6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb, Machame Route

Machame gate

Transfer to Machame Gate and begin the ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro via Machame Route. Today you will be transferred to the Machame Gate to begin your climb. Depending on the weather this can be a moderate to very demanding day as the trek winds through a beautifully lush rain forest. Overnight in mountain tents at Machame (3000m.)

Activities: Hiking

Accommodation: Machame

Shira Plateau

A full day as you start early, leaving the forest behind and climb a steep ridge for 3-4hours. The path then drops into a gorgeous river gorge before you climb more gently up onto the moorland of the Shira Plateau. The Shira Plateau is all the remains of an older volcano that was engulfed when the much large Kill formed. On clear days the views are absolutely breath-taking: a seemingly endless expanse of multi-colored health to the gargantuan rim at the end of the plateau where billows of clouds melt down onto the plateau floor. Overnight camping in mountain tents at Shira (3840m).

Activities: Hiking

Accommodation: Shira Camp

Barranco

Today’s 5-6 hours walk across the plateau makes little net elevation, although there are ups and downs throughout the day. We’ll enjoy sightings of the typical Kilimanjaro mountain vegetation and rewarding views of the spectacular Barranco Valley. Overnight camping in mountain tents at Barranco (3950m).

Activities: Hiking

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Karanga

The standard day includes about 6-8 hours of trekking, up the Barranco Wall, then across scree and ridge to the Karanga Valley (4100m) for lunch, before continuing up to Barafu Camp at 4600m. Overnight camping in mountain tents at Barafu.

Activities: Hiking

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Barafu Camp

You will rise around 2330hrs and after some tea and biscuits you will shuffle off into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 8-hour walks to Stella point is for many climbers, mentally and physically, the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2 hours ascent to Uhuru Peak (5896m). Despite the actual distance of the trek not being too far the progress is slow – there is less than half the oxygen than at sea level! Uhuru Peak provides a unique reward and usually a plethora of emotions. If your progress has been good you can watch the sunrise from the rooftop of Africa! Most people then start returning quite soon after sunrise as the return journey today is quite long. Take a brief respite at Barafu Camp before descending all the way down to Mweka Camp at 3100m. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Activities: Hiking

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Mweka Gate

After breakfast descends through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Kilimanjaro ends at mweka Gate where you will be met and transferred back to Hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight.