Overview
Many people consider Machame the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro, and the 6-day version is our most popular itinerary for that reason. Expect dramatic ridge walks, a striking traverse of the Western Breach, and varied scenery from start to finish.
To be upfront, Machame is physically tougher than Marangu. Day walks are longer and steeper, although summit night is about an hour shorter to balance that out. You'll sleep in tents the whole way instead of huts, so a good sleeping bag and sleeping mat matter. We provide quality tents as standard, but bringing your own sleep system noticeably affects how rested you feel each morning.
Six days gives you a comfortable acclimatization pace, and summit success rates are high as a result. Climbers who are reasonably fit, ideally with some hiking experience, will do well here; no technical climbing skills are needed at all. You descend on the Mweka trail and spend the last night at Mweka or Millennium camp before heading back to Arusha.
For what to expect at each stage, read our Kilimanjaro weather guide. When you're ready to book your Machame climb, contact us.
A real elevation profile for the Machame Route — 5,895m at the summit, from a 1,800m start.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (6 days)
The transfer from Moshi to Machame Gate lasts roughly 45 minutes and goes through Machame village, set on the mountain's lower slopes.
From the park gate, the route climbs a winding ridge trail through rain forest. Lower down, the path can turn muddy and slick, so gaiters and trekking poles are useful. After a short further walk, you arrive at Machame Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: L, D
Following breakfast we leave the rain forest clearings and keep climbing, crossing the valley along a steep, rocky ridge. The route then bends west into a river gorge and carries on until we reach the Shira campsite.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (BLD)
Leaving the Shira Plateau, we head east up a ridge and pass the junction toward the Kibo peak. The trail then swings to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Not far beyond the tower is the second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. From here we descend to Barranco Camp. You finish the day at about the same elevation where you started, yet this day matters a great deal for acclimatization and helps your body get ready for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: BLD
After breakfast we depart Barranco and climb a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), then pass through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction joining the Mweka Trail. The trail continues up to Barafu Camp. This completes the South Circuit, which presents the summit from many different angles. Our camp here has views of the summit in the distance.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Between midnight and 2 am, you set out very early toward the summit, passing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The route heads northwest and climbs through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim, which is the hardest stretch of the trek both mentally and physically. You will pause briefly at Stella Point, where the sunrise is likely to be the most magnificent you will ever see. Faster hikers may catch the sunrise from the summit itself.
Snow may cover the whole 1-hour climb from Stella Point to the top. When you stand on Uhuru Peak, you are at the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and on the entire African continent!
Once breakfast is over, our 6 Days Machame Route comes to an end as we keep descending to Mweka Park Gate, where you will be given your summit certificates. Lower down the trail can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are useful. Shorts and t-shirts will most likely be enough to wear (but keep your rain gear and warmer clothing within reach).
A Map Adventure Safari vehicle will be waiting at Mweka gate to take you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport and Mwanza Airport are the most common arrival points, depending on your route.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.