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Machame Route

Kilimanjaro Climbing-Machame Route 6 Days

The 6-Day Machame Route is one of the classic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, taking trekkers through several of the mountain's major ecological zones before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. Often known for its scenic landscapes and varied terrain, the Machame Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the southern side. The trek begins at Machame Gate and passes through rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the high-altitude summit zone. Unlike the Marangu Route, the Machame Route uses mountain camps rather than huts. The trail also includes several sections designed around the principle of climbing high during the day and sleeping at a lower elevation, which can support the acclimatization process. The six-day itinerary combines scenic trekking with a demanding summit attempt. After reaching Uhuru Peak, the descent continues through the southern side of the mountain toward Mweka Gate.

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machame route kilimanjaro climbing tour 6 days
Duration6 Days
Distance62 km / 38.5 mile
DifficultyChallenging
Highest Point5,895 m / 19,341 ft
AccommodationMountain camps
THE ROUTE

About the Machame Route

The Machame Route provides a varied mountain experience, beginning in the dense rainforest and gradually moving into open heath and moorland before reaching the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the upper mountain. One of the highlights is the approach to Shira Plateau, where the landscape opens up and views toward Kibo become increasingly impressive. The route then continues through the Barranco area, including the famous Barranco Wall. The trail passes through Karanga before reaching Barafu Camp, the high camp used for the final summit push. The summit attempt normally begins around midnight. From Barafu, climbers ascend toward Stella Point on the crater rim before continuing toward Uhuru Peak. After reaching the summit, the descent follows the Mweka side of the mountain, eventually returning to the forest and Mweka Gate. Read Our Guide kilimanjaro Climbing Guide

DAY BY DAY

6-Day Kilimanjaro Itinerary

1

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Route: Machame Gate → Machame CampElevation: 1,800 m → 3,000 mDistance: 11 kmHiking time: 5–7 hoursStay: Machame CampMeals: Lunch & Dinner

Your Machame Route adventure begins with a transfer to Machame Gate on the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After completing registration and park entry procedures, you begin trekking through the lush rainforest. The trail gradually climbs through dense vegetation, with tall trees and a humid forest environment surrounding the route. As you gain altitude, the forest gradually begins to thin before you reach Machame Camp. Your mountain crew prepares camp while you rest and enjoy dinner. Overnight at Machame Camp.

2

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Route: Machame Camp → Shira CampElevation: 3,000 m → 3,840 mDistance: 9 kmHiking time: 4–6 hoursStay: Shira CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, continue climbing out of the rainforest and into the heath and moorland zone. The trail becomes more open as the vegetation changes. You gradually gain elevation while approaching the Shira Plateau. The landscape around Shira provides some of the first expansive views across the mountain and surrounding areas. After reaching Shira Camp, settle into camp and rest while the mountain crew prepares dinner. Overnight at Shira Camp.

3

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Route: Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco CampElevation: 3,840 m → approximately 3,960 mDistance: 10 kmHiking time: 6–8 hoursStay: Barranco CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today you cross the high-altitude landscape toward Lava Tower before descending toward Barranco Camp. The route gradually enters the alpine desert environment, where vegetation becomes increasingly sparse and the volcanic landscape becomes more dramatic. Reaching the Lava Tower area provides an opportunity to spend part of the day at a higher elevation before descending toward Barranco. This pattern of gaining elevation and then sleeping lower is an important feature of the route. Continue toward Barranco Valley and arrive at Barranco Camp, surrounded by dramatic volcanic cliffs and the distinctive Barranco Wall. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Route: Barranco Camp → Barranco Wall → Karanga CampElevation: 3,960 m → 4,035 mDistance: 5 kmHiking time: 4–5 hoursStay: Karanga CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wake early and begin the climb toward the famous Barranco Wall. The ascent involves scrambling over sections of volcanic rock rather than technical rock climbing. Your mountain guides will help you negotiate the steeper sections safely. After reaching the top of the wall, continue through the alpine landscape toward Karanga Valley. The trail rises and falls through several small valleys before reaching Karanga Camp. This relatively shorter trekking day provides time to rest and prepare for the higher-altitude section toward Barafu Camp. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

5

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Route: Karanga Camp → Barafu CampElevation: 4,035 m → 4,640 mDistance: 4 kmHiking time: 4–5 hoursStay: Barafu CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, continue toward Barafu Camp, the high camp used for the final summit attempt. The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you climb into the alpine desert zone. The trail is relatively short compared with previous days, but the high altitude makes the trek physically demanding. Arrive at Barafu Camp and have lunch before resting. Your guides will provide a briefing about the summit attempt and help you prepare your equipment for the night climb. An early dinner is normally followed by several hours of rest before the summit departure.

6

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Gate

Route: Barafu Camp → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak → Barafu Camp → Mweka Camp / Mweka GateElevation: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 1,640 mDistance: 17 kmHiking time: 12–15 hoursStay: End of climb / hotelMeals: Breakfast & Lunch

The summit attempt begins around midnight or in the early hours of the morning. The climb toward Stella Point is slow and demanding because of the steep terrain, darkness, cold temperatures and high altitude. After reaching Stella Point on the crater rim, continue around the crater toward Uhuru Peak. At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa. After spending time at the summit, begin the long descent toward Barafu Camp. After a short rest, continue down the southern side of the mountain toward Mweka. Depending on the exact pace and mountain conditions, the final descent arrangements may involve continuing toward Mweka Gate after reaching the lower camp. At Mweka Gate, complete the park exit procedures and meet your transfer vehicle. Transfer to your hotel for a well-earned rest and celebration of your Kilimanjaro achievement.

WHY THIS CLIMB

Why Choose This Kilimanjaro Tour?

The 6-Day Machame Route is designed for travelers who want a scenic Kilimanjaro climbing experience with camping accommodation and a route that crosses several different landscapes. Reasons to consider this climb include: * Scenic approach through Kilimanjaro's southern slopes. * Camping accommodation throughout the mountain trek. * Diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert. * Crossing the Shira Plateau. * Trekking through the Barranco Valley. * The distinctive Barranco Wall section. * A high camp at Barafu before the summit attempt. * Descent through the Mweka Route. * A six-day itinerary suitable for travelers looking for a relatively compact climb. The route is physically demanding, particularly around Barranco, Karanga, Barafu and the summit section, so preparation and proper pacing are important.

BOOKING DETAILS

What's Included

Included

  • Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees
  • Kilimanjaro camping fees
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide
  • Assistant guide where required
  • Mountain crew support
  • Porter support
  • Mountain camping accommodation
  • Sleeping tents
  • Dining tent
  • Camping equipment
  • All meals during the mountain climb
  • Drinking water during the trek
  • Airport transfers
  • Transfers between hotel and Machame Gate
  • Pre/post-climb hotel accommodation
  • Emergency oxygen for high-altitude support
  • Applicable government taxes
  • Park and conservation fees
  • Summit attempt support
  • Mountain rescue and emergency arrangements under applicable park regulations

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal medical expenses
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Personal snacks
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry
  • Tips for mountain crew
  • Personal expenses
  • Extra hotel nights
  • Additional acclimatization days
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Before You Climb

The Machame Route is a challenging high-altitude trek and requires preparation before arrival in Tanzania. The route includes steep sections, uneven volcanic terrain and a demanding summit night. The Barranco Wall is one of the most distinctive physical sections of the route, while the summit attempt involves long hours at high altitude. Suitable hiking footwear, warm layers, rain protection, a headlamp and appropriate high-altitude trekking equipment are essential. The mountain crew will provide guidance on pacing, hydration, rest and altitude management throughout the climb. Mountain weather and trail conditions can change quickly. The professional guide team may modify the itinerary where necessary because of weather, trail conditions or safety considerations.

TOUR FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About This Climb

How difficult is the 6-day Machame Route?

The 6-day Machame Route is a challenging high-altitude trek with several demanding hiking stages and a strenuous summit attempt. Climbers should be prepared for changing terrain, long trekking days and cold conditions at higher elevations.

Where do I sleep during the 6-day Machame Route climb?

The Machame Route is a camping route, so climbers sleep in mountain tents at designated camps along the trail. The camping experience is part of what distinguishes Machame from the hut-based Marangu Route.

What are the main highlights of the 6-day Machame Route?

The route passes through several distinct mountain environments, including the rainforest, heath and moorland, Shira Plateau and high alpine terrain. Important sections also include the Lava Tower area and Barranco Wall before the climb continues toward the summit.

What is the summit day like on the 6-day Machame Route?

The summit attempt begins from the high mountain camp and continues toward Uhuru Peak at approximately 5,895 metres. The ascent is physically demanding because of the altitude, cold temperatures and long trekking hours, followed by a descent after reaching the summit area.

Can I combine the 6-day Machame Route with a Tanzania safari?

Yes. After completing the climb, you can extend your trip with a Northern Tanzania safari. Depending on your schedule, you can visit destinations such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire as part of the same Tanzania adventure.

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