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Machame Route
6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb
- 6 days / 5 nights on mountain
- Max altitude: 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
- Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Difficulty: Challenging — includes Barranco Wall scramble
Overview:
The 6-day Machame Route is a point-to-point traverse of Kilimanjaro's southern face, ascending via Machame Gate and descending via Mweka Gate. It passes through all five ecological zones, crosses the dramatic Barranco Wall, and builds meaningful acclimatisation through the "climb high, sleep low" profile at Lava Tower (4,600 m) before dropping to Barranco Camp (3,976 m). The 6-day timeline is tighter than the 7-day option — we recommend the 7-day to most climbers, particularly those without prior high-altitude trekking experience. The 6-day is a strong option for fit, experienced trekkers who have been at altitude before.
Trip Facts:
| Route | Machame (south approach, Mweka descent) |
| Duration | 6 days / 5 nights on the mountain |
| Accommodation | Tented camping at all camps |
| Start | Machame Gate (1,800 m) |
| End | Mweka Gate (1,650 m) |
| Summit | Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) |
| Difficulty | Challenging — Barranco Wall scramble included |
| Best months | January–February, July–September |
Price per person
Starting from $1,800 USD
Mid-range accommodation · price varies with group size
Day-by-Day Itinerary — 6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb
01
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
- Altitude: 1,800 m → 3,028 m Distance: 11 km Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate (1,800 m) for registration. Enter the rainforest zone — dense canopy, colobus monkeys, abundant birds. The trail climbs steadily through forest and then into heath as the tree cover thins. Arrive at Machame Camp (3,028 m) for dinner and overnight in tents.
02
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
- Altitude: 3,028 m → 3,840 m Distance: 5 km Hiking time: 4–6 hours
A shorter but steeper day, exiting the forest zone and crossing open heath and moorland to the Shira Plateau. The landscape opens dramatically — the plateau feels vast and the summit cone of Kibo becomes clearly visible. Arrive at Shira Camp (3,840 m) for dinner and overnight.
03
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
- Altitude: 3,840 m → 4,600 m → 3,976 m Distance: 14 km Hiking time: 6–8 hours
A key acclimatisation day. The trail ascends to Lava Tower (4,600 m) — a distinctive volcanic plug — before descending to Barranco Camp (3,976 m). The climb high and sleep low principle is working: you reach your highest point yet (4,600 m) but sleep at a lower altitude. Lava Tower lunch stop. The descent to Barranco passes through the moorland and giant groundsel zone. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
04
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via Barranco Wall
- Altitude: 3,976 m → 4,035 m Distance: 5 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours
The day begins with the Barranco Wall — a near-vertical rock face requiring hands-on scrambling. It is not technical climbing but it is steep and exposed, and takes most groups 1–2 hours to cross. Once above the wall, the trail traverses the mountain's southern face to Karanga Camp (4,035 m). A shorter day, allowing rest before the high-altitude push tomorrow.
05
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Altitude: 4,035 m → 4,673 m Distance: 4 km Hiking time: 3–5 hours
A relatively short but steep ascent to Barafu Camp (4,673 m) — the summit high camp. Arrive early afternoon. Eat well, hydrate thoroughly, and rest. Summit briefing with your guide. Lights out early — the wake-up call for the summit attempt is typically 11 pm to midnight.
06
Day 6: Barafu Camp — Summit — Mweka Camp
- Altitude: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m Distance: 18 km Hiking time: 13–16 hours total
Depart Barafu at midnight. The trail ascends steep volcanic scree to Stella Point on the crater rim (5,752 m) — approximately 5–7 hours. From Stella Point, follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — approximately 45 minutes. Take summit photographs, then begin the long descent — first to Barafu for rest and food, then all the way down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for overnight. This is the longest and most physically demanding day of the climb.
Included
Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
Camping/hut fees for all nights on the mountain
Rescue fee contribution (mandatory TANAPA fee)
Licensed lead guide
Assistant guide (1 per 3 climbers)
Porters (1 porter per climber, plus cook team)
Cook and all meals on the mountain (3 meals + snacks daily)
Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, toilet tent, sleeping mats)
Emergency supplemental oxygen
Pulse oximeter health monitoring at camps
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Moshi
Pre-climb briefing in Moshi
Not Included
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Personal travel and medical insurance (required)
Sleeping bag (available to rent in Moshi)
Trekking poles (available to rent in Moshi)
Personal clothing and equipment
Tips for guides, porters, and cook (expected — we advise on amounts)
Accommodation in Moshi before/after the climb
Drinks beyond drinking water (sodas, beer, etc.)
