Climbing Specialist

A 6-day Machame Route itinerary for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires good physical fitness and adequate acclimatization. This 6 days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route itinerary provides adequate time for acclimatization and maximizes your chances of summiting while allowing for a safe descent. Always remember to listen to your body and the advice of your guides during the trek.

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp

Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

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” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You 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 you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

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. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Climbing Specialist vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)

Sleeping Mattress

Emergency Oxygen Cylinder

All meals while on the Mountain

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Kilimanjaro summit certificate

Exclusions
Tanzania Visa

International and domestic flights

Hotel (available as an optional addon)

Transfers (available as an optional addon)

Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)

Tips and gratuities

Travel insurance

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed in the itinerary

Liquors, beers and bottled beverages

Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

DAY 1: MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUTS: 7K /MI | 4-5 HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft

Departing from Moshi a 1-hour drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

DAY 2: MANDARA HUTS – HOROMBO HUTS: 11KM/3MI | 6-8HRS | MOORELAND
Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft

After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.

DAY 3: HOROMBO HUTS- KIBO HUTS: 10KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | SEMI-DESERT
Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft

After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.

DAY 4: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 14KM /9MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Descent to 3690m/12,100ft

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation through trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.

DAY 5: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 18KM/11MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!!

ACCOMODATIONS AND ITINERARY
You will sleep in the mobile tent and would be shared in the mountain two persons per tent, but a personal tent can also be provided based on a request.

Day 1: To Mti Mkubwa Camp 2650m
After breakfast in the morning, you will drive approximately for 2 to 3hours to the Londorosi Gate where you will do registration and get entrance permit. Then, you will drive again for one hour to Lemosho starting point where you will get off from the jeep and stop for picnic lunch. After lunch, you will meet all the crews including the rest of the guides, cooks, and porters.
Your hike will start through crossing a rainforest for about 2 to 3 hours to cover the distance of 7km to Mti Mkubwa Camp. On the way, you will see a lot of beautiful flowers like impatiens Kilimanjaro, and if you are lucky, you might see black and white Colobus monkeys and other forest wildlife.

Day 2: To Moir Hut 4200m
This day will be one of your beautiful and longest hikes. For the first sessions, you will walk for 3-4 hours to Shira 1 camp. You will have a lunch stop and short break, and you will cover distance of 7km. After lunch you will hike for about 4 to 5hours to cover the distance of 9km. You will also cross the middle of Shira Plateau, a world heritage site through moorland zone, and arrive in the beautiful overnight camp located at the base of a massive lava flow.

Day 3: To Barranco Camp 3940m
You will keep walking in Alpine Desert for 9km for about 6-8 hours. You will start by climbing over steep hills and very few rocks, then steady uphill climb to the lava tower 4600m (150 meters high volcanic plug that is just outside of the mountain). You will stop for lunch around noon.
From this point, some people might start to feel a mild headache due to the altitude change. From lava tower, you will descend for about two hours through dust and rock trail to have overnight rest at Barranco Camp.

Day 4: To Barafu Camp 4673m
After breakfast, you will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco wall, to the Karanga valley campsite. You will have lunch at Karanga and acclimatize for few minutes before 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 you can make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. You will cover the distances of 9 kilometers about 8-10 hours and you will be in the alpine desert.

Day 5: To Summit 5895m and Descend to Mweka Hut 3100m
You will wake up around 11:00pm, have some tea and snacks and dress up warm for the summit. You will start your summit around 12:00am starting with steep rocks for about two to three hours, and then you will start crossing the zigzag area and keep moving to the crater rim and finally Stella point, 5756 meters around 06:00am. At Stella point, you will meet people from other routes like Marangu and Rongai route and join them heading to Uhuru peak about 1 hour from Stella point. You will be able to see the sunrise at Stella point or on your way to Uhuru or at Uhuru peak 5895m, and then you will stay for 10 – 15 minutes for pictures and view, and after, descend to Barafu Campsite for resting brunch and later on descend down to Mweka Camp. You will ascent for 5km and descent for 12km, the hiking time will be 7-8 hours ascent and 4-6 hours descent to Mweka hut 3100m

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi
After breakfast, you will continue the descent down to the Mweka Gate (1640m) to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the Mweka gate our vehicle will be ready to drive you back your hotel in Moshi for hot shower and beer. The descent distance will be 10km spending 3-4 hours and you will cross the rain forest. 6 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE

LEMOSHO 8 DAY CLIMB WITH 1680$ PRICE PER PERSON.
8 day private camping trekking tour + 2 nights’ hotel stay

The Lemosho route is traditionally one of the quieter and lesser-known routes on the mountain. It’s also the newest and probably the most diverse in terms of the ecological systems and landscapes it passes through. The first two days of this route take you through lush rainforest before you emerge into heath and moorland then join the Machame Route on the third day. This narrow trail, which begins on the Western side of Kilimanjaro, has some very steep and undulating sections. Hikers overnight in tents.

Highlights
Itinerary
Gallery
FAQ
Rates
Highlights
Day 1
Start: Lemosho Gate (2385 m)
Finish: Big Tree Camp (2780 m)
Altitude: ↑ 395 m
Walking Time: 2-3h

Beautiful passage through thick mountain forest on a small trail with a moderate climb.

Day 2
Start: Big Tree Camp (2780 m)
Finish: Shira Camp 1 (3500 m )
Altitude: ↑ 720 m
Walking Time: 4-5h

Continuously rising and falling terrain above the rainforest with wonderful views of the Shira Ridge and the Kibo Summit.

Day 3
Start: Shira Camp 1 (3500 m)
Finish: Shira Camp 2 (3900 m)
Altitude: ↑ 400 m
Walking Time: 3-4h

Short trek with moderate rising through heat and moorland zone. Great views by crossing Shira Ridge.

Day 4
Start: Shira Camp 2 (3900 m)
Finish: Barranco Camp (3960 m)
Altitude: ↑ 740 m  ↓ 680 m
Walking Time: 6-7h

A long trek through the heath and moorland zone with impressive vegetation on the way to the Lava Tower.

Day 5
Start: Barranco Camp (3960 m)
Finish: Karanga Camp (4035 m)
Altitude: ↑ 100 m ↓ 25 m
Walking Time: 3-4h

Steep climb over the Barranco Wall with a rewarding view of Kibo’s southern glacier, continuously up and down.

Day 6
Start: Karanga Camp (4035 m)
Finish: Barafu Camp (4640 m)
Altitude: ↑ 615 m
Walking Time: 3-4h

Small path through rocky alpine desert, not technically demanding.

Day 7
Start: Barafu Camp (4640 m)
Finish: Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3080 m)
Altitude: ↓ 1255 m  ↓ 2815 m
Walking Time: 10-14h

Very steep, long and possibly cold climb to Stella Point. Fantastic panorama at the crater ridge and at the summit. Descent relatively steep and long. Altitude might influence the climb.

Day 8
Start: Mweka Camp (3080 m)
Finish: Mweka Gate (1630 m)
Altitude: ↓ 1450 m
Walking Time: 2-3h

Easy and relatively short descent with a good path through lush rainforest.