6- Day Machame Route

Your journey begins at Machame Gate with registration and final gear checks. The hike starts in the lush rainforest zone, with a humid climate and muddy trails, especially if it has rained recently. You’ll walk under a dense canopy filled with birds and possibly monkeys. The trail steadily ascends to Machame Camp, where the air is cooler, and the forest begins to thin out. This day serves as a gentle introduction to the trek and begins the acclimatization process.

You leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone, characterized by low shrubs, giant heathers, and volcanic rocks. The trail is steeper than Day 1 and features some rocky sections. As you ascend, views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau emerge. You’ll arrive at Shira Camp by early afternoon with time to rest and enjoy expansive views of the surrounding valleys. The air is thinner now, and the effects of altitude may begin to be felt.

This is a critical acclimatization day. You ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), a prominent volcanic formation where you’ll stop for lunch. Although it’s tough climbing to this altitude, the descent afterward to Barranco Camp is helpful for acclimatization ("climb high, sleep low"). The landscape becomes more barren and dramatic. Barranco Camp sits below the Barranco Wall, offering a spectacular view of the glaciers above. It's one of the most scenic camps on the mountain.

The day begins with a scramble up the Barranco Wall—a steep but non-technical climb that’s often a highlight of the route. After the wall, the trail traverses alpine desert terrain with minimal vegetation. You'll pass Karanga Camp, where some groups stay the night (but on the 6-day version, you continue). The final push to Barafu Camp is tiring, and you'll arrive in the afternoon. This is your base camp for the summit. Early dinner and rest are essential because the summit attempt starts just before midnight.

Summit day begins around midnight in freezing temperatures.You’ll slowly ascend switchbacks by headlamp through scree to reach Stella Point (5,739m), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point. The sunrise from the summit is unforgettable. After a brief celebration and photos, you descend back to Barafu Camp for rest and a quick meal. Then, you continue your descent to Mweka Camp, where the air is thicker and warmer. This is a long, demanding day, both physically and mentally.

Your final descent takes you through the lush rainforest, where the trail may be slippery if wet. It’s a more relaxed walk compared to previous days. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate. Porters and guides will likely sing farewell songs in celebration. From there, you’ll be driven back to your hotel—ready for a hot shower, rest, and the satisfaction of having conquered Africa’s tallest mountain.