For those who only have six days to climb Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile. Compared to other six-day routes, the Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker (day three) which kickstarts the body’s adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires that a person be in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses.
Life on Safari
•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
•Distance: 11 km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Rainforest
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
You will leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. You will continue a short distance until you reach the Machame Camp.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
•Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft
•Distance: 5 km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you will leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and an overnight stay at the Shira Campsite.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
•Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau, you will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, your direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, you will come to the second junction which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. You will now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here, you will rest, enjoy dinner, and have an overnight stay. Although you will end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
•Distance: 9km
•Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
•Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You will continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, you will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
In the morning (midnight to 2:00 a.m.), you will continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You’ll head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you’ll ever see (if the weather permits). From Stella Point, you’ll encounter snow on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, you’ll now make your descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, you’ll enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, you’ll continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to the hotel in Arusha.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
