Easy & Moderate
Classic
The 6-Days Machame Route offers an unforgettable adventure for trekkers aiming to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its diverse and stunning landscapes, the route takes you through lush rainforests, expansive moorlands, and rocky alpine deserts. With a perfect balance between challenge and acclimatization time, it’s ideal for those looking for an adventurous climb with a high chance of success. This route is best for experienced trekkers, as it allows ample time to adjust to the altitude while enjoying breathtaking views.
The Machame Route provides a more rugged, immersive experience with camping along the way, placing you in the heart of Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes, including views of Mount Meru and the iconic Kilimanjaro summit. With expert guidance and well-paced acclimatization, this Machame Route ensures a memorable and rewarding climb for those seeking an exciting, yet achievable, challenge on Africa’s highest peak.
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day Machame Route trek with Kilifaith Adventures, starting with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or a similar location. Our team will warmly greet you and facilitate a seamless transfer. Meet your knowledgeable climbing manager and guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check. Enjoy a restful night, preparing for the exciting adventure ahead at our recommended accommodation.
Accommodations: Chanya Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Begin your expedition with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Moshi before being transported to Machame Village. From there, drive or trek to the Machame gate, entering the rainforest where rain and muddy conditions may be encountered. Enjoy a lunch break along the way and reach the Machame camping location in the afternoon. Your tent will be set up by porters, and meals and drinking water will be provided. Prepare for chilly nighttime temperatures at this elevation.
After an early start at Machame camp, you begin your ascent through the forest, reaching the top within an hour. Transitioning to the moorland zone, you walk for two hours on a gentler slope. Following a brief lunch break, you continue over a rugged incline onto the Shira plateau. From this vantage point, you can admire the Western Breach and its impressive glaciers. Reaching the Shira campground at 3,840m after a short climb, the porters will prepare drinking and cleaning water before serving supper. Expect significantly colder temperatures at this exposed camp, dropping well below freezing.
After a challenging 5-hour hike, the trail veers east through a semi-desert and rocky terrain, leading you to the impressive Lava Tower at an elevation of 4630m. Lunch is served at a designated area before tackling the demanding scree trail to Lava Tower. This day is known to be the toughest so far, and some climbers may begin to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, irritability, and headaches. Following lunch, you descend approximately 680 meters to the Barranco camping area, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. As you await your meal, take in the breathtaking sunset over the valley below the towering Breach and Great Barranco Wall.
After a night at the awe-inspiring Great Barranco Wall, you’ll conquer this seemingly challenging obstacle, only to find it easier than anticipated. As you reach the top, beneath the magnificent Heim Glacier, the true beauty of Kilimanjaro unfolds before you. Descending through the Karanga Valley, traversing slopes and valleys, you’ll make your way towards the Mweka route, the preferred descent path from the peak. A one-hour climb from there will bring you to Barafu Hut, situated at an elevation where water is scarce. Barafu, meaning “ice” in Swahili, is a rugged and harsh camping spot. Tents are pitched on a precarious ridge, fully exposed to relentless gusts of wind. Familiarize yourself with the terrain before darkness falls to ensure safety. With a gain in altitude of 1345 meters, the night will see your final ascent. Prepare your equipment, including ski sticks and warm gear, while replacing batteries and carrying spare ones for your light and camera. Keep your water insulated to prevent freezing. Retire early at 7:00 PM for much-needed rest before the summit attempt.
At 23:30, fueled by tea and biscuits, you embark on a nocturnal journey. Crossing hard scree, you ascend in a north-westerly direction to Stella Point on the crater rim. This challenging 6-hour trek is emotionally and physically demanding. Pause briefly at Stella Point (5685m) to witness an awe-inspiring sunrise, weather permitting. From there, a 2-hour hike through snow-covered terrain leads you to Uhuru Peak. The duration spent at the summit depends on weather conditions, as lingering for too long can be difficult due to the cold and exhaustion. Cherish this remarkable achievement as you make the 3-hour descent back to Barafu. Take a well-deserved break before continuing through moorland and woodland on a rocky path. Mist or rain may accompany you in the higher woodland. Dinner and washing water will be provided at the campsite.
Following a satisfying breakfast, your team will partake in joyful celebrations with dancing and singing. Take the opportunity to express your appreciation to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters for their exceptional support throughout the journey. After three hours of revelry, you will commence your descent towards Mweka Gate. At the gate, all hikers must sign their names to receive a certificate of completion from the National Park. Those who reach Stella Point (5685m) will be honored with green certificates, while those who conquer Uhuru Peak (5895m) will be awarded prestigious gold certificates. Descending for approximately 1 hour into Mweka village, you will be treated to a hearty lunch. Finally, return to Moshi, where you can enjoy well-deserved rest and indulge in further festivities.
You’ll have a dayroom to pack, freshen up, and prepare for your journey back home. Before departing you may consider extending your adventure with a Tanzania safari or a well-deserved relaxation in Zanzibar. Choose to add on this exciting option and make the most of your trip with us at Kilifaith Adventures.
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