6-Day Machame Route Adventure
Begin your 6-day Machame Route journey and conquer Mount Kilimanjaro with us. This private trek is customized to your preferred travel dates and personal preferences. Our expert guides will ensure you reach the highest peak in Africa, making your adventure unforgettable!
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,790m) to Machame Camp (3,010m)
After a 1-hour drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, we pass through the village of Machame, situated on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. From the park gate, we'll embark on a hike through the lush, dense rainforest, following a winding trail up a ridge until we reach Machame Camp.
Elevation:5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance:11 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat:** Rainforest
Day 2: Machame Camp (3010m) To Shira Camp (3845M)
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira Camp.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
HikingTime: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Shira Cave (3,845m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Today, we continue east along a ridge and head southeast toward the Lava Tower, a striking 90-meter (300 ft) volcanic rock formation. After reaching the Lava Tower, we descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the fascinating Senecio Forest. Though we start and end the day at nearly the same elevation, spending time at higher altitudes aids in acclimatization.
Shira Cave to Lava Tower:
Elevation 12,500 ft
Distance:7 km (4 miles)
iking Time: 4-5 hours
bitat:** Alpine Desert
-Lava Tower to Barranco Camp:
- Elevation:15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance:3 km (2 miles)
- Hiking Time 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Today begins with a descent into the Great Barranco, a vast ravine. We then tackle the steep ascent up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. Although the climb is not technically challenging, it is long and strenuous. After passing beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we make our way to the Karanga Valley, our final stop for fresh water before the summit. From there, we continue across scree and arid terrain towards Barafu Camp.
Distance 8 km (5.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) & Down to Millennium Camp (3,790m)
We start our summit attempt very early, around midnight, departing from Barafu Camp. This leg of the trek is the most demanding both mentally and physically. Expect extreme cold and wind as we ascend in the dark, taking frequent short breaks. As we approach Stella Point (5,760m/18,900 ft), the sunrise over Mawenzi Peak will be a breathtaking reward. Finally, we'll reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent.
After celebrating at the summit, we descend directly to Millennium Camp, stopping briefly at Barafu Camp for lunch. The trail is rocky and can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles are recommended. Millennium Camp is located in the upper forest zone, where mist or rain is common in the late afternoon. In the evening, we enjoy our final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak:
Elevation:15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance:5 km (3 miles)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp:
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance:12 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time:4-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 6: Millennium Camp (3,790m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m)
On the final day of our trek, we descend from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate, where we will receive our summit certificates. The trail at lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so be prepared for slippery conditions. After reaching the gate, we continue for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will be waiting to transport us back to Moshi Town.
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate:
Elevation 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Price Includes
- Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and your accommodations in Moshi
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Moshi
- Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
- Park entry fees
- Camping fees
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees and services
- Mountain tents
- Sleeping mats
- Professional and friendly mountain guides, cook, and porters
- 3 hot meals daily on the mountain
- Treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew
- Government taxes
- Emergency first-aid kit
Price Excludes
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb
- Travel insurance
- Portable flush toilet with tent (available for an additional $80 for the entire trek)
- Flights
- Laundry (available at the hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
PRICE OVERVIEW
Group Size | Price per person |
1 person | USD 1950/person |
2-3 people | USD 1850/person |
4-5 people | USD 1790/person |
6-7 people | USD 1750/person |
8-9 people | USD 1710/person |
10-12 people | USD 1690/person |