6 Days Machame Route

Elevation: 5,400ft to 9,400ft

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest
After a 50-minute drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, you will begin your hike through the lush rainforest. The path is winding, muddy, and slippery, so wearing gaiters and using trekking poles is recommended. The trek continues until you reach Machame Camp where you’ll spend the night.

Elevation: 9,400ft to 12,500ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland
Leaving the rainforest, you will hike along a ridge covered in heather, eventually reaching the Shira Camp. The path is a gradual ascent through moorland, offering stunning views as you move closer to the summit. You will rest at Shira Camp for the night.

Elevation: 12,500ft to 13,000ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert
From Shira Camp, you will head east towards the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” After a stop here, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp for the night. This day is crucial for acclimatization, even though you descend to the same altitude as the day’s start.

Elevation: 13,000ft to 15,000ft

Distance: 9 km

Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert
You will begin with a steep ascent up the Barranco Wall and then continue to Karanga Camp. From there, the trek takes you to Barafu Camp, where you’ll have great views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Rest at Barafu Camp before preparing for summit day.

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
The summit trek begins between midnight and 2 a.m., ascending through scree and glaciers to Stella Point, where you’ll be rewarded with an incredible sunrise. From there, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Afterward, descend to Mweka Hut for the night.

Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Continue to Mweka Village where a vehicle will take you back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.