Machame Route – 6 Days

Depart Moshi early and drive to Machame Gate (1,800m). Register with TANAPA and begin climb through dense tropical rainforest. Trail is steep and muddy from the start, winding through towering trees draped with mosses. Giant tree ferns create a prehistoric canopy. Listen for colobus monkeys and tropical birds. After 5-7 hours, arrive at Machame Camp (3,000m) for hot lunch. Explore camp and enjoy views of Shira Plateau. Dinner at 6:30pm. Early sleep.

Leave rainforest and enter heath and moorland. Giant heathers, lobelias, and groundsels. Trail is less steep with panoramic views. On clear days see Mount Meru, Rift Valley, and Maasai Steppe. Walk along edge of Shira Plateau. Arrive at Shira Camp (3,850m) for hot lunch. Afternoon free. Watch sunset paint Kibo Peak pink. Dinner at 6:30pm.

Climb high, sleep low. After early breakfast, trek east toward Lava Tower (4,630m). Packed lunch at 4,200m with incredible 360-degree views. Continue to Lava Tower for photos then descend steeply into Barranco Valley. Arrive at Barranco Camp (3,950m). Dinner at 6:30pm.

Wake at 6am. Barranco Wall scramble - exciting hands-on climbing. Views from the top are incredible. Continue along traverse through alpine desert. Arrive at Karanga Camp (3,995m) in early afternoon. Dinner at 5:30pm.

Short but steep climb to Barafu Camp (4,640m). Arrive for hot lunch. Rest and hydrate - drink at least 4 liters today. Guide will brief you on summit night. Early dinner at 5pm. Sleep by 7pm.

SUMMIT DAY! Wake at 11:30pm. Begin climbing at midnight with headlamps. Steep zigzag ascent to Stella Point (5,756m) - 5-6 hours. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - highest point in Africa! Watch sunrise at the top. Quick descent to Barafu Hut for hot lunch. Continue to Mweka Camp for dinner.

Final day. Descend through beautiful rainforest. Arrive at Mweka Gate (1,640m). Receive Kilimanjaro Certificate. Transfer to hotel.