The Machame route combines spectacular views, scenery and good acclimatization
Day 1: Moshi/Machame Camp
You drive to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate through the village of Machame. From here you trek through the rain forest to Machame Camp for overnight in tents (5- 7 hrs).
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast, you continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends, with short stop for lunch and small rest. Here, the route then turns west onto a river gorge. Dinner and overnight at the Shira campsite (4-6 hrs).
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, you continue east into a semi desert and rocky section and again head South East towards the Lava Tower. After the tower, you come to the second junction to the Arrow Glacier and continue down to the Barranco Hut for dinner and overnight (6-8 hrs).
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp
This is a short day meant for acclimatization whereby after breakfast, you leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, you leave Karanga, and continue up to the Barafu Camp whereby in this case you will have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Dinner and overnight at the camp (4 -5 hrs).
Day 6: Barafu Camp to summit Uhuru Peak to Mweka camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), you continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading in northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. You will stop for a short rest at Stella Point, where you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From here, you may encounter snow all the way on your ascent to the summit, Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
From the summit, you now make your descent straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, situated in the upper forest, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. You arrive late in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Mweka Hut to Moshi
After breakfast, you descend through the rain forest to Mweka park gate, where you receive your summit certificates. From the gate, you continue to Mweka Village, where you meet the vehicle to drive you back to Moshi. Drop off at your hotel.