6-Days machame route-mweka-kilimanjaro

-Elevation: 1,800m to 3,020m (5,905ft to 9,908ft) -Time & Distance: 5–7 hours | 11 km -Terrain: Winding trails through a dense, lush rainforest. Lower sections are often muddy and slippery -Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

-Elevation: 3,020m to 3,840m (9,908ft to 12,598ft) -Time & Distance: 4–6 hours | 5 -Terrain: Leaving the forest, you cross a valley and ascend a steep, rocky ridge into the moorland zone After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a gorges river until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

-Elevation: Altitude 3,840m to 4,630m (Lava Tower) down to 3,960m (12,598ft to 15,190ft to 12,992ft) -Time & Distance: 6–8 hours | 11 km -Terrain: Alpine desert. You scramble up the Lava Tower for crucial acclimatization, then descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley Early in the morning continue from the Shira Plateau to the east up a ridge, traversing through the junction towards the Kibo peak route. upon continuation the direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s peak Tooth” (elevation-4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

-Elevation: 3,960m to 4,680m (12,992ft to 15,354ft -Time & Distance: 7–9 hours | 9 km -Terrain: You start by climbing the steep, exhilarating Great Barranco Wall. In this 6-day version, you press straight through Karanga Valley without sleeping there, making for a long, demanding day After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elevation 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance

-Elevation: 4,680m to 5,895m up, then down to 3,100m (15,354ft to 19,341ft to 10,170ft)Time & Distance: 11–15 hours | 17 km -Terrain: Severe alpine desert and scree. Your summit push starts around midnight under extreme cold. After reaching the peak, you take a long, knee-jarring descent to Mweka Camp. Early morning start climbing through the midnight at 2 am,with a continua,tion of the summit summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers into the North west direction as you ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This part of the climb is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

-Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m (10,170ft to 5,380ft) -Time & Distance: 3–4 hours | 10 km -Terrain: A final muddy descent through the rain forest to sign out and collect your summit certificates After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).