6 Days Mount Machame Route Trek | Group Climb 2026/2027

Day 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Machame Gate, the starting point of the trek. After registration with the national park authorities, you begin hiking through the dense rainforest filled with giant ferns, moss-covered trees, and tropical wildlife.

After several hours of trekking, you will reach Machame Camp where you will enjoy dinner and your first night on the mountain.

Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

After breakfast, the trail climbs steeply through the forest before entering the heather and moorland zone. The vegetation gradually changes, revealing spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.

You will arrive at Shira Camp located on the Shira Plateau with incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the distant plains below.

Elevation: 3,000m to 3,840m

Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Today is an important acclimatization day. You will trek towards the famous Lava Tower, reaching an altitude of about 4,600m before descending to Barranco Camp.

The descent helps your body adapt to the altitude while enjoying spectacular views of glaciers and the famous Barranco Valley.

Elevation: 3,840m to 4,600m then down to 3,960m

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

The day begins with climbing the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting sections of the Machame Route. After reaching the top, you will enjoy incredible views of glaciers and valleys before continuing to Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 3,960m to 4,035m

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

After breakfast, the trek continues towards Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. Here you will rest, eat dinner early, and prepare for the midnight climb to the summit.

Elevation: 4,035m to 4,673m

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Arctic Desert

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Your summit attempt begins shortly after midnight. Trek slowly through the night, reaching Stella Point at sunrise before continuing to the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak.

Celebrate your achievement at the roof of Africa before descending to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m then down to 3,100m

Hiking Time: 10–14 hours

Habitat: Arctic to rainforest