6 days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
6 days Kilimajaro Machame route trek which approaches Kilimajaro from the South West starts from Machame gate to Mweka Camp through Machame, shira, Lava Tower, Baranco, Karango & Barafu camps.
This 6 day Kilimanjaro climbing machame route offers 6 days of hiking Mount Kilimanjaro via Machame route, thus offering you more time to acclimatize so as to easily access the Kilimanjaro summit-Uhuru peak. The tropical rainforest as well as the alpine rainforest define the Machame Route. Unlike the easy Marangu route, Machame route is so challenging that requires no mistakes, despite the additional time for acclimatization. However, the accommodation in this route will be in tented camps.
Detailed 6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Via Machame Route
DAY 1: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75k /7mi | 5-6 hrs
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/99
Altitude gained: 1210m
Start the trek at Machame Gate after breakfast. Complete park registration formalities and meet your trekking team. Begin the trek through dense rainforest, ascending gradually. Enjoy lunch en route. Arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon. Settle into camp, relax, and enjoy dinner.
Day 2 Moshi – Machame Gate – Machame Camp
After breakfast, continue the trek, leaving the rainforest behind. Ascend through the heather and moorland zones, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Lunch will be served along the trail. Arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing, exploring the surroundings, and enjoying dinner.
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3km | 4-5hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 3021m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m
In the morning, you will have breakfast, then come out from the rain forest and climb up the path, crossing the valley along a sheer rocky ridge. The route now bends west towards a river gorge until you reach the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.75km| 5-6hrs | Semi-Desert
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 147m
Today’s trek takes you through the high alpine desert landscape. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m/15,091ft) for altitude acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp. Lunch will be served en route. Arrive at Barranco Camp in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day resting, hydrating, and preparing for the next day’s trek.
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 8.5km | 6-8hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m to 4662m
Altitude gained: 676m
After breakfast, tackle the Barranco Wall, a challenging but exhilarating climb. Trek through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp. Lunch will be served along the trail. Arrive at Karanga Camp in the afternoon, for lunch. Thereafter, ascend through the alpine desert landscape, with stunning views of the glaciers, reaching at Barafu Camp in the evening. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt. Early dinner and an early bedtime to rest before the summit push
DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86km (5-7hrs) – MWEKA CAMP: 13km ( 5-6hrs ) Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
Start the summit push in the early hours of the morning, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) at sunrise. Descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and breakfast. Continue descending to Mweka Camp for overnight stay. Lunch will be served en route. Celebrate your summit success and rest at Mweka Camp.
Note: Descending from the summit to Mweka Camp is a long and challenging day. Pace yourself and listen to your guides.
DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1km (3-4hrs) | Rainforest
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast, continue the descent through the rainforest. Arrive at Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Say farewell to your trekking team and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi. Celebrate your accomplishment and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion and may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, group pace, and acclimatization needs. It’s essential to follow the guidance of your experienced guides throughout the trek for a safe and enjoyable experience.
INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE:
Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
Gate Transfers
Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
Portable Private Toilet and Porter
Quality Imported Equipments
EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:
Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room