This itinerary provides a shorter but more intense climb than the 7-day option, with fewer days for acclimatization. However, 6 days Kilimanjaro machame route suitable for trekkers with a good fitness level.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Elevation: 890m (2,920ft)
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After checking in, meet your mountain guide for a briefing and final gear check. Rest and prepare for your adventure.
- Meal Plan: Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate – Hike to Machame Camp
Start your 6 days Kilimanjaro machame route. In the morning drive to Machame Gate (1,640m) where you will complete the necessary registration formalities. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, a humid area filled with towering trees, ferns, and vibrant birdlife. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Machame Camp, where you’ll rest for the night.
- Elevation: 1,640m (5,380ft) to 2,850m (9,350ft)
- Distance: 11km (7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Machame Camp
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
The trail ascends steeply out of the rainforest, transitioning into heather and moorland. Today’s trek offers expansive views as you climb onto the Shira Plateau. The hike is shorter but steeper, and you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscapes. Camp is set at Shira, a high-altitude desert.
- Elevation: 2,850m (9,350ft) to 3,810m (12,500ft)
- Distance: 5km (3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Shira Camp
Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Today is a crucial day for acclimatization. The trail takes you through the alpine desert toward the Lava Tower (4,630m). Although you ascend to a higher altitude, you will descend again to sleep at Barranco Camp (3,960m), which helps your body adjust to the elevation. Lava Tower is a stunning volcanic rock formation, and you’ll have time to rest and explore before heading down to the lush Barranco Valley.
- Elevation: 3,810m (12,500ft) to 4,630m (15,190ft) – Descend to 3,960m (12,990ft)
- Distance: 10km (6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After climbing the Barranco Wall, you’ll continue across ridges and valleys before reaching Barafu Camp. You’ll rest early in preparation for the summit attempt at midnight.
- Elevation: 3,900m to 4,673m
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Summit day! Start early for the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
- Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m to 3,068m
- Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final descent takes you through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for rest and celebration of your 6 days Kilimanjaro machame route.
- Elevation: 3,068m to 1,640m
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Pricing Information for 6 days Kilimanjaro machame route
| Group Size | Private Trek Price (Per Person) | Group Trek Price (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,400 | N/A |
| 2-5 Persons | $1,950 | $1,900 |
| 6-10 Persons | $1,800 | $1,750 |
| 11-15 Persons | $1,700 | $1,650 |
| 16+ Persons | $1,600 | $1,550 |
Inclusions
- Transport: Return transfers from Arusha to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate.
- Accommodation: Camping accommodations during the trek, including tents and sleeping gear.
- Meals: Full-board meals throughout the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Park Fees: All necessary entrance fees to Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Guides and Porters: Services of a professional mountain guide and support staff.
- Drinking Water: Safe drinking water supplied during the trek.
- Emergency Equipment: First aid kit and oxygen supply in case of emergencies.
- Government Taxes: All applicable taxes and levies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the 6 days Kilimanjaro machame route?
The Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic trekking routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering diverse landscapes and a challenging climb.
2. How long does it take to complete the Machame Route?
The trek can take either 6 or 7 days. The 7-day itinerary includes an extra day for acclimatization, which increases your chances of summiting successfully.
3. What is the difference between the 6-day and 7-day Machame Route?
The 7-day variant offers an additional day for acclimatization at Karanga Camp, which helps with altitude adjustment. The 6-day route follows a quicker pace with less acclimatization time.
4. Is the Machame Route difficult?
Yes, it’s considered moderately difficult. Steep sections, long trekking days, and altitude challenges make it tough, especially on summit night. Good fitness and acclimatization are important.
5. What is the best time to trek the Machame Route?
The best time to hike the Machame Route is during the dry seasons from January to March and June to October, when weather conditions are more favorable.
6. Do I need technical climbing experience for the Machame Route?
No, the Machame Route is a non-technical trekking route. You don’t need climbing experience, but physical preparation and acclimatization are key to success.
7. What is summit night like on the Machame Route?
Summit night is the most challenging part of the trek. Climbers start at midnight, hiking steeply up to Uhuru Peak to catch the sunrise. It’s a tough ascent due to altitude and cold weather.
8. What wildlife can I expect to see on the Machame Route?
While trekking the Machame Route, you might spot various wildlife, including monkeys in the rainforest zone and unique bird species along the route.
9. Are there acclimatization days on the Machame Route?
Yes, the 7-day itinerary includes an acclimatization day at Karanga Camp, giving you more time to adjust to the altitude.
10. What is included in the Machame Route trekking package?
Packages usually include park fees, camping equipment, meals, guides, porters, and transport to and from the trailhead. Confirm the details with your tour operator.
