Machame route 6 days itinerary overview
The best 6 days Machame route on Kilimanjaro climbing This 6-day Machame route is the best, classic and most popular route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain at 5,895 meters above sea level.
The 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing tour via Machame route offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure allowing hikers to experience the diverse landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The 6 days Machame route on Kilimanjaro climb requires 19–24 hours of demanding walking at high elevations with only 4-6 hours of sleep, covering a distance of about 62 km from Machame gate to the summit (19,341’) and descending back to Mweka gate.
Best 6 days Kilimanjaro Machame route success rate
The best successful Kilimanjaro summit rate using the 6-day Machame route is from 90% to 95% allowing hikers to reach 5,895 meters Uhuru peak. This 6 days Machame route is the most popular and most preferred route by over 50% of Kilimanjaro climbers due to its higher summit success rates to all hikers using it.
What is the difficulty level of the Machame route?
The Machame route also known as the “Whiskey” route is considered a challenging trek with about 5% to 10% difficulty level and is recommended for experienced hikers. The route is known for its steep inclines and high altitude, which can cause altitude sickness for those who are not properly acclimatized. However, with proper preparation and training, many hikers successfully complete the Machame route and enjoy the stunning views and unique terrain along the way.
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
Best 6 days Machame route price on Kilimanjaro climbing
The best and most affordable prices for the 6 days Kilimanjaro Machame route is from $1300 to $3500 per climber enabling you to successful summit 5,895 meters snow-capped Kilimanjaro peak. This 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Machame route price varies depending on the accommodations before and after the climb, number of people on a group climb, luxury or budget climbing services required. 6 days Kilimanjaro fees and costs are paid in Dollars, Pounds, Euros, and Tanzania Shillings.
6 days Kilimanjaro Machame route itinerary
The best day-by-day full detailed itinerary for the 6-day Kilimanjaro climbing via Machame route: Day 1: Machame Gate (56,000ft / 1,830m) to Machame Camp (10,200ft / 3,100m) | 5-7 hours | 11 km; Day 2: Machame Camp (10,200ft / 3,100m) to Shira Campsite (12,600ft / 3,840m) | 4-6 hours | 9 km; Day 3: Shira Camp (12,600 ft / 3,840 m) to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (3,950 m / 12,960 ft) | 5-7 hours | 15 km; Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950 m / 12,960 ft) to Barafu Camp (4,680 m / 15,350 ft) | 6-8 hours | 9km; Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,680 m / 15,350 ft) to Summit (5895m / 19,343ft), down to Mweka Camp (3090m / 10,150ft) | 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down | 6 km up / 13 km down; and Day 6: Mweka Camp (3090m / 10,150ft) to Mweka Gate (1680 m / 5500 ft) | 3-4 hours | 10 km.
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.
