Machame route

After a hearty breakfast, the path steepens significantly as you leave the forest behind. You’ll ascend through the moorland zone, characterized by hardy shrubs and rocky ridges. The trail leads you up a steep, rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau—one of the highest plateaus on earth. Today’s trek is shorter in distance but more intense in incline, offering your first clear, sweeping views of the Kibo volcanic cone and the jagged spires of the Shira Cathedral to the west. Reaching Shira Camp in the early afternoon gives you ample time to rest and acclimatize. As the sun begins to set, the glaciers of Kibo often glow with a brilliant purple and orange light, providing a spectacular backdrop for your evening meal and a chilly night under the stars.

This is a pivotal day for acclimatization. You will head east across the high desert plateau, ascending toward the imposing Lava Tower, a massive 300-foot volcanic rock formation at 4,630m. This “climb high” portion of the day might bring on a slight headache or shortness of breath, which is a normal part of the body adjusting. After a lunch break near the tower, you will “sleep low” by descending into the Great Barranco Valley. The descent takes you through forests of giant groundsels (Senecios) and lobelias, which thrive in this unique microclimate. Arriving at Barranco Camp, you’ll find yourself nestled beneath the Great Barranco Wall and the hanging glaciers of Kibo. Despite the tough ascent, you will likely feel much stronger once you descend back down to camp for the night.

Your morning begins with the thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall. While it looks like a vertical cliff from a distance, it is a non-technical hike that requires occasional use of your hands for balance—it’s often the highlight of the trip for many trekkers! Once at the top, you’ll enjoy a stunning ridge-line walk with the southern glaciers directly above you. You will then cross the Karanga Valley before making the final, steady push up toward Barafu Camp. The landscape here is a true alpine desert: desolate, rocky, and exposed to the elements. “Barafu” means ice in Swahili, and the camp is perched on a narrow, wind-swept ridge. You’ll have an early dinner and try to get some sleep by 7:00 PM, as you will be woken up just before midnight for the final summit push.

The summit attempt begins around midnight in the biting cold. Using headlamps, you’ll navigate the steep volcanic scree toward Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim. This 6-hour climb is the ultimate test of endurance. Reaching the rim just as the sun begins to rise over the African plains is an unforgettable moment. From Stella Point, it’s a final, snowy trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5,895m). After taking in the world from the top, you’ll begin a fast descent back to Barafu Camp for a quick rest and brunch. Pushing through the fatigue, you will continue descending for another 3 to 4 hours into the moorland zone to reach Mweka Camp. After such a long day, the thick, oxygen-rich air at this lower altitude will help you sleep soundly.

On your final day, you’ll wake up to the sounds of the mountain forest. Before heading out, your crew will likely gather for the traditional “Kilimanjaro Song,” a vibrant farewell ceremony where you can show your appreciation for their incredible support. The trek down to the Mweka Gate is a pleasant, 3-hour walk through the lush green rainforest, which feels incredibly vibrant after the stark rocks of the summit. At the gate, you will sign out and receive your official gold certificates for reaching Uhuru Peak. Your driver will meet you here to take you back to your hotel for a long-awaited hot shower and a celebratory dinner. It’s a time to reflect on the immense physical and mental feat you’ve just accomplished.

Machame 6 Days

2

Cost

Days

Total

Airport Transfer

1

50

2

100

100

Transfer to Lemosho Gate

1

78

1

78

78

Transfer From Mweka

1

78

1

78

78

Oxygen Cylinder

1

30

1

40

30

Kit Bags

7

2

1

14

20

Table

1

16

1

16

16

Client Tent

1

30

1

30

30

Guide Tent

1

20

1

20

20

Kitchen Tent

1

20

1

20

20

Mess Tent

1

20

1

20

20

Chair

2

5

1

10

15

Toilet

1

40

1

40

40

Liner

7

1

1

7

10

Mattres

1

5

1

5

10

Tshirts

1

8

1

8

16

Champagne

1

10

1

10

20

Staff Salaries

Head Guide

1

16

6

96

96

Assistant Guide

–

13

6

–

78

Chef

1

13

6

78

78

Porter

7

9

6

378

540

Voucher

1

10

1

10

20

10% of the crew Salaries

1

1

1

56

81

Rescue fee

1

25

1

25

50

Crew Entry Fee

9

3

1

27

39

Client Entry fee

1

85

6

510

1,020

Client Camping Fee

1

62

5

310

620

Food

1

32

6

192

252

2,178

3,397

17%

20%

436

1

436

578

2,614

3,975

2,614

1,987