6 Days Machame Route

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a La Pisada Africa representative will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to Springlands Hotel in Moshi. This will be your base before the climb begins. Upon arrival, you will have time to rest, prepare your gear, and receive a briefing on the Machame Route.

A full-board meal plan is included, so enjoy a delicious dinner before heading to bed to rest for the climb ahead.

Overnight at Springlands Hotel, Moshi (Full Board).

Your day begins early with a briefing and breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, take a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to Machame Village (1,490m). Upon arrival, guides and porters will organize and pack the gear. If road conditions allow, the drive continues to Machame Gate; otherwise, a muddy 3 km walk (about 1 hour) is required to reach the gate.

At Machame Gate, complete the registration process before entering Kilimanjaro National Park. The trek officially begins through a lush rainforest, where the trail is often wet, muddy, and slippery. Expect to see towering Eucalyptus trees, unique bird species, and Colobus monkeys as you make your way to Machame Camp.
 
Upon arrival, porters will boil drinking and washing water, while the cook prepares dinner. Be prepared for cold nighttime temperatures, which may drop to freezing.

Elevation: 1,490m/4,888ft to 3,010m/9,875ft
 
Distance: 11km/7mi
 
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
 
Habitat: Rainforest
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Rise early at Machame Camp for breakfast before starting the steep climb out of the rainforest. The vegetation gradually changes to moorland, and the trail becomes rockier as you gain altitude.
 
After about an hour, reach the top of the forest and continue for two more hours through the moorland zone, where giant heathers and lobelias grow. After a short lunch break, continue up a rocky ridge leading to the Shira Plateau, where stunning views of the Western Breach and its glaciers unfold.

Upon reaching Shira Camp (3,840m), porters will boil drinking and washing water, and dinner will be served. As Shira Camp is exposed, temperatures at night can drop well below freezing.

Elevation Gain: 3,000m / 9,800ft to 3,840m / 12,600ft
 
Distance: 5km / 3mi
 
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
 
Habitat: Moorland
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today’s trek turns eastward into a semi-desert landscape. After 5 hours of walking, reach Lava Tower (4,630m)—a crucial acclimatization point. This is the toughest day so far, and some climbers may start to feel symptoms of altitude sickness, including breathlessness, headaches, and fatigue.

Lunch is served near Lava Tower, before descending nearly 680m to Barranco Camp (3,950m). This descent aids in acclimatization and helps reduce altitude sickness symptoms. The trail offers stunning views of the Western Breach and the Breach Wall, and the sunset at Barranco Valley is unforgettable.

Elevation Gain: 3,840m/12,600ft to 4,630m/15,190ft (Lava Tower), then down to 3,950m/13,044ft
 
Distance: 10km / 6mi
 
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
 
Habitat: Alpine Desert, Moorland
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Begin with a steep climb up the Great Barranco Wall, which requires some scrambling but rewards you with breathtaking views. After reaching the top, descend into Karanga Valley for a short break and lunch.

The trek continues toward Barafu Camp (4,640m), where tents are pitched on a narrow, rocky ridge exposed to strong winds. The summit is now only 1,345m away, and climbers must prepare their gear, headlamps, and thermal clothing for the midnight ascent. Go to bed early (around 19:00) and rest for the summit push.

Elevation Gain: 3,950m/13,044ft to 4,035m/13,238ft
 
Distance: 6km/3.7mi
 
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
 
Habitat: Alpine Desert
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wake up at 23:30, have a light snack and tea, and begin the final summit attempt. The six-hour climb ascends through heavy scree to Stella Point (5,685m), the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek.

At Stella Point, take a brief rest before continuing for another two hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. If conditions allow, witness a breathtaking sunrise.
 
After celebrating the summit achievement, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m).

Elevation Gain: 4,640m/15,223ft to 5,895m/19,341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m/10,170ft
 
Distance: 5km/3mi up, 12km/7mi down
 
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
 
Habitat: Alpine Desert
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). This scenic final trek takes about 3-4 hours.

At Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificates (gold for Uhuru Peak climbers, green for Stella Point climbers). After celebrating, drive to Springlands Hotel in Moshi, where a hot lunch, refreshing shower, and well-deserved rest await.

Elevation: 3,100m/10,170ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
 
Distance: 10km/6mi
 
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
 
Habitat: Rainforest
 
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
 
End of trekking experience.