6 Days Machame route kilimanjaro climbing

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About 6 Days Machame Route
Kilimanjaro climbing

The six days Machame variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 6 day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleeping deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested. The 6 day Machame route is highly recommended and used by most prominent Kilimanjaro operators.

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Detailed Day Wise Itinerary

  • Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

    Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp. .


    Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
    Distance: 11km/7mi
    Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
    Habitat: Montane Forest
    Meals: LD

  • Day : 2 :Machame Camp to Shira Camp

    After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.


    Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
    Distance: 5km/3mi
    Walking Time: 4-5 hours
    Habitat: Moorland
    Meals: BLD

  • Day 3:Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

    From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.


    • Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
    • Distance: 10km/6mi
    • Walking Time: 5-6 hours
    • Habitat: Semi-desert
    • Meals: BLD

  • Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp.

    After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elevation 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elevation 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.


    Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
    Distance: 9km/6mi
    Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
    Habitat: Alpine Desert
    Meals: BLD

  • Day 5 : Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

    Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

    From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain. .


    Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
    Down to 3090m/10,150ft
    Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
    Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
    Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
    Meals: BLD

  • Day 6 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

    After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Tanzania Joy Tours vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).


    Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
    Distance: 10km/6mi
    Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
    Habitat: Forest
    Meals: B.

included & excluded

Inclusions Exclusions
Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Flights
Transportation to & from the mountain gate Items of a personal nature
Laundry Services travel insurance
Filtered water throughout the trek A doctor for the group
Oxygen cylinder Tips to mountain crew
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT on tour fees & services which cost nearly 55% of the total cost charged. Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)

Offer From

$250 perDay

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Trip Information

  • Location : Kilimanjaro
  • start time: from 08:00
  • End time: from 13:00
  • Free Sightseeing & Hotel

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