration
6 Days | 5 Nights
Destinations
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Lava Tower, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp, Mweka Gate and House of west Kili
Pick Up
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drop Off
Kilimanjaro International Airport
“Take the Scenic Route to Africa’s Highest Peak with Social Adventure Safari”
Best Time to Trek:
The best time to trek Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These months offer clear skies, better trail conditions, and a higher chance of a successful summit.
Trek Highlights
Embark on the iconic Machame Route Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and diverse trail, known for its panoramic vistas, rich landscapes, and strong summit success rate. This 6-day journey ascends through lush rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before concluding at the icy summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). With our expert mountain crew, ethical porters, and high-altitude support, you’ll climb confidently and comfortably using the “climb high, sleep low” method for ideal acclimatization.
Full Itinerary
Arrival Day – Welcome to Tanzania!
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our warm and professional team will greet you.
You’ll be transferred to House of West Kili to unwind after your journey. Enjoy a detailed trek briefing and gear check with your mountain guide.
Accommodation: House of West Kili (Bed, Dinner & Breakfast).
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,490m) to Machame Camp (2,980m)
Hiking Time: ~7 hours | Distance: ~18 km | Zone: Montane Forest
After breakfast, we drive to Machame Gate where park formalities are completed. Your trek begins through a mystical rainforest alive with birds, monkeys, and thick vegetation. The trail may be muddy, but the scenery is captivating. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Machame Camp, where your tent and hot meal await.
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp (2,980m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)
Hiking Time: ~6 hours | Distance: ~9 km | Zone: Moorland
The forest gives way to moorland as you ascend a rocky ridge toward the Shira Plateau, with the mighty Kibo Peak now visible. The air grows thinner and cooler. Shira Camp offers wide-open views under the stars—your first night above the clouds.
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Shira (3,840m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Hiking Time: ~7 hours | Distance: ~15 km | Zone: Semi-Desert
This is a key day for acclimatization. You’ll hike to Lava Tower at 4,630m, where you stop for lunch before descending to Barranco Valley. Though it’s a tough day, the rewards are great jaw-dropping scenery, including the towering Western Breach and Kibo glaciers.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Barafu Camp (4,550m)
Hiking Time: ~7 hours | Distance: ~13 km | Zone: Alpine Desert
Begin with an exciting climb up the famous Barranco Wall—a thrilling non-technical scramble with spectacular views. Descend into Karanga Valley before making your final push to Barafu Camp, your launch point for summit night. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for your midnight ascent.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Summit Day – Barafu (4,550m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours to summit, 7–8 hours descent | Distance: ~30 km | Zone: Arctic to Moorland
Summit day begins just after midnight. With headlamps glowing, you’ll trek toward Stella Point (5,685m) before reaching the roof of Africa—Uhuru Peak—just in time for sunrise. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a short break, then continue to Mweka Camp for your final night.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,980m) – Drive to House of West Kili
Hiking Time: ~3 hours | Distance: ~15 km | Zone: Montane Forest
Enjoy a relaxed descent through lush forest trails to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your well-earned summit certificate. A short transfer returns you to House of West Kili for a well-deserved hot shower and celebration.
Accommodation: House of West Kili (Bed & Breakfast).
Departure Day – Farewell Tanzania
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure with Social Adventure Safari.
If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, you have the option to extend your trip—choose a thrilling wildlife safari in Serengeti or Ngorongoro, or unwind with a beach relaxation escape in Zanzibar. Let us know your preference, and we’ll be happy to arrange the perfect extension for you!
