Mount Kilimanjaro Route 6 Day Itinerary

Safari Overview

We offer treks to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on all major routes. From the 7-8 day Lemosho, which adds extra days to aid in acclimatization, to the popular 5-6 day Marangu route, to the lesser traveled Rongai route coming up the back of the mountain, and the somewhat more challenging 5 day Umbwe route. Featured here is one of our favorites, the 6 day Machame route.

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THE BEST MONTHS TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO.

Normally March, April and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided. November is usually short rains but it is not often rains all the days so Climbing is possible. The best Months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are January, February and also August and September. July can be colder and November to December can be wet. January to February is the warmest months, almost clear of clouds each evening and morning. The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top. Summit Success Rates: Stella Point (96%). Uhuru Peak (94%).

Machame Route
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha
We stay at Ilboru Safari Lodge , which is a beautiful Hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and is a perfect place to prepare you for adventure. We will gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Hut (Full Board)
The climb starts from machame gate (1830m), we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive to the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level If is a clear day we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 6-7 hours walking.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (Full Board)
A shorter day climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic site, and continue up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of Kibo peak can be seen from Shira Camp. Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m); 4-6 hours walking.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Valley (Full Board)
Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.). Shira Camp to Barranco valley (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours walking.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (Full Board)
A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. After a short break for a hot lunch we take a steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. 
The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can been seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the Camp, The remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk. Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 7-9 hours walking.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (Full Board)
Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Barafu.It is amazingly fast, we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment and, we continue to descend to reach Mweka Camp. Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.
Day 7: Descent – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha (Full Board)
A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka gate successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch we drive back to Arusha at Ilboru Safari Lodge. Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.
Day 8: Departure day
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for departure or Arusha Airport for flight to Zanzibar holiday or arrange for us to take you on your Wildlife Safari..
Safari Includes
  • Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb (dinner and breakfast included) (double occupancy).
  • Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Two nights hotel in Arusha
  • All Park fees
  • Rescue fees
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Private, portable chemical flush toilets
  • Crisis management and safety procedures
  • Summit Emergency Oxygen
  • Pulse Oximeters
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Arrival and Departure transfers
  • Flying Doctor Service
Safari Excludes
  • Tanzania Visa
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed above
  • Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
  • Tips and any items of personal nature.
Kilimanjaro Packing List
  • Duffel bag for all clothes and equipment
  • Day pack sleeping bag -15 C
  • Walking poles
  • Water bottles (3 liters)
  • Rain/wind jacket and pants
  • Thermal underwear (base layer)
  • Polar fleece (mid layer)
  • Down jacket
  • Warm pants
  • Balaclava
  • Warm gloves and liners
  • Gaiters
  • Hiking boots
  • Sneakers or sandals
  • Hiking pants
  • Several pairs of socks some wool
  • Warm hat
  • Sun hat
  • Head lamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and lip protection
  • First aid kit
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
Safety

We want you to be successful. With that in mind we are prepared for any urgent situation and also have in place a complete evacuation procedure in case of altitude sickness. We carry first aid supplies, supplement summit oxygen and Pulse Oximeters). All clients are required to have fully comprehensive travel insurance. The policy needs to be valid from the date that the initial order is placed so as to provide cover for a cancellation prior to departure. Make sure the insurance provides comprehensive medical, evacuation and repatriation cover.