6 Day Climbing Machame Route Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation: 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) to 3,000 meters (9,843 feet)
Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Highlights:
Registration and Preparation: Begin your adventure at Machame Gate, where you’ll register and meet your guides and porters.
Rainforest Trek: Hike through a dense and lush rainforest, where you’ll see a variety of plant life, including giant ferns and ancient trees. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are recommended.
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for blue monkeys and a variety of bird species as you make your way to Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation: 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) to 3,840 meters (12,598 feet)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Highlights:
Moorland Transition: The trail leaves the rainforest and enters the moorland zone. The landscape changes dramatically with more open views and fewer trees.
Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau.
Shira Camp: Reach Shira Camp, situated on the western edge of the Shira Plateau, offering spectacular sunset views over the plateau.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3,840 meters (12,598 feet) to 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) to 3,960 meters (12,992 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Highlights:
Acclimatization Day: This day is crucial for acclimatization. You’ll hike to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) and then descend to Barranco Camp.
Lava Tower: A volcanic rock formation providing a good rest spot and acclimatization point.
Descent to Barranco Camp: The descent offers views of the Barranco Wall and the camp itself, situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3,960 meters (12,992 feet) to 4,640 meters (15,223 feet)
Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Highlights:
Great Barranco Wall: Start the day with a challenging but rewarding scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, often referred to as the "Breakfast Wall".
Karanga Valley: Cross the Karanga Valley and ascend to the Karanga Camp for a short rest before continuing to Barafu Camp.
Barafu Camp: Arrive at Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt. The camp offers spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,640 meters (15,223 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) to 3,080 meters (10,105 feet)
Distance: 5 km (3 miles) ascent, 12 km (7.5 miles) descent
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic, then moorland
Highlights:
Summit Night: Begin your summit attempt around midnight. The climb is steep and slow, with the aim to reach the summit at sunrise.
Uhuru Peak: Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Celebrate your achievement and enjoy breathtaking views from the roof of Africa.
Descent to Barafu Camp: After spending some time at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and then continue to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp: Arrive at Mweka Camp, located in the upper forest. Rest and recover after a long day of climbing.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3,080 meters (10,105 feet) to 1,640 meters (5,381 feet)
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Highlights:
Final Descent: Complete your trek with a descent through the lush rainforest. The trail can be slippery, especially if it has rained.
Mweka Gate: Arrive at Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Celebrate your successful climb with your team and transfer back to your hotel.
Farewell to Guides and Porters: Say goodbye to your guides and porters, who have been essential to your journey, and head back to civilization.