6 Day Guided Trek to Mount Kilimanjaro via Machame Route

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (1640 m - 2835 m)⌄

   Your climb begins at Machame Gate, the official entry point to Kilimanjaro National Park. After registration and briefing, our certified mountain guides will lead you through lush rainforest trails. Along the way, you’ll encounter towering trees, exotic birds, and possibly colobus monkeys. The trek gradually ascends until you reach Machame Camp, where you’ll settle in for your first night on the mountain.”

   Meals: Breakfast: Enjoy a freshly prepared morning meal served by our team before beginning the trek.” · Lunch: Pause along the trail for a freshly prepared meal served by our team before continuing the ascent. · Dinner: End the day with a freshly prepared evening meal served at camp, followed by rest and preparation.

   Overnight: Machame Camp

2. 2Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (2835 m - 3840 m)⌄

   Trek through beautiful moorland as you cross the beautiful Shira Plateau. This is one of the highest plateaus in the world and offers incredible views. You’ll likely notice the temperature cool down as you reach higher elevations, especially at night. Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp. All meals provided. **Many climbers begin to feel the rise in elevation here. Consider taking Diamox to help relieve these symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable climb.

   Meals: Breakfast: A freshly prepared morning meal is served by the team to energize climbers before the day’s trek. · Lunch: Take a break along the trail for a freshly prepared meal before continuing toward Shira Camp. · Dinner: End the day at Shira Camp with a freshly prepared evening meal before resting for the next stage of the climb.

3. 3Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3840 m - 3960)⌄

   This trekking day is an excellent example of ‘climb high, sleep low’; because during the course of the day you will climb to the top of Lava Tower, which stands at 4650 m, and is a fun challenge, then descent back to a lower altitude for overnight. This is optimal for your body to begin adjusting to the higher altitude. The overall trek covers just under 11 km and usually takes 6 or 7 hours to complete. Stay at Barranco Camp. All Meals provided.

   Meals: Breakfast: Begin the morning at Shira Camp with a freshly prepared meal before setting off toward Lava Towe · Lunch: Pause near Lava Tower for a freshly prepared meal before descending into the Barranco Valley. · Dinner: Conclude the day at Barranco Camp with a freshly prepared evening meal before resting beneath the Barranco Wall

   Overnight: barranco camp

4. 4Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (3960 m to 4660 m)⌄

   After breakfast, begin another exciting challenge; tackling Barranco Wall. From a distance, the Wall appears intimidating, but as you get closer, you’ll see the massive rocks and wide natural steps to manage as you ascend. Take your time, and enjoy the journey- you’re closer to the roof of Kilimanjaro with every step. The hike covers 8.5 km (approximately 7 hrs) and crosses over the Alpine Desert climate zone. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

   Meals: Breakfast: Enjoy a freshly prepared morning meal to energize climbers before setting off on the day’s trek. · Lunch: Pause along the trail for a freshly prepared meal before continuing the ascent. · Dinner: Conclude the day at camp with a freshly prepared evening meal before resting for the next stage of the climb.

   Overnight: Barafu camp.

5. 5Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Camp. (4660 m - 5895 m - 3106m )⌄

   This is the Summit Day, and it begins just after midnight. Your group will meet for a hot drink and a light snack before setting for the final ascent. With the aid of headlamps, you will trek in the dark toward the highest point in Africa: Uhuru Peak. The 5 km trek takes a grueling 6 hrs to reach the summit, due to the intense elevation. This is the highest mountain in Africa, after all! Enjoy a sunrise on top of the world, cheer with the other successful climbers, then descend back to Barafu Camp. Enjoy a hot breakfast and a much deserved rest, before continuing to descend down to Mweka Camp. Overall, expect 12 – 13 hours of trekking this day, covering a distance of 18 km. One of the appeals of the Machame Route is that it has a different trail up and down, meaning you will get to see more of the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

   Meals: Breakfast: Begin the morning at Camp with a freshly prepared meal before trekking down. · Lunch: Pause along the rocky trail for a freshly prepared meal before continuing the ascent to base camp. · Dinner: Conclude the final trekking day at Mweka Camp with a freshly prepared meal before celebrating the climb’s completion.

   Overnight: Mweka camp

6. 6Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate⌄

   This is the final trekking day. After breakfast as Mweka Camp, continue down to Mweka Gate. Upon reaching the end of your climb, you will be awarded official park certificates, have another chance to celebrate with the entire climbing crew, including the cooks or porters who accompanied your trek. Then, you will transfer to your Moshi or Arusha-area hotel for overnight. Breakfast and Lunch provided. Please reach out if you would like us to arrange your accommodations before or after the trek. — End of Mountain Trek– It’s always an adventure with Real Adventure Safaris

   Meals: Breakfast: Enjoy a freshly prepared morning meal at Mweka Camp before beginning the final descent · Lunch: Conclude the trek with a freshly prepared meal served after reaching the park gate.