6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb with Huts from Arusha With The Woven Experience

Drive from your Arusha accommodation through lush Chagga farmlands to Machame Gate for registration and porter loading. Embark on a steady uphill trail through dense montane rainforest, crossing wooden bridges over streams while spotting colobus monkeys, tropical birds, and vibrant flora. An armed ranger may accompany the group for wildlife protection. Settle into camp for orientation, hot beverages, dinner, and overnight in quality tents.

Distance: 11 km (7 miles).

Altitude increase: 1,200 m (3,940 ft), from 1,800 m (5,905 ft) to 3,000 m (9,845 ft).

Habitat: Montane Rainforest.

Climb out of the forest into giant heather moorland, navigating rocky ridges and open plateaus with emerging vistas of Kibo Peak. Cross seasonal streams and enjoy short breaks for hydration and photos amid wildflowers and endemic plants. Arrive at Shira Camp on the expansive plateau for acclimatization walks, meals, and sunset views over the Western Breach.

Distance: 5 km (3 miles).

Altitude increase: 840 m (2,755 ft), from 3,000 m (9,845 ft) to 3,840 m (12,600 ft).

Habitat: Heath and Moorland.

Ascend across the Shira Plateau to the iconic Lava Tower rock formation for lunch and an optional short climb to aid acclimatization. Descend steeply into the lush Barranco Valley, surrounded by towering senecios and lobelias in a dramatic gorge setting. This "climb high, sleep low" day builds resilience against altitude.

Distance: 10 km (6 miles).

Altitude increase: Net 110 m (360 ft), from 3,840 m (12,600 ft) to 3,950 m (12,960 ft) via 4,600 m (15,090 ft) at Lava Tower.

Habitat: Semi-Desert to Alpine Garden.

Conquer the famous Barranco Wall with a thrilling non-technical scramble using hands for support, rewarded by panoramic southern glacier views. Traverse undulating paths through valleys and ridges, crossing streams in the Karanga Valley. Arrive early for rest, tea, and optional short hikes to enhance acclimatization before the summit push.

Distance: 5 km (3 miles).

Altitude increase: 50 m (165 ft), from 3,950 m (12,960 ft) to 4,000 m (13,125 ft).

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Hike steadily through barren alpine desert to Barafu high camp for lunch and rest. After early dinner, begin the midnight ascent with headlamps, navigating steep scree and switchbacks between glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise. Push along the rim to Uhuru Peak for celebrations and crater vistas. Descend to Barafu for a break, then continue down through changing zones to Mweka Camp.

Distance: 4 km (2 miles) to Barafu / 5 km (3 miles) up to the summit / 12 km (7 miles) down to Mweka.

Altitude increase: 1,895 m (6,215 ft) to the summit at 5,895 m (19,340 ft), then descend to 3,100 m (10,170 ft).

Habitat: Alpine Desert to Stone Scree and Ice-Capped Summit.

Descend leisurely through the montane rainforest, enjoying easier terrain and bird calls en route. Receive your summit certificate at Mweka Gate, share farewells and tips with the crew, then transfer back to your Arusha accommodation for recovery and an optional debrief over a celebratory meal.

Distance: 10 km (6 miles).

Altitude decrease: 1,450 m (4,760 ft), from 3,100 m (10,170 ft) to 1,650 m (5,415 ft).

Habitat: Montane Rainforest.