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KILIMANJARO / MACHAME / 6 DAYS

6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route

From the south, cross rainforest and Shira Plateau via Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and Barafu towards Uhuru Peak.

6 days / 5 nights · Tented campsUhuru Peak 5,895 mDescent via Mweka
Trekkers in the Machame source

Overview

Machame approaches from the south through rainforest, moorland, volcanic terrain and alpine desert. Lava Tower to Barranco follows a climb-high, sleep-low stage; six days allows less acclimatisation time than a seven-day itinerary.

DAY BY DAY

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 01

    Day 1: Machame Gate → Machame Camp

    Register at the gate and follow rainforest trails among tall trees, moss and dense vegetation towards Machame Camp.

    Trekking guide · 1,800 → 2,835 m · ~11 km · 5–7 h

    Accommodation
    Machame Camp
    Meals
    Lunch and dinner
  2. 02

    Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp

    Leave the rainforest for heath and moorland, ascending to Shira Plateau for an afternoon of rest and acclimatisation.

    Trekking guide · 2,835 → 3,750 m · ~5 km · 4–6 h

    Accommodation
    Shira Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  3. 03

    Day 3: Shira → Lava Tower → Barranco

    Climb to Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 metres, then descend to Barranco Valley after lunch, following a climb-high, sleep-low acclimatisation stage.

    Trekking guide · 3,750 → 4,630 → 3,900 m · ~10 km · 6–8 h

    Accommodation
    Barranco Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  4. 04

    Day 4: Barranco → Karanga → Barafu

    Climb Barranco Wall, pass through Karanga Valley for lunch and continue to Barafu. Prepare summit equipment, eat early and rest.

    Trekking guide · 3,900 → 3,995 → 4,673 m · ~9 km · 7–9 h

    Accommodation
    Barafu Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  5. 05

    Day 5: Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka

    Start around midnight via Stella Point towards Uhuru Peak. Descend to Barafu for a short rest, then continue to Mweka as weather, health and progress permit.

    Trekking guide · 4,673 → 5,895 → 3,100 m · ~16 km · 12–16 h

    Accommodation
    Mweka Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with summit snacks and fluids
  6. 06

    Day 6: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

    Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete exit formalities and receive certificates where eligible, then transfer to Arusha or Moshi.

    Trekking guide · 3,100 → 1,640 m · ~10 km · 3–4 h

    Accommodation
    Departure; no overnight stay
    Meals
    Breakfast and lunch

Included

  • National park entry, applicable camping or hut fees and rescue fees
  • Return transfers between Arusha or Moshi and the mountain gates
  • Professional mountain guides, porters and cooks
  • Mountain accommodation, meals and drinking water as described
  • Basic first-aid supplies and routine monitoring by the mountain crew
  • Summit certificate where the qualifying summit point is reached

Excluded

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance with appropriate high-altitude cover
  • Hotels before and after the climb, unless specified
  • Personal trekking clothing, boots, sleeping bag, poles and headlamp
  • Tips for guides, porters and cooks
  • Alcoholic and other personal drinks
  • Laundry and other personal expenses
  • Other services not specifically listed as included

Elevations, distances and walking times are approximate and may change with weather, trail conditions and the group’s pace. High-altitude trekking is demanding and the summit is not guaranteed; guides may adjust the plan to conditions. Confirm preparation, equipment, high-altitude insurance, transfers and inclusions before departure. Hotels before and after the climb require separate confirmation.

Photos from the supplied itinerary illustrate the route.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

Kilimanjaro Machame route: six-day schedule and preparation

Understand the mountain schedule and allow time before and after it, then confirm the route, equipment and transfers with the trekking team.

Do the six Machame days include arrival and pre-trek hotels?

The six days run from entry at Machame Gate to exit at Mweka Gate, with five nights in tented camps. Allow and confirm additional time for arrival, departure and hotels before and after the trek. The six-day mountain itinerary is not the total holiday duration between international flights.

What should I know about the pace of the six-day route?

Day four continues from Barranco through Karanga to Barafu without an extra night at Karanga. Day five combines a summit attempt and descent and is a long day. This six-day outline allows less acclimatisation time than a seven-day schedule. Discuss whether you need more time with the professional team; weather, the group’s condition and guide decisions determine the final plan, and reaching the summit is not guaranteed.

Read Kilimanjaro insurance and safety guidance
Which equipment and services should I confirm in a quote?

Check park and camping fees, the guide, porter and cook team, mountain meals and water, and transfers from Arusha or Moshi. Confirm personal clothing, boots, sleeping bag, poles, head torch, insurance, tips and pre- and post-trek hotels separately. If you need rental equipment, ask about availability, specifications and charges.

Prepare your Machame trekking enquiry
Contact us

LET’S PLAN YOUR TANZANIA

Plan your trip with Otto

Questions about itineraries, budgets or a tailor-made trip? Send me an email.

otto@tanvoyaadvanture.com
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PHOTO CREDITS

Views of the wild and the mountains

Hero photograph: Gijs Tool / Unsplash ↗

Plains photograph: Husha Bilimale / Unsplash ↗

Kilimanjaro photograph: Sergey Pesterev / Unsplash ↗

Photographs illustrate travel ideas, not specific itineraries, accommodation or guaranteed wildlife sightings. The summit photograph was taken from Amboseli, Kenya.