6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing: Itinerary
Day 1 : Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Our 6 days machame route Kilimanjaro climbing start with the drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate which takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, 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.
- Lunch & Dinner
- 1,700 m to 2,740 m
- 10.8kms(6 hours)
- Machame camp
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 little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
- Breakast, Lunch & Dinner
- 2,700 m to 3,700 m
- 5.4kms (4-6 hours)
- Shira Camp
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." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- 3,700 m to 4,700 m
- 10.8kms (8-10 hours)
Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- 4,700 m to 5,895 m then 5,895 m to 3,700 m
- 8.5kms down (8 hours)
- Kibo Hut
Day 5 : Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy screed towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), 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 may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Breakfast and Lunch
- 3,700 m to 1,700 m
- 16.4kms (7-8 hours)
- Mweka Camp
Day 6 : Back to Moshi
Finishing the 6 days machame route tour,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). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.
- Breakfast and Lunch
- 1,700 m to 2,740 m
- 9.1kms (3 hours)
General
- Guide
- park Fees
- Tax
- Gate Transfer
- Crew Wages
Food
- Meals and Drinking Water
Accommodation
- Campsites
Others
- Cook
- Porters
Services not Included
- Flights
- Tipping the Crew
- Visas
A Gallery of Machame route route - Kilimanjaro Climbing
General Map from Machame Gate to Uhuru peak
Kilimanjaro Climbing Group Departures 2023|2024
Kilimanjaro Climbing Joining group for the Machame route is preffered by many climbers and hikers. These kilimanjaro joining group packages provide several advantages, such as shared costs, closeness, and the great chance to meet fellow hikers from different parts of the world. Being part of a kilimanjaro climbing group also ensures additional safety, support and increase morale between climbers throughout the kilimanjaro climb.
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FAQ :Most asked questions
Answer :For a 6 days Machame route hike, there is no age restriction at all, although, all climbers must be at least 10-12 years old. Also the climbers under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. It's most important to consider the physical abilities and maturity of younger climbers before experiencing such a challenging Kilimanjaro trek.
Answer :The Machame route kilimanjaro climbing itinerary take 6 to 7 days hike. Each day on the Machame route involves several hours of hiking, which ranges from 4 to 8 hours. The actual duration can vary due to the physical and mental fitness of the group and weather conditions.Kilimanjaro Summit day is always longer, with a hike that takes around 10-14 hours.
Answer :Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro can change from time to time, especially at higher altitudes. During kilimanjaro climb, temperatures can drop below freezing point, especially at night and near the summit. It's advised to carry warm clothes, a cold-weather jacket, hats, gloves, and suitable sleeping gear.All these can be arranged by the tour operator with proper communication
Answer : The 6 days Machame route climb is considered a challenging trek, available for those with hiking experience, 6 days Machame route hiking has the success rate ranging from 65% to 80%. This is because the route involves steep ascents and descents, passing through various terrains and long days of walking. Enough physical fitness and hiking preparation are mostly needed in order to increase your chances of success.
Answer :Machame route joining group hiking is a popular option among climbers and ussually more cost-effective compared to private kilimanjaro climbs. We,the best tour operator in Tanzania offer a 6 days machame route group packages with fixed departure dates, allowing you to prepare well and join other climbers. Mostly joining group climbs provides a supportive and social atmosphere which involves sharing the costs. But,if you prefer a more personalized kilimanjaro experience or you have specific requirements, private kilimanjaro climbs are also available.