6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing: Machame Route

Tour Overview

The Kilimanjaro massif, the mythical peak of the African continent, dominates the surrounding plains at 5000 metres. This huge volcano with its very characteristic shape consists of three different craters, the Shira in the west, the Mawenzi in the east and the Kibo in the middle. The summit of Uhuru Peak, the final destination of the climb, rises to 5895 meters. This isolated volcano measures 60 km from east to west and 40 km from north to south.

The Machame Route is considered the most beautiful route of all. Due to its altitude profile, it offers good opportunities for altitude adjustment, so that the chances of a successful ascent are above average.

Tour Timeline

Day 01

Machame / Machame Hut

The starting point of this hike is the Chagga village of Machame at 1,780 metres altitude. The stage leads from the “”gate”” for about 6 hours through dense rainforest with inextricable lianas, rubber, giant ferns and begonias in which diadem monkeys, colobus monkeys, various antelopes and a colourful world of birds cavort. As we gradually gain height, the vegetation changes. The rainforest turns into grassland and vast heathlands. The camp is set up near the metal huts of Machame Hut at 3,050 meters above sea level and offers a wonderful view of Uhuru Peak.

Day 1

Day 02

Machame Hut / Shira

Today’s path leads through a wide grass savannah, volcanic rock and heathland. Here you meet the first giant “”Groundsel””, who watch over the steppe like watchmen. The somewhat steeper path continues to meander through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava with caves and streams up to the Shira Plateau and after three quarters of an hour the Shira camp at 3690 meters is reached.

Day 2

Day 03

Shira / Barranco

This day also serves as acclimatization day. The route leads steadily slightly uphill through the stone desert towards Kibo. At 4570 m the Lava Tower is reached. After a snack, the descent to the Barranco camp leads past a huge gorge, the “”Great Barranco””. The path is lined with centuries-old crested „Groundsel“ and lobelias, which are irrigated by countless small, converging waterfalls. Today the camp is built at an altitude of 3940 meters.

Day 3

Day 04

Barranco / Barafu

Todays walk is marked by a constant up and down. Just half an hour after our departure, the great challenge of the day – the Great Barranco Wall – awaits you. Once the wall has been conquered, the route continues through several small gorges up a seemingly endless ridge on the flanks of Kilimanjaro. After a lunch break in the Karanga Valley, the hike leads over a moraine to the Barfu camp at 4650m. On the one hand side we look to majestic Mawenzi and above us …. the destination …. the Kibo!

Day 4

Day 05

Barafu / Uhuru Peak / Mweka

Today is the day – around midnight we start our hike to the Uhuru summit. At very cold temperatures between -10 and -15°C you will climb the slopes up to the foot of the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers. It is a steep ascent, the atmosphere in the darkness under a starry sky seems almost surreal. After about 6 hours you reach the crater rim, between Stella and Hans Meyer summits. Depending on your walking speed you will experience an unforgettable sunrise here or later at Uhuru Peak. From Stella Point the hike to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) on the mostly snow-covered volcanic crest takes up to one hour.Then it is done! Photo session and enjoy the view!

The return to Gillman’s Point takes one hour. After breakfast the hike continues to Kibo Camp, which is reached in about 1,5 hours. After a longer break the descent leads to Mweka Camp, which is reached in the afternoon.

Day 5

Day 06

Mweka Gate

The last leg of the hike leads relaxed through the beautiful tropical vegetation with several breaks and a comfortable picnic stop back to Mweka Gate. Here, each participant will be given a summit certificate and before leaving for the lodge, the traditional farewell to Kilimanjaro and the team will take place.

Day 6

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6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing: Machame Route