6 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour via Machame Route

Day 1: Mount Kilimanjaro

1. Mount Kilimanjaro
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The 6-day Machame route on Mount Kilimanjaro is ideal for those who want to tackle the mountain in a shorter timeframe. This route is known for its effective acclimatization profile, as it introduces climbers to higher elevations sooner, starting on day 3. This helps your body adapt to the altitude more quickly compared to other 6-day routes. However, be prepared for a challenging trek; the Machame route involves significant elevation gains and losses. Day 4 is particularly tough, with a long hike from Barranco to Barafu, followed by a very demanding summit attempt that begins around midnight. Expect 19-24 hours of strenuous walking at high altitudes with just 4-6 hours of sleep. This route is tough but rewarding for those in good shape and ready for a rigorous climb.
2. Machame
   6h
   Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
   
   Elevation: 5,400 ft to 9,400 ft
   Distance:11 km
   Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
   Habitat: Rain Forest
   
   The 6-day Kilimanjaro Machame route starts with a 50-minute drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, passing through the village of Machame on the mountain's lower slopes. From the park gate, we'll hike through a lush rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. After a steady ascent, we’ll reach Machame Camp, where we’ll set up for the night.

Day 2: Hiking from Machame Gate to Machame Camp

1. 6h · Admission ticket included
   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: Hiking From Machame Camp to Shira camp

1. 8h · Admission ticket included
   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 toward 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 acclimatization, 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: Hiking from Shira Camp to the lava tower and descent to Barranco camp

1. 8h · Admission ticket included
   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: Hiking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

1. 6h
   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: Hiking from Karanga camp to Barafu Camp

1. 6h · Admission ticket included
   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.

Pickup details

We will pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our driver will be holding a sign with your name.

• 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