6 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route

Moshi, Tanzania
Duration6 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 1000 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Over six unforgettable days, you'll journey through lush rainforest, dramatic moorlands, high-altitude alpine deserts, and rugged volcanic terrain before reaching the snow-capped summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The route follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle, helping trekkers acclimatize while enjoying some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular scenery.

Witness stunning sunsets above the clouds, trek beneath towering cliffs at Lava Tower, and experience the thrill of summit night as you make your final ascent under a sky filled with stars. Reaching the summit at sunrise is an emotional and unforgettable moment, rewarded with breathtaking views across the African continent.

What's included

  • Portable flushable toilet
  • Entry/Park/Admission Fees to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Sleeping Tents, Table, Chairs, and Quality & comfortable sleeping mattress
  • Lunch
  • Hot water for washing
  • Dinner
  • Certified & friendly Guides, Porters and Cooks
  • Breakfast
  • Summit certificate stamped and signed by National park and your guide
  • Rescue fees
  • Pulse Oximeter, Oxygen cylinder & Emergency First Aid Kit
  • Transportation to & from Kilimanjaro gate
  • Visas, International & domestic flights
  • Medical, travel & luggage insurance
  • Climbing gear (You need to bring or rent locally on your own)
  • Tips for the Porters, Cooks and Guides

What to expect

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    5h · Admission ticket included
    The trekking journey starts at Machame Gate, typically an hour's drive from Arusha, which serves as the entrance to the Machame route. Upon arrival at the gate, you will be greeted by your trekking team, including your guide, porters, and cook. A bustle of activity ensues as porters prepare the equipment for the trek while park formalities are being finalized. The initial segment of the route ascends gradually, winding through a spectacular, dense rainforest. As this path is less frequented, it may become somewhat overgrown in places and is often damp
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    5h · Admission ticket included
    On the second day, an early start is essential as our path progresses upward through the forest, leading to the challenging climb onto the Shira Plateau. The trail becomes steeper upon entering the low alpine zone, marked by moorlands and grasslands. Shira Camp is perched on a plateau, offering the initial breathtaking views of Kibo to the northwest and Mount Meru to the east. The journey on day two spans roughly 4-5 hours, covering a distance of 5.4 km or 3.4 miles.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lawn Tower to Barranco Camp
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    5h · Admission ticket included
    On the third day, as you walk across the high moorlands, the trek's landscape undergoes a complete transformation. You will navigate the southwest flank of Kilimanjaro, moving beneath the Lava Tower and the final part of the Western Breach before reaching your camp. The day is spent at altitudes reaching up to 4600 meters. Despite concluding the day at an elevation nearly identical to the one you started from at Shira Camp, this day is crucial for acclimatization, offering the opportunity to ascend high and sleep low.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    4h · Admission ticket included
    The fourth day on the Machame Route starts with a descent into the vast Barranco ravine. You'll then tackle the steep Great Barranco Wall, separating you from Kibo's southeastern slopes. The climb involves scrambling over rocks; it's not technical but is lengthy and exhausting. As you pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, you'll approach the Karanga Valley, the final spot for fresh water before reaching the summit.
Day 5: Katanga Camp to Uhuru Peak to Barafu & Mweka Camp
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    5h · Admission ticket included
    On the fifth day, summit night unfolds! Your journey begins around midnight, ascending steeply towards the summit glaciers. The climb up the scree will take 4 to 5 hours, but you'll ascend a remarkable distance in that time. The panoramic views are stunning. As the first sunlight touches you, you'll find yourself on the crater rim at Stella Point, at an elevation of 5739 meters. The crater's spectacular ice cliffs encircle you, and the rugged Mawenzi peak stretches out in the distance, offering breathtaking sights. An additional hour of trekking brings you to Uhuru Peak, the summit at 5895 meters. Your descent starts by retracing your steps to Stella Point, followed by a steep descent to Barafu Camp for breakfast, and then a continued journey down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved, lengthy
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    5h · Admission ticket included
    After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them today. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to Jevas Hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Driver/Guides in branded uniforms will be there with name signs during pickup and drop-off.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$1,865.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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