6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha & Drive to Marangu Gate

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a pickup from Moshi or Arusha, followed by a scenic drive to the Marangu Gate (1,860 meters). After completing the necessary registration, you’ll meet your mountain crew and begin your trek through lush rainforest. The trail is gentle, passing through a green canopy where you might spot colobus monkeys and exotic birds. After approximately 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut (2,700 meters) for your overnight stay in shared mountain huts. Enjoy a warm meal and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After an early breakfast, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone, where the landscape opens up with stunning views of the mountain. The trail becomes steeper, and you’ll pass through rolling hills dotted with unique plants like the giant lobelia and groundsels. Along the way, enjoy views of Mawenzi Peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. After a 5 to 6-hour trek, you’ll reach Horombo Hut (3,720 meters), your home for the night, where you can relax and acclimatize.

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today’s hike takes you across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, the final volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro. The landscape becomes more barren and rocky as you ascend into the alpine desert. You’ll pass the "Last Water Point" and continue towards Kibo Hut (4,703 meters), where the air is thin and the terrain is stark. This 6 to 7-hour trek is physically demanding, so take it slow and conserve your energy for the summit push. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the summit attempt.

Day 4: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak & Descent to Horombo Hut

Summit day begins at midnight with a challenging ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro. In the dark, you’ll follow your guides up a steep scree slope towards Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters) on the crater rim. From here, you’ll trek along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa. Watching the sunrise from the summit is an unforgettable experience. After taking photos and soaking in the view, you’ll begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest. You’ll then continue descending to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest after the long day of trekking.

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate & Return to Moshi/Arusha

After breakfast, you’ll begin your final descent through the moorland and rainforest back to the Marangu Gate. This 5 to 6-hour trek brings you back to the lush surroundings where your journey began. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate and say goodbye to your mountain crew. You’ll be transferred back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible achievement. Your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure comes to a close as you arrive back at your hotel.