Embark on the best and most popular 6-day Kilimanjaro climbing tour via the Machame Route in 2024/25. Experience a challenging yet rewarding journey to the summit, with stunning acclimatization and breathtaking views.
Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - The drive from Moshi to 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 starting our 6-day kilimanjaro tour package by leaving 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.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 9,400ft to 12,500ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 4-6 hours, Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue our Kilimanjaro climbing package on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13000 ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours , Habitat: Semi Desert
This is the third day of 6-day kilimanjaro climbing tour package which continue from the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft, Distance: 9km, Hiking Time: 8-10 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
The fourth day of 6-day kilimanjaro climbing tour package after breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) , Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent , Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent , Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy screed towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to Barafu camp for lunch then to Mweka camp.
Mweka Camp to Moshi
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5400ft, Distance: 10 km , Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
Congratulations! the last day of 6-day kilimanjaro climbing tour package 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). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- All fees and/or taxes
- Flights
- Crew Tips
- Visa
The best and most popular 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing via machame route.
This 6-day Kilimanjaro climbing tour package via machame route is the best mountain package for those who have only six days, the Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile. Compared to other 6-day routes, the Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker (day 3) which kick-starts the body’s adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires a person in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses. The 6-day Kilimanjaro climbing via Machame variation is a difficult route. In particular, day 4 combined with day 5 makes for a very hard schedule. Day 4 is a full day of hiking from Barranco to Barafu. Then after dinner and a partial night’s sleep, the very long and strenuous summit day begins around midnight. The 6-day Machame route requires 19-24 hours of demanding walking, at extremely high elevations, with only 4-6 hours of sleep.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.