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Mt Kilimanjaro Trek - Machame Route

1000m
3000m
5000m
Day 1
Moshi
Day 2
Machame Camp
Day 3
Shira 2 Camp
Day 4
Barranco Camp
Day 5
Barafu Camp
Day 6
Uhuru Peak/Mweka Camp
Day 7
Moshi
Day 8
Departure

Day-by-Day Trip Details

Experience the journey from Moshi to the roof of Africa and back again. Follow the Machame Route through five distinct ecological zones.

Day 1: Moshi

Day 1: Moshi

Arrival and Welcome

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Moshi. Meet your CEO and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing about your upcoming adventure.

Difficulty
Easy
Day Highlights
  • Welcome meeting with your group and CEO
  • Option to join for a local meal
  • Prepare gear for the trek
Day 2: Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp

Into the Rainforest

Begin your trek through beautiful rainforest to Machame Camp. Most of the day is spent in the gorgeous and fascinating forested slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The trails can be soggy and muddy, but the scenery is breathtaking.

Distance
11km
Duration
5-7 hours
Elevation
1,490m to 2,835m
Difficulty
Moderate
Day Highlights
  • Register at Machame Gate
  • Trek through rainforest zone
  • Look for black and white colobus monkeys
  • Reach Machame Camp above the rainforest
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp

Moorland Views

Ascend through lower alpine moorland to Shira 2 Camp. The day starts with a steep ascent towards the edge of the forest, then climbing a steep ridge before continuing to Shira Cathedral for spectacular views of the peaks.

Distance
5km
Duration
5-6 hours
Elevation
2,835m to 3,810m
Difficulty
Moderate-Difficult
Day Highlights
  • Steep ascent to edge of forest
  • Trek through moorland zone
  • Views of Shira Cathedral
  • First views of Kibo Peak
Day 4: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp

Via Lava Tower

Trek to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp. This day is crucial for acclimatization as you climb high then sleep low. The Barranco Camp offers stunning views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.

Distance
10km
Duration
5-6 hours
Elevation
3,810m to 3,960m (via 4,600m)
Difficulty
Difficult
Day Highlights
  • Climb to Lava Tower (4,600m)
  • Descend to Great Barranco Valley
  • Views of Western Breach and Breach Wall
  • Surrounded by hanging glaciers and Kibo massif
Day 5: Barafu Camp

Day 5: Barafu Camp

Final Camp Before Summit

Tackle the impressive Great Barranco Wall and continue to Barafu Camp. This camp sits on a narrow, rocky ridge with no barriers to block the wind. Prepare your gear for the early morning summit push.

Distance
9km
Duration
8-9 hours
Elevation
3,960m to 4,640m
Difficulty
Difficult
Day Highlights
  • Climb the Great Barranco Wall
  • Pass below Helm Glacier
  • Reach high camp at Barafu
  • Prepare for summit attempt
Day 6: Summit Day / Mweka Camp

Day 6: Summit Day / Mweka Camp

Roof of Africa

Start your summit attempt around midnight, reaching Stella Point for sunrise before continuing to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at the summit, begin the long descent to Mweka Camp through varying terrain.

Distance
17km
Duration
11-14 hours
Elevation
4,640m to 5,895m, then down to 3,100m
Difficulty
Very Difficult
Day Highlights
  • Midnight start for summit push
  • Sunrise at Stella Point (5,756m)
  • Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
  • Long descent to Mweka Camp
Day 7: Return to Moshi

Day 7: Return to Moshi

Descent and Celebration

Complete your descent through the forested lower slopes to Mweka Gate. Return to Moshi for a celebratory visit with the Moshi Women's Cooperative and receive your certificate of achievement.

Distance
10km
Duration
4-5 hours
Elevation
3,100m to 1,800m
Difficulty
Moderate
Day Highlights
  • Final descent through forest
  • Exit at Mweka Gate
  • Certificate presentation
  • Visit Moshi Women's Cooperative
Day 8: Departure

Day 8: Departure

Farewell

Your Kilimanjaro adventure comes to an end as you depart Moshi. Your CEO can help with any additional travel arrangements if you wish to extend your stay in Tanzania.

Difficulty
Easy
Day Highlights
  • Departure from Moshi
  • Option to extend your stay
  • Say goodbye to new friends

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