Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp Elevation: 9,400 ft to 12,500 ft Distance: 5 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat:Moorland On Day 2, after breakfast, we leave the rain forest and continue on the Machame route, ascending a steep, rocky ridge covered in heather. We cross a small valley and reach the end of the ridge, where the trail leads us into a river gorge to the west. This day’s trek offers stunning views and varied terrain as we make our way to Shira Camp. Here, we can relax, enjoy a meal, and prepare for the next day's adventure.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation:12,500 ft to 13,000 ft Distance:10 km Hiking Time:6-8 hours Habitat:Semi-Desert Starting from Shira Camp, we head east along a ridge, crossing the junction that leads to Kibo's peak. Our route takes us southeast towards the Lava Tower, known as the "Shark's Tooth," which rises prominently at 13,000 feet. We briefly ascend to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet before descending back to Barranco Camp. This day’s hike is crucial for acclimatisation, helping your body adjust to higher altitudes. Although we end the day at a similar elevation to where we started, we’ll rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the upcoming challenges at Barranco Camp.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation:13,000 ft to 15,000 ft Distance: 9 km Hiking Time:8-10 hours Habitat:Alpine Desert After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and tackle the steep Barranco Wall, ascending along a rugged ridge to reach Karanga Valley. From Karanga, we follow the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail and continue our climb to Barafu Camp. At Barafu, you’ll have completed the South Circuit, enjoying views of the summit from various perspectives. This is a crucial resting point where we set up camp, have dinner, and prepare for the challenging summit day ahead. From Barafu, you can see both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, marking a significant milestone in your trek.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Elevation: 15,000 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak) Distance:5 km ascent / 12 km descent Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent Habitat: Arctic We begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak in the early hours, starting between midnight and 2 a.m. Climbing through thick scree, you’ll head towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This part of the trek is both physically and mentally challenging. At Stella Point (18,600 feet), you’ll be rewarded with a stunning sunrise if weather permits. The final hour to Uhuru Peak may involve snow. After reaching the summit, we descend directly to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch. Mweka Camp, situated in the upper forest, may be misty or rainy in the afternoon. In the evening, we enjoy our final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi Elevation: 10,000 ft to 5,400 ft Distance:10 km Hiking Time:3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest After breakfast, we start our descent from Mweka Camp to the Mweka Park Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate. The trail can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are useful. Dress comfortably in shorts and a t-shirt, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. From the gate, we continue for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. This marks the end of your 6-day Kilimanjaro adventure on the Machame route.