The best 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing Machame route itinerary & cost in 2024-2025
Embark on a 6 days Kilimanjaro adventure via the scenic Machame Route, offering an optimal balance of stunning landscapes and successful summit attempts.
This thoughtfully designed itinerary includes gradual ascents, essential acclimatization days, and expert guidance to enhance your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, standing at 5,895 meters. Throughout your journey, you’ll traverse a range of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, and tackle the iconic Barranco Wall.
Summit night commences at midnight, culminating in the awe-inspiring sunrise at Uhuru Peak. With a focus on safety and success, this trek promises a remarkable Kilimanjaro experience.
The 6-day Machame-Route requires 19–24 hours of demanding walking at extremely high elevation, with only 4-6 hours of sleep.
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
Departure / Return Location
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Departure Time
Please arrive at least 2 hours before flight.
Included
- Park fees
- Camp fees
- Rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Not Included
- Both National and International flights
- Medical insurance
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
Kilimanjaro climbing 6 days Machame route price/cost for 2023 and 2024The cost of a 6-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Machame Route ranging from $1500 to $2300 per person and can vary depending on several factors, including the level of service, group size, and whether you choose a private or group trek.
Kilimanjaro climbing Machame route itinerary 6-day
A full detailled 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing Machame route day by day itinerary: Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp; Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp; Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Valley; Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp; Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp; Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha or Moshi.
Day 01: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
(3,000 m): 5. 6,000 ft (1,830 m) to 10,200 ft (3,100 m). Distance: 11 km. Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: montane forest. Camp: Machame Camp. The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate 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.
Day 02: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation (ft): 10,200 ft (3,100 m) to 12,600 ft (3,840 m). Distance: 9 km. Walking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Moorland. Full-board Shira Cave Camp After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep, rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
Day 03:Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Valley.
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m): 5-7 hours walking 12,600 ft (3,840 m) to 12,700 ft (3,860 m). Distance: 15 km. Walking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Semi-desert. Barranco Full-Board Camp Today we walk on a gentle ascent with panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, and after a hot lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m), we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,950 m).
Day 04:Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Barranco Camp to Barafu Hut Camp, 4600 m 6–8 hours. 4000m (13,000ft) to 4700m (15,350ft) Distance: 9 km; walking time: 6–8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Full Board at Barafu Camp After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elves: 4250 m/13,900 ft), through the Karanga Valley (elves: 4050 m/13,250 ft), to the junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. We set up camp here, with views of the summit in the distance.
Day 05:Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Elevation (ft): 4700m (15,350ft) to 5895m (19,343ft) down to 3090m (10,150 ft). Distance: 6 kilometers up; 13 kilometers down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up; 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 a.m.), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Reitzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Day 06: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha or Moshi.
Elevation (ft): 3090 m (10,150 ft) to 1680 m (5500 ft). Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: 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 be waiting for you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
