Your 6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro climb begins with your arrival in Tanzania. After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha.

After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey. Your mountain guide will then conduct a pre-trek briefing, explain the Machame Route itinerary, review essential safety procedures, and check your trekking equipment.

If you need any additional gear, our team can help arrange suitable rental equipment before the climb. After the briefing, enjoy your included hotel meals, if applicable, and rest before travelling to Machame Gate for your first day on the mountain.

Activity: Airport transfer, equipment check and pre-trek briefing
Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel
Meals: According to your confirmed package and hotel booking

Arrival Day Highlights

• Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
• Transfer to your hotel in Arusha.
• Pre-trek briefing with your mountain guide.
• Trekking equipment inspection and rental arrangements, if needed.
• Time to rest before starting the 6-Day Machame Route.

Today, you’ll begin your 6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro climb at Machame Gate. After breakfast, our team will drive you to the gate for park registration and final preparations before the trek begins.

The trail climbs through Kilimanjaro’s lush montane rainforest, beneath tall trees and dense vegetation. You may hear forest birds or spot black-and-white colobus monkeys in the canopy. Your guide will set a steady pace as you climb towards Machame Camp.

After approximately 5 to 6 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Machame Camp, where your mountain crew will prepare dinner. Rest at camp and prepare for the next day’s trek towards the Shira Plateau.

Distance: Approximately 11 km
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: 1,640 m to 2,835 m
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Accommodation: Machame Camp

Today’s Highlights

• Start the climb at Machame Gate after park registration.
• Trek through Kilimanjaro’s montane rainforest.
• Look for forest birds and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
• Reach Machame Camp for your first night on the mountain.

After breakfast at Machame Camp, you’ll continue your 6-Day Machame Route trek, leaving the rainforest behind as you climb into Kilimanjaro’s heath and moorland zone. The trail passes rocky ridges, giant heathers, volcanic terrain, and low alpine vegetation.

As you gain altitude, the landscape opens up, revealing views across the Shira Plateau and towards Kibo Peak when the weather is clear. The steady climb can feel more demanding than Day 1, so your guide will maintain a comfortable pace, following the local trekking principle of “pole pole,” meaning “slowly, slowly.”

You’ll reach Shira Camp at approximately 3,840 m, where you’ll spend the night camping on the Shira Plateau. Take time to rest, drink water regularly, and follow your guide’s advice about altitude-related symptoms. This day contributes to your acclimatization, although individual responses to altitude vary.

Hiking time: Approximately 4 to 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 km (verify against your route plan)
Elevation: Machame Camp to Shira Camp, approximately 3,000 m to 3,840 m
Elevation gain: Approximately 840 m
Habitat: Heath and moorland
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Camp

Today’s Highlights

• Climb from the rainforest into Kilimanjaro’s heath and moorland zone.
• Walk past rocky ridges, giant heathers, and volcanic terrain.
• Enjoy views across the Shira Plateau towards Kibo Peak when conditions allow.
• Continue your gradual ascent to a higher camp.
• Spend the night at Shira Camp, approximately 3,840 m above sea level.

Today, you’ll trek from Shira Camp across Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert towards Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation at approximately 4,630 m. This is an important day on the 6-Day Machame Route because the trail takes you to a higher elevation before descending to your overnight camp.

As you climb, the landscape becomes increasingly rocky and barren, with views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding valleys when weather conditions allow. The ascent can feel more demanding as the air becomes thinner, so your guide will maintain a steady pace and monitor how you are feeling.

After lunch near Lava Tower, you’ll descend towards Barranco Camp, following the “climb high, sleep low” approach. Reaching a higher elevation before sleeping lower provides an opportunity for acclimatization, although individual responses to altitude vary and summit success is never guaranteed.

The descent takes you into the Barranco Valley, known for its giant groundsels and dramatic mountain scenery. You’ll spend the night at Barranco Camp beneath the imposing Barranco Wall, preparing for the next day’s trek.

Hiking time: Approximately 6 to 8 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Starting elevation: Shira Camp, approximately 3,840 m
Highest point: Lava Tower, approximately 4,630 m
Sleeping elevation: Barranco Camp, approximately 3,950 m
Elevation gain to Lava Tower: Approximately 790 m
Descent from Lava Tower to Barranco Camp: Approximately 680 m
Habitat: Alpine desert
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp

Today’s Highlights

• Ascend to Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 m.
• Experience the “climb high, sleep low” approach.
• Cross Kilimanjaro’s rugged alpine desert landscape.
• Enjoy views of Kibo Peak and the Barranco Valley, weather permitting.
• Camp beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall.

Today, you’ll climb the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the 6-Day Machame Route. The trail includes steep sections and some scrambling, but your guides will help you navigate the route safely. From the top, you may enjoy impressive views across the Barranco Valley towards Kibo Peak and Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers.

After crossing the wall, you’ll continue along a rocky trail through the high-altitude landscape towards Karanga Camp. You’ll stop here for a rest and lunch before continuing towards Barafu Camp. Although this section contributes to your overall acclimatization schedule, the rapid elevation gain and limited time on the six-day itinerary make the climb physically demanding.

The trail becomes increasingly barren as you approach Barafu Camp, the final base camp before your summit attempt. From camp, you may see Mawenzi Peak and the surrounding mountain landscape, weather permitting. After arriving, you’ll have an early dinner, receive a summit briefing from your guides, and prepare your equipment and warm clothing.

You’ll then rest before beginning the summit ascent, usually around midnight, depending on conditions and your guide’s schedule. The climb towards Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, begins during the night.

Hiking time: Approximately 7 to 9 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 to 11 km
Route: Barranco Camp via Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Starting elevation: Barranco Camp, approximately 3,950 m
Intermediate stop: Karanga Camp, approximately 3,995 m
Overnight elevation: Barafu Camp, approximately 4,673 m
Terrain: Rocky high-altitude trail and alpine desert
Accommodation: Mountain camping at Barafu Camp

Today’s Highlights

• Climb the famous Barranco Wall with support from your mountain guides.
• Enjoy views of the Barranco Valley and Kibo Peak, weather permitting.
• Stop at Karanga Camp for lunch and a rest.
• Reach Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt.
• Prepare for the overnight ascent towards Uhuru Peak.

Your summit attempt begins around midnight at Barafu Camp. You’ll climb slowly through the cold, dark summit zone, following your guide’s pace as you make your way towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The ascent is physically demanding because of the steep trail, cold conditions, and high altitude.

After several hours of climbing, you’ll reach Stella Point at approximately 5,756 m. If conditions allow, you may witness sunrise over the clouds before continuing along the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.

Reaching the summit is a memorable achievement, with views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and the vast landscapes below when visibility is clear. You’ll have time for photographs before beginning the long descent.

You’ll return to Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments before continuing downhill to Mweka Camp. As you descend, the landscape gradually changes from the high-altitude summit environment towards the moorland zone. You’ll spend your final night on the mountain at Mweka Camp.

Hiking time: Approximately 12 to 15 hours for the full day
Distance: Approximately 17 km
Route: Barafu Camp to Stella Point to Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
Starting elevation: Barafu Camp, approximately 4,673 m
Highest point: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
Sleeping elevation: Mweka Camp, approximately 3,100 m
Net elevation gain from Barafu to Uhuru Peak: Approximately 1,220 m
Net elevation loss from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp: Approximately 2,795 m
Habitat: Alpine desert, summit zone, and descending moorland
Accommodation: Mountain camping at Mweka Camp

Today’s Highlights

• Begin the summit attempt around midnight.
• Reach Stella Point on the crater rim.
• Experience sunrise near the summit, weather permitting.
• Aim for Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa.
• Descend via Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp after the summit attempt.

After breakfast, you’ll begin your final descent from Mweka Camp through Kilimanjaro’s lush montane rainforest. The trail passes beneath tall trees and through dense vegetation, with opportunities to hear forest birds along the way. After several days at high altitude, the descent brings you into warmer air as you approach the park exit.

When you reach Mweka Gate, your climb will be officially recorded according to Kilimanjaro National Park procedures. Eligible climbers receive a certificate based on the highest point they reached, as recorded by the park. You’ll have time to celebrate with your guides and porters before leaving the mountain.

Your driver will then transfer you to your hotel in Arusha for a well-deserved shower and rest. Take time to reflect on your Kilimanjaro journey, from the rainforest and alpine desert to the summit attempt and final descent.

Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Route: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, followed by transfer to Arusha
Starting elevation: Mweka Camp, approximately 3,100 m
Finish elevation: Mweka Gate, approximately 1,640 m
Elevation loss: Approximately 1,460 m
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel, if included in your confirmed package

Today’s Highlights

• Descend through Kilimanjaro’s montane rainforest.
• Complete the trek at Mweka Gate.
• Receive your park certificate if eligible under park procedures.
• Celebrate with your mountain crew.
• Transfer to Arusha and rest after your six-day climb.

After breakfast, you’ll prepare for your onward journey home. Depending on your flight schedule and package arrangements, WeWild Travel can arrange a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

If your flight leaves later in the day, you may have time to relax at your hotel or explore Arusha, visit local markets, or arrange an optional activity, subject to your schedule and any additional costs.

Your Kilimanjaro adventure now comes to an end. Whether you reached Uhuru Peak or completed the climb to a lower point, you’ll leave Tanzania with memories of the mountain’s changing landscapes and the experience of trekking with a local mountain crew.

WeWild Travel will wish you a safe journey home and help confirm your departure arrangements according to your booking.

Today’s Highlights

• Enjoy your final morning in Tanzania.
• Confirm your transfer arrangements to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• Explore Arusha or arrange an optional activity if time allows.
• Complete your travel arrangements before departure.
• End your WeWild Travel climbing package.