6-Day Tanzania Explorers Machame Climbing

Enjoy the two-hour drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate journey as it passes through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Arriving at the park, we'll begin walking through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea, as the trail can be muddy or slippery lower down. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 5,400ft to 9,400ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west towards a river gorge.

Dinner and overnight at the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 9,400ft to 12,500ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 12,500ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite for a hot lunch. From Karanga, we hit the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut.

At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this point.

Elevation: 13,000ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We'll head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation: 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.

At the gate, A vehicle will meet you and drive you back to Arusha. Continue with your travel plans or get dropped off at Kilimanjaro Airport.

Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest