6 days · Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp → Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp → Karanga Valley → Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha
6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via the Machame Route
A six-day Machame route across rainforest, moorland and the southern circuit, with a summit attempt from Barafu and descent by the Mweka route.
Programme
Day by day
The climbing programme begins and ends in Arusha. The included shuttle between Nairobi and Arusha connects to it and is not one of the trekking days.
Day 1
Arusha to Machame Camp
Drive to Machame Gate and walk through rainforest to Machame Camp at about 3,100 metres. Expect 18 kilometres and 5-7 hiking hours.
Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Continue from the rainforest onto a rocky ridge and moorland to Shira Camp at about 3,840 metres. Expect 9 kilometres and 4-6 hiking hours.
Day 3
Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Climb towards Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp at about 3,860 metres. Expect 15 kilometres and 5-7 hours; the day is important for acclimatisation.
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Climb the Barranco Wall, pass through the Karanga Valley and join the Mweka Trail to Barafu Camp at about 4,600 metres. Expect 13 kilometres and approximately 8 hours.
Day 5
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp
Begin around midnight for Stella Point and Uhuru Peak, then descend through Barafu to Mweka Camp. Expect 7 kilometres of ascent, 23 kilometres of descent and a combined 13-16 hiking hours.
Day 6
Mweka Camp to Arusha
Descend through forest to Mweka Gate, continue to Mweka village and transfer by vehicle to a hotel in Arusha. Expect 15 kilometres and 3-4 hiking hours.
Included
- Shuttle transport between Nairobi and Arusha, connecting to the climb
- Two nights in Arusha on bed-and-breakfast terms (overnight at the hotel)
- Porters, guide and cooks
- Three meals a day while on the mountain
- Hut and camping fees
- Park entry fees
- Achievement certificate
Not included
- Tips for the guide, porters and cooks
- Personal climbing clothing, equipment and rucksack
- Personal travel insurance
- Beverages and mineral water
- Personal expenses
- Visa
Accommodation
- Machame Camp
- Shira Camp
- Barranco Camp
- Barafu Camp
- Mweka Camp
- Arusha: overnight at the hotel (bed and breakfast)
Transport
- Shuttle between Nairobi and Arusha (the included connection, not a trekking day)
- Road transfers between Arusha and the mountain