Day 1: Arusha to Machame Gate to Machame Camp (2,835m)

Morning pickup from your Arusha hotel (around 7:30 AM) for transfer to Machame Gate (1,800m). After registration, begin trekking through dense rainforest.

The 5-7 hour hike covers 11km to Machame Camp (2,835m). Watch for colobus monkeys and listen for tropical birds as you climb through the lush vegetation. The trail can be muddy but well-maintained.

Arrive at camp where your team will have tents ready. Evening temperatures are mild with high humidity in the forest zone.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,750m)

After breakfast (around 8:00 AM), ascend through thinning forest into the heather-moorland zone. The trail steepens as you climb the Shira Plateau.

Today's 5-6 hour trek covers 5km but gains significant elevation. Arrive at Shira Camp (3,750m) with spectacular views of Kibo peak. Night temperatures drop below freezing at this altitude.

Afternoon acclimatization walk optional. Marvel at the sunset over Mount Meru as the stars emerge in the thin air.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,900m)

A scenic day of "walk high, sleep low" acclimatization. Hike east toward Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp (3,900m).

The 6-8 hour trek covers 10km through alpine desert. The altitude at Lava Tower helps your body adapt while the descent to Barranco ensures proper recovery.

Barranco Camp sits beneath the imposing Barranco Wall, with stunning views of Kibo's southern glaciers.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Morning ascent of the Barranco Wall (4,200m) - a thrilling scramble requiring steady footing. Continue through the Karanga Valley, skipping Karanga Camp to push directly to Barafu Camp (4,673m).

This challenging 6-8 hour day prepares you for summit night. Arrive at Barafu ("ice" in Swahili) where temperatures plummet after sunset.

Early dinner followed by attempted rest before the midnight wake-up call. Organize your summit gear and hydrate thoroughly.

Day 5: Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,080m)

Wake at 11:00 PM for final preparations. Begin the grueling 6-8 hour ascent under headlamps, climbing steep scree to Stella Point (5,739m) at dawn.

The final push along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) rewards you with sunrise over Africa. Celebrate your achievement before descending to Barafu Camp for short rest.

Continue down to Mweka Camp (3,080m). Total trekking time 12-16 hours covering about 17km. Exhaustion gives way to immense pride.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

Final 3-4 hour descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). The trail can be slippery but your knees will appreciate the decreasing elevation.

Receive your summit certificates before transferring back to Arusha. Arrive by mid-afternoon (around 3-4 PM) for hotel drop-off. You've conquered Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route in 6 days!