6DAYS MACHAME ROUTE
For those who only have six days to climb Kilimanjaro, Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile. Compared to other six day routes, the Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker and thus kickstarts the body’s adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires a person to be in good shape and able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses.
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. You will meet your guide, who will brief you on the upcoming trek and conduct a gear check. Any missing equipment can be rented at this time
Drive to Machame village to begin the climb. The hike starts at the end of the tarmac road, going through farmlands and forests before reaching Machame Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Continue along a steep ridge, traversing rocky terrain and heather. The route turns west into a river gorge, leading to Shira Camp.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
Head east towards Kibo, passing the Lava Tower before descending into Barranco Camp.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco Wall, followed by a traverse over scree and ridges to Karanga Valley. After climbing out of the valley, you ascend to Barafu Camp.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your early morning ascent to the crater rim between Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. After reaching Uhuru Peak, descend to Barafu for lunch, then continue down to Millennium Camp.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Uhuru Peak)
Descent: Down to 3090m/10,150ft (Millennium Camp)
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree, ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend through the beautiful forest to the park gate, where your transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
