The Six (6)-Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route Full Itinerary
Six (6)-Days Kilimanjaro’s Climbing Machame Route Full Itinerary 2025-2026
Join us on the Machame Route, one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular and scenic paths to the summit. Known for its varied landscapes, from lush rainforests to dramatic ridgelines, the Machame Route offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. This six-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous trekkers looking for a dynamic route with excellent acclimatization opportunities. Book your 2025-2026 climb today and experience the beauty of Kilimanjaro!
Why Choose the 6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route?
1. Diverse and Stunning Landscapes:
The Machame Route is renowned for its changing scenery, from rainforest to alpine desert, and offers some of the most breathtaking views on Kilimanjaro.
2. Great Acclimatization Opportunity:
The route follows a “climb high, sleep low” strategy, which helps your body adjust to the altitude and increases your chances of summit success.
3. Challenging but Rewarding:
While steeper than other routes, Machame offers a more adventurous experience, ideal for fit trekkers looking for a challenge.
4. Highly Trained Guides and Small Group Sizes:
Our expert guides ensure your safety and provide personalized attention throughout your trek, making sure every detail is taken care of.
Detailed Itinerary for the 6-Day Machame Route
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m to 3,020m (5,900ft to 9,900ft)
Distance: 11km (7 miles)
Your journey begins at Machame Gate, where you will trek through a lush rainforest, passing through diverse flora and fauna. After a few hours of steady hiking, you’ll arrive at Machame Camp, located in the montane forest zone.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 3,020m to 3,850m (9,900ft to 12,600ft)
Distance: 5km (3 miles)
After breakfast, continue the climb with a steep ascent through the moorland zone. You’ll traverse rocky ridges with stunning views of Mount Meru and reach Shira Camp, situated on the Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Elevation: 3,850m to 4,630m (12,600ft to 15,190ft), then down to 3,960m (13,000ft)
Distance: 10km (6 miles)
This day follows the principle of “climb high, sleep low” as you trek up to the iconic Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp. The hike through alpine desert offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,960m to 4,673m (13,000ft to 15,330ft)
Distance: 9km (5.5 miles)
Begin the day with a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but challenging section. After reaching the top, continue across ridges and valleys, eventually arriving at Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m (15,330ft to 19,341ft), then down to 3,100m (10,170ft)
Distance: 5km (3 miles) to the summit, 12km (7 miles) descent to Mweka Camp
You’ll begin your summit push at midnight, trekking in the dark to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. After celebrating your achievement and taking in the spectacular views from the Roof of Africa, descend to Mweka Camp for a much-needed rest.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,800m (10,170ft to 5,900ft)
Distance: 10km (6 miles)
On the final day, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. From here, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi to celebrate your successful climb.
Includes
- Park fees
- Camp fees
- Rescue fees
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily
Excludes
Both National and International flights
A doctor for the group
Medical insurance
Tips to mountain crew
Items of a personal nature
Laundry Services
FAQs about the 6-Day Machame Route
1. Is the Machame Route suitable for beginners?
The Machame Route is moderately difficult and best suited for trekkers with a good level of fitness. While it is more challenging than the Marangu Route, it offers better acclimatization opportunities, making it ideal for first-time trekkers with prior hiking experience.
2. What is the success rate of the Machame Route?
The Machame Route has one of the highest success rates on Kilimanjaro due to its gradual ascent profile and acclimatization opportunities. With proper preparation and pacing, most trekkers reach the summit successfully.
3. When is the best time to climb the Machame Route?
The best months to climb Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons, from January to March and June to October. These months offer better weather and trail conditions for a more enjoyable trek.
Book Your Kilimanjaro Climb for 2025-2026 Today!
Take on the adventure of a lifetime with our 6-day Machame Route trek and conquer Africa’s tallest peak! Whether you’re an experienced climber or a first-time trekker, the Machame Route offers the perfect combination of adventure, scenery, and summit success. Reserve your spot for 2025 or 2026 and get ready for an unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa.