6 Days on Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route – Guide, Tips & Highlights

6 Days on Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route Overview

The Machame Route is one of the most iconic and scenic paths to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Over 6 unforgettable days, you will trek through lush tropical rainforest, cross high-altitude volcanic deserts, scramble over the legendary Barranco Wall, and finally stand at Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the 6-day Machame Route itinerary, expert climbing tips, and the top highlights that make this route a favorite among adventure seekers.

DETAILED 6-DAY MACHAME ROUTE ITINERARY

DAY 1: MACHAME GATE → MACHAME CAMP (3,010m)

Trekking Time: 5–7 hours

Distance: 11 km

Zone: Rainforest

Your journey starts at Machame Gate, where registration, weighing of luggage, and team introductions take place. The trail leads directly into a dense, misty rainforest alive with monkeys, exotic plants, waterfalls, and colorful birds.

You follow a gentle but steady climb through winding forest paths until you arrive at Machame Camp, located on the edge of the rainforest and moorland zone.

Overnight at Machame Camp.

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP → SHIRA CAMP (3,840m)

Trekking Time: 4–6 hours

Distance: 5 km

Zone: Moorland

The climb becomes steeper as you ascend along rocky ridges. Vegetation changes rapidly — trees give way to heather, volcanic boulders, and wide-open views.

Eventually you reach the spectacular Shira Plateau, one of the world’s highest plateaus.

From here, enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru.

Overnight at Shira Camp.

DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP → LAVA TOWER (4,630m) → BARRANCO CAMP (3,976m)

Trekking Time: 6–8 hours

Distance: 10 km

Zone: Alpine Desert

This “climb high, sleep low” day is vital for altitude acclimatization. The trail takes you gradually toward the Lava Tower, a volcanic rock pinnacle where you stop for lunch at 4,630m.

Afterward, you descend to the beautiful Barranco Valley, a landscape filled with giant senecios and unique high-altitude plants.

You arrive at Barranco Camp, one of the most scenic places on the entire route.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP → BARRANCO WALL → KARANGA CAMP (3,995m)

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours

Distance: 5 km

Zone: Alpine Desert

Your day begins with the famous Barranco Wall — an exciting, hands-on scramble that is thrilling but not technical.

From the top, you are rewarded with sweeping views of the Karanga Valley and Kibo Glacier.

A short trek across rolling terrain brings you to Karanga Camp, a strategic acclimatization stop that enhances your success on summit day.

DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP → BARAFU CAMP (4,673m)

Trekking Time: 3–4 hours

Distance: 4 km

Zone: Alpine Desert

The climb to Barafu Camp is steady and winds through rugged, windswept terrain.

Barafu, meaning “ice” in Swahili, is your final base before the summit push.

The camp sits on an exposed ridge, offering breathtaking views of the summit ridge and Mawenzi Peak.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP → UHURU PEAK (5,895m) → MWEKA GATE

Early dinner and early rest — your summit attack starts just after midnight.

Trekking Time: 10–14 hours

Distance: 17 km

Zone: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Rainforest

Midnight: The Summit Push

With headlamps lighting your path, you ascend slowly through icy switchbacks, aiming for Stella Point (5,756m). Reaching this point at sunrise is magical — golden light floods the glaciers and the crater rim.

A short final stretch leads you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Celebrate, take photos, and enjoy views that stretch across Tanzania and Kenya.

Descent to Mweka Gate

After a brief rest at Barafu, descend to Mweka Gate through rapidly changing landscapes.

At the gate, you receive your summit certificate, marking your incredible achievement.

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

1. Stunning Landscapes From Start to Finish

The Machame Route offers the most varied scenery of all Kilimanjaro routes — rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, glaciers, and panoramic ridge views.

2. Epic Barranco Wall Climb

A thrilling, hands-on scramble with unbelievable views. For many trekkers, this is a top highlight.

3. Excellent Acclimatization Profile

The “climb high, sleep low” design significantly boosts summit success, even in a 6-day itinerary.

4. The Famous Shira Plateau

A wide-open volcanic plateau offering dramatic sunsets and endless photography opportunities.

5. Rewarding Sunrise Summit

Climbing to Uhuru Peak at sunrise is one of the most emotional experiences for trekkers — a moment you’ll remember forever.

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE 6-DAY MACHAME ROUTE

1. Train for Endurance, Not Speed

Focus on cardio, long hikes, stair climbing, and strengthening your legs and core.

2. Follow the Slow Pace Rule (“Pole Pole”)

Walk slowly from the very beginning. Proper pacing is essential for acclimatization.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 3 liters per day — dehydration increases altitude sickness risk.

4. Layer Your Clothing Properly

Temperatures range from warm rainforest to freezing summit winds.

Use a 5-layer system: base, mid-layer, fleece, softshell, down jacket.

5. Protect Yourself From the Sun

At higher altitudes, UV is strong. Bring glacier glasses, sunscreen SPF 50+, and a hat.

6. Bring High-Energy Snacks

Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate — perfect during long summit night.

7. Mental Preparation Matters

The last 1,000 meters of the summit push is mental as much as physical. Stay positive and steady.

WHO IS THE MACHAME ROUTE FOR?

Trekkers comfortable with steep ascents and varied terrain

Adventurers seeking the most scenic Kilimanjaro route

Fit trekkers with limited days (6 days total)

Climbers who enjoy camping and dramatic landscapes

✔️ Inclusions

Park Fees & Logistics

Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees

Camping fees

Rescue fees

Professional mountain guides

Assistant guides

Porters and mountain chef

All government taxes

All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables)

First aid kit + oxygen cylinder

Round-trip transfers: Moshi ↔ Machame Gate

Accommodation & Meals

Mountain camping accommodation

All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Clean drinking water

Dining tent for all meals

Support

Daily health checkups (oxygen level & pulse)

Emergency evacuation to the gate

Summit certificate

❌ Exclusions

International & domestic flights

Tanzanian visa fees

Tips for guides, porters, and cook

Travel & medical insurance (mandatory)

Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, boots, poles, etc.)

Extra snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol

Hotel accommodation in Moshi (unless added separately)

Personal expenses (laundry, charging, souvenirs)

Portable flush toilet (optional upgrade)