6 Days - Machame Route, Mt Kilimanjaro

Activities:

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by Arrow Trekking & Safaris representatives, who will ensure your smooth transfer to a comfortable hotel in Arusha. This day is all about settling in, meeting your guides, and receiving an informative pre-trek briefing. During the briefing, your guides will outline the itinerary, discuss safety protocols, and check your gear to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and make any last-minute adjustments.

What to Expect:

Rest, recover from travel fatigue, and mentally prepare for the trek.

Meals and Accommodation:

Dinner can be arranged as an add-on, and you’ll stay overnight in Arusha.

Arrival

Day 01 : Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)

• Altitude: 1,800 m / 5,906 ft (Machame Gate) → 3,000 m / 9,843 ft (Machame Camp)
• Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
• Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you will be driven from your hotel in Arusha to Machame Gate, which is the starting point of your trek. You’ll begin your climb through the lush tropical rainforest. The trail is relatively easy, with gradual ascents, and provides an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife like monkeys and various bird species.

Upon reaching Machame Camp, you'll have a hot dinner and set up your camp for the night, under the stars. The cold night air signals that you are beginning to ascend into higher altitudes.

Day 02 : Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)

• Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft (Machame Camp) → 3,850 m / 12,630 ft (Shira Camp)
• Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Heath and Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins with a steady ascent through the dense forest before transitioning into a moorland zone. The terrain gradually becomes rockier as you approach Shira Camp. Along the way, you'll be able to see stunning views of the Kilimanjaro summit and the surrounding landscapes. Shira Camp offers breathtaking views of the western breach and the snow-capped summit.

At Shira Camp, you will rest and enjoy a nutritious dinner prepared by the guides. Here, you will begin your body’s adjustment to the altitude.

Day 03 : Shira Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

• Altitude: 3,850 m / 12,630 ft (Shira Camp) → 3,950 m / 12,960 ft (Barranco Camp)
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On Day 3, the trek takes you across a high-altitude desert landscape, passing the Lava Tower (4,600 m), which offers spectacular views of the surrounding plains. After crossing the Lava Tower, you'll descend to Barranco Camp to help your body acclimatize to the higher altitude.

The Barranco Wall, a steep ascent, is a famous feature of the route. It can be a challenging climb, but it is very rewarding, providing stunning views and an exciting experience.

At Barranco Camp, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, ensuring that you are ready for the final push toward the summit.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950 m) to Barafu Camp (4,700 m)

• Altitude: 3,950 m / 12,960 ft (Barranco Camp) → 4,700 m / 15,420 ft (Barafu Camp)
• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
• Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you’ll hike through the Karanga Valley, before continuing the challenging ascent to Barafu Camp, where you’ll make your base camp before the summit attempt. The terrain is dry, rocky, and harsh, yet you will be surrounded by stunning views of the mountain and glaciers.

At Barafu Camp, you will have an early dinner, rest, and prepare for the long summit night ahead. The guides will brief you on the summit attempt, ensuring that you are mentally and physically ready for the challenge.

Day 5: Summit Day – Barafu Camp (4,700 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and Descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

• Altitude: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft (Barafu Camp) → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak) → 3,100 m / 10,170 ft (Mweka Camp)
• Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles (Summit and Descent)
• Trekking Time: 12-15 hours
• Habitat: Arctic Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day begins in the middle of the night. At around midnight or 1 AM, you’ll start your final push to the summit. The climb to Uhuru Peak is challenging and will test your endurance, but the reward is well worth it. As you ascend through the Arctic Zone, you'll experience frigid temperatures and thin air.

After several hours of intense hiking, you will finally reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), where you will be rewarded with magnificent views and a sense of accomplishment as you stand atop Africa’s highest point. After a brief celebration, you will descend to Mweka Camp for the night.

Day 6: Descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)

• Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft (Mweka Camp) → 1,640 m / 5,381 ft (Mweka Gate)
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

On the final day of your trek, you will descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will sign out. Afterward, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha to relax, celebrate your achievement, and enjoy a well-deserved rest.