Kilimanjaro Hiking Machame Route 6 Days

6 Days
  • 12
  • 65
  • Bus, Min Bus
  • High Altitude Camping
  • 5,895 Meters (19,340 Feet)
  • Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
  • Moshi/Arusha Town
  • June to October
  • Hiking
  • All meals during the trek
  • English, French, Swahili
  • Easy to Moderate
  • 2 to 15

Overview

In Kilimanjaro Machame route, all climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent. It is done over 6 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high.

If Marangu is the “Coca Cola” route, then the Machame Route is the “Whiskey” route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is done over 6 days(Machame Route 6 Days), so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the Mweka or Millennium camp the final night on the mountain.

Highlights

  • Classic “Whiskey Route” reputation: dramatic, varied scenery and a more challenging, rewarding trek than Marangu.
  • Rapid ecosystem shift: lush rainforest → heather & moorland (giant senecios/lobelias) → Shira Plateau’s high alpine views → stark lunar desert.
  • Acclimatization advantage: Lava Tower (≈4,600 m) climb high / sleep low strategy before descending to Barranco improves summit success.
  • Barranco Wall scramble: fun, non‑technical climb with spectacular exposure and photo opportunities of Kibo & valleys.
  • High camp at Barafu (≈4,670 m): pre‑dawn summit push to Stella Point & Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) with glacier and crater rim panoramas.
  • Separate descent via Mweka Route: different scenery, efficient exit; supported by experienced guides, porters, and full-service camps.

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m)

    Hiking time: 7 hours

    Distance: Approximately 18 kilometers

    Habitat: Montane forest

    After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to the Machame Village. In the village, you can buy mineral water and will receive a packed lunch. From the village, depending on the road conditions, you will either continue  to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3 km walk will take about 1 hour to complete. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rain forest almost immediately. There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy and slippery experience. You will have a welcome lunch stop about half way and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon.Your porters (arriving at the camp site long before you) will have erected your tent on your arrival. In the evening the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner, before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at this campsite.

    7 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    02

    Machame camp (2980m) – Shira camp (3840m)

    Hiking time: 6hrs

    Distance: Approximately 9 kms

    Habitat: Moorland

    You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike you will reach the Shira campsite at 3 840m. The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    03

    Shira (at 3840m) to Lava Tower (at 4630m) to Barranco camp (at 3950m)

    Hiking time: 7hrs

    Distance: Approximately 15 kms

    Habitat: Semi-desert

    The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4630m after about a 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630m). This is definitely the toughest day so far. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start to feel symptoms of breathlessness, irritability and headaches. After lunch you descent again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatisation benefit of this day becomes clear.This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.

    7 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    04

    Barranco camp (3950m)- Barafu camp (4550m)

    Hiking time: 7hrs

    Distance: Approximately 13 kms

    Habitat: Alpine desert

    After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out easier than what you anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up 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.The last water stop on the route is the Karranga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice” and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.

    7 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    05

    (Summit attempt) Barafu camp (4550m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)

    Hiking time: 8h to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 – 8h to descend to Mweka

    Distance: Approximately 7 kms ascent – 23 kms descent

    Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

    You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a north - westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, this 6-hour walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue.Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your live. The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear. The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.

    8 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping
  • Day
    06

    Mweka camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)

    Hiking time: 3hrs

    Distance: Approximately 15 kms

    Habitat: Forest

    Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). And you will drive back to your hotel in Moshi.

    Breakfast
    Mountain Camping

Number of PeoplePrice in USD
1$2,050
2$1,850
3$1,830
4$1,800
5$1,750
6$1,730
7$1,700
8$1,650
9$1,630
10$1,600

The Cost Includes

  • All transportation in destination location
  • Hotel accommodations, before and after the trek
  • All government taxes and park entrance fees
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • All meals while on the mountain
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Emergency oxygen cylinders and oximeters
  • Complete expedition medical kits
  • Comfortable sleeping mats
  • All group camping equipment (sleeping tents, dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
  • Portable radios – Taken on every trek to enable convenient communication.
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, chefs, etc.)
  • Experienced professional mountain guides
  • Salaries for the trekking crew
  • Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
  • Purified water while on the mountain
  • Portable tented private flush toilet
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters
  • Environment-friendly trek

The Cost Excludes

  • Personal gear rentals
  • Tanzania Visa fee
  • Tipping to the trekking crew
  • Travel insurance
  • Any private expenses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Book a Private, Fully Customizable Climb of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Absolutely! Your Kilimanjaro adventure can be tailored entirely to your preferences. We’ll collaborate with you to craft a personalized trekking experience, designed around your chosen travel companions, ideal departure date, preferred route, hiking pace, and desired duration. It’s your mountain, your way.

In which country is Mount Kilimanjaro located, and how close is it to the equator?

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, in East Africa. It lies approximately 350 kilometers south of the equator, with the closest major towns being Moshi and Arusha.

What is the elevation of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain on Earth and the tallest in Africa, reaches an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level at its highest point, Uhuru Peak, located on the Kibo crater.

Do I need any prior experience to take part?

No previous experience is required, but having some background in hiking or climbing can be beneficial. It’s important that you are physically fit, in good health, and equipped with well-worn, sturdy hiking boots. The better your fitness level, the more enjoyable the experience is likely to be.

How long does the hike to Uhuru Peak take?

There are at least six different routes to the summit of Uhuru Peak, ranging in distance from 53 to 73 kilometers, depending on the path you choose. The shortest and most challenging is the 5-day Umbwe Route. Adding extra days to your trek is highly recommended to allow for better acclimatization, which significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit. The Marangu Route is the easiest and most popular option. While it can be completed in five days, we typically allocate six days to ensure a safer and more comfortable ascent.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

I am a vegetarian. What kind of food will be available for me during the trek?

As a vegetarian, you will be provided with a variety of regular vegetarian options such as potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, cheese, sandwiches, and fruit. Please make sure to inform your tour operator in advance if you have any food allergies or medical dietary requirements. For non-vegetarians, meals may include sausages, chicken, and meat. Beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will also be available.

Is tipping the hiking crew customary?

Yes, tipping is both expected and greatly appreciated. The recommended amount typically ranges from $150 to $300 per hiker, depending on the length of the trip. All tips are pooled and distributed among the entire crew. Please bring US dollar bills for this purpose.

Is it possible to charge electronic devices while on Mount Kilimanjaro?

Charging electronic devices on Mount Kilimanjaro is not possible, as there are no charging stations available on the mountain. We highly recommend bringing fully charged power banks and extra batteries to keep your devices powered during the trek. However, if you’re combining your climb with a safari, our safari vehicles are equipped with charging ports for your convenience.

Who operates your treks in Tanzania?

We do. We’re not intermediaries or agents; we organize and lead all our treks through our own locally based Tanzanian company. You can be confident that anyone you speak to on our team has firsthand experience climbing Kilimanjaro, often multiple times.

How can you protect yourself from the sun in Tanzania?

Since Tanzania is located close to the equator, the sun remains intense for much of the day. This strong sunlight can lead to sunburn and heat-related illnesses like sunstroke. To stay safe, it’s important to wear a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen with a high SPF.

Do you have any special dietary needs?

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose intolerant, or have any allergies, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your requirements.

Do You Provide Private and Fully Customizable Kilimanjaro Climbing Expeditions?

Your Kilimanjaro adventure is completely tailored to you. We collaborate closely to create the perfect Tanzanian mountain experience that matches your vision. Choose your own team, set your preferred departure date, select your route, and determine the pace and duration of your climb.

Is the Crater Camp Stop Available on Kilimanjaro Climbs?

An overnight stay at Crater Camp is an optional addition to customized Kilimanjaro climbs, typically included on routes lasting eight days or more, such as Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Machame. This unique and extraordinary campsite is visited by fewer than 5% of the 40,000 to 50,000 climbers who summit Kilimanjaro each year, offering a rare and unforgettable highland experience in northern Tanzania.

How many hours can I expect to trek each day?

On most routes, daily trekking typically lasts between 4 and 7 hours. However, some routes include longer days where you might trek for 10 to 15 hours.

Will I encounter wildlife during the trek?

Before the climb begins, you’ll have an acclimatization day featuring nature walks and opportunities to observe local wildlife. While trekking through the rainforest, you can expect to see black-and-white Colobus monkeys, various tropical birds, and other fascinating creatures.

What meals can I expect to eat?

Each day, expert chefs prepare three hot, nutritious meals along with trail snacks and afternoon tea. You’ll enjoy your meals in a sunlit dining tent alongside your fellow trekkers and the head guide. We offer delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specialty options. Just let us know in advance. If you’d like, we can also send you a sample menu, just ask!

What accommodations can I expect during a Kilimanjaro trek?

On your Kilimanjaro adventure, expert camp porters set up and take down the mountain camps daily. You’ll stay in double-occupancy, all-weather tents equipped with full-ground pads to keep you and your belongings dry. Each camp features private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents furnished with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing. For those on the Grand Traverse route, accommodations are upgraded to solar-lit, walk-in-height sleeping tents furnished with mountaineering beds and mattresses for added comfort.

Who manages your operations in Tanzania?

We manage all operations directly. We are not agents for any third party; instead, we conduct the treks ourselves through our own locally registered Tanzanian company.

Do you provide airport pickup and drop-off services?

Yes, we offer airport transfer services. Kindly send your request to Safari for arrangements.

Which travel documents are required?

You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, along with a properly endorsed entry or re-entry visa.

What is the ideal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Although Mount Kilimanjaro is climbable year-round, most hikers choose the dry seasons, from December to March and June to October, for more favorable weather. Among these, January, February, and September are often regarded as the best months for the climb.

Can I Book a Private, Fully Customizable Climb of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Absolutely! Your Kilimanjaro adventure can be tailored entirely to your preferences. We’ll collaborate with you to craft a personalized trekking experience, designed around your chosen travel companions, ideal departure date, preferred route, hiking pace, and desired duration. It’s your mountain, your way.

I’m interested in booking, but our group is quite large. Will that be an issue?

We generally aim to keep our public group sizes small, usually no more than ten trekkers, to maintain a more personal experience and preserve the feeling of being in the wilderness. However, if you’re booking as a private group, we’re happy to accommodate you regardless of size, as everyone in your group will already be familiar with one another before arriving in Tanzania.

Hotel

Two Nights’ Hotel Accommodations Before and after the Kilimanjaro hiking adventure, we recommend the following options: Stay two nights with bed and breakfast at Parkview InnPanama Garden ResortShose Farmhouse and ChaletsBrubru Lodge, or Salinero Hotels.