The Machame, visited by fewer hikers each year than the Marangu route, offers hikers options of a different dimension. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, while rewarding him with scenic splendour such as not seen on the Marangu. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to misty revelations of Kibo at the Great Barranco Wall, the Machame offers the adventurous hiker a scenic "slide show" over 6 days. Having said that, keep in mind that the Machame is completed in a minimum of 6 days. There is an added benefit to this, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain , acclimatisation. The extra day spent on Machame takes you high during the day and brings you down low for an overnight. This is the secret to successful acclimatisation. Itinerary for the Machame 6 day route: Day 1: After an early start from Machame park gate, you enter the rain forest almost immediately. The hike keeps you amongst giant forest trees for about 4 hours, after which you are almost at Machame camp. Almost on the edge of the rain forest, you reach the Machame camp at around 3 000 m. Day 2: You rise early at Machame camp and climb out of the last of the rain forest and into a moorland zone. After approximately 5 hours hiking (slightly easier than the first day) you reach the Shira plateau. You are now due west of Kibo at Shira camp site at 3 840m. Day 3: After spending the night at near zero degrees Celsius, you rise early and head off due east, straight towards Kibo. After about 2 hours, you gain altitude sharply toward Lava Tower (4 570 m) and it is normally around this point where the first signs of altitude sickness could show. The route via Lava Tower is optional, with a shortcut possible. After reaching the altitude as above, the true benefit of this day becomes clear, as you immediately descend to Barranco Camp at 3 900m. Day 4: After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. A long hike through the Karanga Valley brings you to the join with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. Turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so, you reach Barafu Hut. Barafu, meaning ice in Swahili lies at 4 750 m and you will now be at around the same altitude as the day before at Lava Tower. Day 5: Although still technically the night before, day 5 starts at midnight at Barafu. A steep and difficult hike of around 6 hours brings you to the crater rim at Stella Point. Turn around and watch the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see(if the conditions allow). Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Finally you reach Uhuru peak before turning back to Barafu and then Mweka camp. Around 14 hours in total, making this a very difficult day. Sleep at Mweka Camp . 3 100m Day 6: After an early and well deserved breakfast, it is a short and scenic hike back to the park gate and your certificate for having reached the summit.