6 DAYS MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING – MACHAME ROUTE

The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate takes about 50 minutes, passing through Machame village on the lower slopes of the mountain. From the park gate we walk through rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge; lower down the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea. We continue to Machame Camp. Habitat: Montane Forest.

After breakfast we leave the rainforest glades and continue on an ascending path, crossing a little valley and walking along a steep, rocky, heather-covered ridge until it ends. The route then turns west onto a river gorge. Rest, dinner, and overnight at Shira campsite. Habitat: Moorland.

From the Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo’s peak, then change direction southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the ‘Shark’s Tooth.’ Shortly after the tower we reach a second junction leading to Arrow Glacier (4,876m), then continue down to Barranco Hut (3,860m). Although you end the day at the same elevation you started, this day is important for acclimatization. Habitat: Semi-desert.

After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue up the steep Barranco Wall, through Karanga Valley (lunch at 4,200m) and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, continuing up to Barafu Hut. You’ve now completed the South Circuit, with views of the summit from many angles. Camp, rest, have dinner, and prepare for summit day. Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Very early (midnight to 2am), we head northwest and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim — the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (5,685m) you stop for a short rest before a magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From there you may encounter snow on the 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the continent. We then descend straight down to Mweka Hut camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles help. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will meet you to drive back to your hotel in Arusha. Habitat: Forest.