6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Via Machame

Drive from Arusha or Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate trailhead through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
After the formalities, leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We will continue for a short distance until we reach Machame Camp.
•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft
•Distance: 11km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest.

We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,000 ft to 15,000ft
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Distance: 9 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with 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 are to be seen from this position.

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2:00 am), we will continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You will head in a northwestern direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
At Stella Point (18,600ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (if the weather permits). At Uhuru Peak, you’ll 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’ll descend to the Mweka Campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected late in the afternoon. Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
•Distance: 5km ascent / 12km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic.

After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the Mweka 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).
From the gate, you’ll continue another hour to Mweka Village where our vehicle will meet you to drive you back to Arusha.
•Descent(ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest.