6-day Kilimanjaro Trek - Machame Route

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6 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

12 - 95 yearsAge range for participants

Chinese, English, French, German, SpanishGuide language

5895mHighest point reached

Starts

Moshi, Tanzania

Ends

Moshi, Tanzania

Highlights

Getting to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro

One of the more popular routes to Kilimanjaro

Beautiful views from some of the finest parts of the mountain

Itinerary

Pressed for time but determined to summit Kilimanjaro? The 6-day Kilimanjaro Trek via the Machame Route is your go-to adventure. This challenging route quickly introduces climbers to higher altitudes, accelerating acclimatization and boosting your body’s adaptation to the mountain environment. Be ready for a demanding schedule, especially on days four and five, when long hikes and a midnight summit push test your endurance and determination.

The pace is brisk, making this trip ideal for fit travelers eager for a condensed yet dynamic trekking experience. Each day brings dramatic elevation changes and shifting landscapes, from forested foothills to the stark beauty of Barafu’s high camps. The unique selling point here is the Machame Route’s efficiency in acclimatization—giving ambitious climbers the best shot at reaching the summit in less time.

For those who want maximum adventure in minimal days, this trek combines the thrill of Kilimanjaro’s iconic summit with a carefully crafted route designed for swift, effective acclimatization.

day 1 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp

•Elevation (ft): 5,400ft to 9,400ft

•Distance: 11 km

•Habitat: Rain Forest

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 to walk a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Duration:5-7 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 2 - Machame Camp to Shira Camp

•Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft

•Distance: 5 km

•Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

Duration:4-6 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 3 - Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

•Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft

•Distance: 10 km

•Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth."

Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft.

Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Duration:6-8 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 4 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft

•Distance: 9km

•Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut.

At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Duration:8-10 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 5 - Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)

•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

(Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent)

•Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwest 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 (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise again from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles because of the the loose gravel. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Duration:7-14 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 6 - Mweka Camp to Moshi

•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft

•Distance: 10 km

•Habitat: Rain Forest

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).

From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.

Duration:3-4 hours

Accommodation: Camping

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What's Included

Transfer from and to the airportAll park feesRescue feesMeals as mentioned in the itineraryCamping facilities (tents, cooking and eating utensils, chairs and tables)Salary for all team-members (guide, cook, porters)Hotel the night before and after the trek

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