Elevation: 5,400 ft (1640 m) to 9,400 ft (2850 m) Distance:  7 miles / 11 km   Approx:  5-7 hours Hike Through: Rainforest to Mountain Forest Trek begins from Machame Gate and passes through a lush rainforest. It may be a little muddy and trekkers should prepare for rain, as well. Climbers will overnight at Machame Camp.

Elevation: 9,400 ft (2850 m) to 12,500 ft (3810 m) Distance: 3 miles / 5 km     Approx: 4-6 hours Hike Through: Mountain Forest to Moorland The climate will begin to change, shifting to rocky ridges and heather-covered moors. Climbers have the option to add a short hike to Shira Caves. There will be a stunning view of nearby Mount Meru on this day.

Elevation: 12,500 ft (3810 m) to 13,000 ft (3976 m) Distance: 6 miles / 10 km  Approx: 6-8 hours Hike Through: Alpine Desert Climbers will first trek to Lava Tower, reaching an elevation of 15,190 ft (4630 m), then trek down to overnight at Barranco Camp. The trail passes along Arrow Glacier. This day follows good acclimatization mandates of “climb high, sleep low”, trekkers climb to a high elevation but overnight at a relatively lower altitude.

Elevation: 13,000 ft (3976 m) to 15,000 ft (3995 m) Distance: 3 miles / 5 km    Approx: 4-5 hours Hike Through: Alpine Desert Teams will climb the impressive Barranco Wall in the morning – an experience many report was a highlight of the trek -and continue to Karanga Camp. Trekkers are encouraged to take short acclimatization hikes if possible.

Elevation: 15,000 ft (3995 m) to 15,330 ft (4673 m) Distance: 2 miles / 4 km    Approx: 4-5 hours Hike Through: Alpine Desert This ‘light day’ provides the best acclimatization to increase summit success. This additional acclimatization day from Karanga Camp is the main difference between the Machame 6-day and 7-day treks. Rest as much as possible this afternoon and evening, as the summit attempt begins around midnight.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp Elevation: 15,300 ft (4673 m) to 19,345 ft (5895 m) then down to 10,000 ft (3068 m) Distance: 3 miles / 5 km ascent and 7 miles /12 km descent Approx: 7-9 hours ascent / 4-5 hours descent Hike Through: Arctic Zone, down to Alpine Desert Teams begin the final summit around midnight, departing Barafu camp and heading first toward Stella Point (18,600 ft). While this portion of the trek is often mentally challenging due to climbing in the dark, the reward is the most incredible sunrise on the roof of Africa. After a short rest, continue (approx 1 hr) to the final summit and Kilimanjaro’s highest point: Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft). After, teams will begin the descent, with a meal and rest at Barafu Camp. Climbers will overnight at Mweka Camp (10,000 ft).

Elevation: 10,000 ft (3068 m) to 5,400 ft (1640 m) Distance: 6 miles / 10 km   Approx: 3-4 hours Hike Through: Moorland and Rainforest This is the final day of trekking. Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. A benefit to using Machame Route is that it allows trekkers to experience more of the mountain with a different descending trail, which also passes through a rainforest. At the gate, trekkers will be awarded certificates, and your team will be met by a guide and transported to your accommodation in either Moshi or Arusha. Congratulations! You did it!