6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE
This 7-day itinerary combines an arrival day in Tanzania with a 6-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route. Approaching from the southwest, this route offers stunning views, diverse landscapes—rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit—and a challenging yet rewarding climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). With tented camps and a well-paced ascent, it’s ideal for adventurers seeking a balanced experience.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha (about 1-hour drive). Rest after your journey or explore the town if time allows. Meet your guide in the evening for a pre-climb briefing to review the itinerary and gear.
- Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel (or similar in Arusha)
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- Distance: 11 km
- Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m
- Time: 5-7 hours
After breakfast, drive from Arusha to Machame Gate (1.5-2 hours). Register with park authorities, then begin trekking through dense rainforest. The trail is steep and muddy at times, with chances to spot colobus monkeys. Arrive at Machame Camp for the night.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Distance: 5 km
- Elevation: 3,000m to 3,840m
- Time: 4-6 hours
Trek through moorland after breakfast, ascending a rocky ridge with views of Kibo Peak. The shorter distance aids acclimatization as you reach the Shira Plateau, a vast volcanic landscape. Settle into Shira Camp with panoramic vistas of the mountain.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation: 3,840m to 4,600m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,950m
- Time: 6-8 hours
Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) after breakfast for acclimatization, passing through alpine desert. After lunch near the tower, descend to Barranco Camp, nestled beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall. This “climb high, sleep low” day boosts your summit chances.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
- Distance: 9 km
- Elevation: 3,950m to 4,673m
- Time: 7-9 hours
After breakfast, tackle the steep Barranco Wall—a fun scramble with stunning views. Traverse alpine desert and rocky terrain, passing Karanga Camp (optional lunch stop), to reach Barafu Camp. Rest and prepare for the summit push starting at midnight.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Camp
- Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent
- Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m (summit), then down to 3,100m
- Time: 12-15 hours total
Begin the summit ascent at midnight, climbing steeply through scree to Stella Point (5,756m) by dawn, then to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for sunrise. After celebrating, descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue to Mweka Camp in the rainforest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Return to Arusha
- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation: 3,100m to 1,650m
- Time: 3-5 hours
After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate (if successful), then drive back to Arusha (1.5-2 hours). Relax at your hotel or prepare for departure.
- Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel (or similar in Arusha)
- Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
What's Included on the Price
INCLUDED
- Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport to/from your hotel in Arusha.
- Accommodation: Pre- and post-climb
- Meals: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping/hut fees, and rescue fees.
- Guide and Porters: Professional English-speaking guide, cook, and porters to carry gear and set up camp.
- Transport: Transfers between Arusha and Trekking Gate.
- Summit Certificate: Provided upon successful summiting (Green Certificate for Gilman’s Point, Gold for Uhuru Peak).
EXCLUDED
- International Flights: Airfare to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visa Fees: Tanzania entry visa (check requirements based on your nationality).
- Personal Gear: Trekking equipment (e.g., sleeping bag, trekking poles, clothing, headlamp, boots).
- Tips: Gratuities for guides, porters, and cook (suggested: $15-20/day for guide, $10-15/day for porters, split among group).
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory coverage for high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation.
- Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, sodas, or bottled water (water is provided but may need purification tablets).
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, or additional activities in Arusha.
- Extra Nights: Accommodation if you arrive early or stay longer post-climb.
