Machame Route 6 Days

Upon arrival, Sote Tours staff will greet you and assist with loading your luggage into the waiting vehicle. You will then be driven to your hotel in Moshi town. After checking in, you will receive a comprehensive briefing about the following day’s trek, and your mountain guide will inspect your gear. The remainder of the day is yours to relax by the pool or explore the vibrant town of Moshi.

Accommodation at Panama Garden Resort
Meals
Breakfast

The Machame Route 6 Days starts here.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation
Machame camp

Accommodation
Shira Camp

Meals
Full Board

The route now heads east into a semi-desert landscape characterized by rocky terrain surrounding Lava Tower. After approximately five hours of trekking, you will reach an altitude of 4,630 meters. Lunch will be served at a designated area before you continue your ascent up the rocky scree path leading to Lava Tower (4,630 meters).

This day is often the most challenging of the trek, as many climbers begin to experience symptoms such as breathlessness, irritability, and headaches at this altitude. After lunch, you will descend nearly 680 meters to the Barranco Camp. The high altitude at Lava Tower aids in acclimatization, providing significant benefits for your trek.

The descent to Barranco Camp takes about two hours and offers excellent opportunities for capturing stunning photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is located in a valley beneath the Breach and the Great Barranco Wall, promising a memorable sunset as you wait for your dinner to be prepared.

Accommodation
Barranco Camp

Meals
Full Board

After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall—a formidable sight initially—you will ascend this impressive obstacle, which often proves to be less challenging than anticipated. Reaching just below the Heim Glacier, you will be able to fully appreciate the stunning beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route then descends through the Karanga Valley, navigating various ridges and valleys, and eventually intersects with the Mweka Route. This route is commonly used for descent from the summit, so make a note of it. After turning left up the ridge and hiking for about another hour, you will arrive at Barafu Hut.

The Karanga Valley is the final water source on this route, as there is no water available at Barafu Camp. The name “Barafu” translates to “ice” in Swahili, and this campsite is characterized by its harsh, exposed conditions. The tents are set up on a narrow, stony ridge, and the site is subject to strong, persistent winds. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid potential accidents. The summit is still 1,345 meters above, and you will be preparing for the final ascent later that same night.

Ensure your equipment, including ski poles and thermal clothing, is ready for the summit attempt. Replace the batteries in your headlamp and camera, and bring spares to avoid running out of power. To prevent your water from freezing, use a thermal flask. Aim to go to bed around 19:00 to rest and prepare for the challenging night ahead.

Accommodation
Barafu Camp

Meals
Full Board

You will awaken around 23:30 and, after a light tea and biscuits, embark on your night ascent. Heading in a north-westerly direction, you will climb through challenging scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This six-hour trek to Stella Point is often regarded as the most physically and mentally demanding segment of the route. Upon reaching Stella Point (5,685 meters), you will take a brief rest and, weather permitting, be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise.

From Stella Point, you will typically encounter snow along the final two-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The duration of your stay at the summit will depend on the prevailing weather conditions. It is advisable not to linger too long, as resuming your descent can be exceptionally difficult due to cold and fatigue. Take in your achievement and savor this memorable moment. The descent back to Barafu Hut from the summit will take approximately three hours.

Upon arrival at Barafu, you will enjoy a well-deserved, albeit brief, rest and collect any remaining gear. The route down is straightforward, taking you through rocky and scree paths, descending through the moorland and eventually into the forest. The campsite is situated in the upper forest, where you may encounter mist or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner will be served, and washing water will be provided.

Summit attempt of Machame Route 6 Days.

Meals
Full Board

Accommodation
Mweka Camp

Accommodation at Panama Garden Resort
Elevation: 3100m to 1,640m
Distance: 9km
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest

Meals
Breakfast

End of Machame Route 6 Days.

Airport transfers will be arranged based on your flight schedule. Please inform Sote Tours staff of any changes to your flight details to ensure smooth coordination.

Additionally, you have the option to extend your stay by embarking on a thrilling safari adventure or unwinding on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.

Meals
Breakfast