Highlight about 6 Days Machame route climbing Kilimanjaro
6 day Machame route climbing Kilimanjaro is a popular choice, offering a good balance between acclimatization and time spent on the mountain. It's known for its scenic beauty and varied terrain.
Machame route Photos
6 Days Machame Route Itinerary
The 6-day Machame route on Kilimanjaro is a sweet spot for many climbers. It's designed to offer better acclimatization than the super-fast routes, while still being shorter than the full 7-day trek. This makes it a popular choice, balancing summit chances with time commitment. Here's a day to day itinerary:
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)
After breakfast in Moshi (800m), transfer to Machame Gate (1800m) for registration and the start of your trek. Hike through the rainforest to Machame Camp (3000m).
Trekking time: 5-6 hours.
Distance: 10.75 km.
Altitude gain: 1200m.
Meals: All meals included.
Accommodation: Budget camping.
Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,800m/12,460ft)
Hike through heath and moorland to Shira 2 Camp (3850m).
Trekking time: 4-5 hours.
Distance: 5.3 km.
Altitude gain: 850m.
Meals: All meals included.
Accommodation: Budget camping.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3,800m/12,460ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft)
Hike to Barranco Camp (3940m) via Lava Tower (4600m) for acclimatization.
Trekking time: 6-7 hours.
Distance: 10.75 km.
Altitude gain: 750m (to Lava Tower), 660m descent (to Barranco).
Meals: All meals included.
Accommodation: Budget camping.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft) to Karanga Camp (4,000m/13,120ft)
This day combines the usual Day 4 and Day 5. It's a longer day. Climb the Barranco Wall. Continue to Karanga Valley for a short rest and lunch.
Then, proceed to Barafu Camp (4600m).
Trekking time: 7-9 hours (total).
Distance: Approximately 8.5km (combining the two days).
Altitude gain: 660m.
Rest and early dinner in preparation for the summit push.
Wake up around 11:00 pm for hot drinks and snacks before starting the summit attempt at midnight.
Meals: All meals included.
Accommodation: Budget camping.
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,000m/13,120ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5895m).
Trekking time: 6-7 hours to the summit.
Distance: 4.86km to the summit.
Altitude gain: 1295m.
Descend to Barafu Camp for breakfast and rest (3 hours).
Continue descending to Mweka Camp (3100m).
Distance from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp: 11.5km.
Altitude loss: 2795m.
Meals: All meals included.
Accommodation: Budget camping.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) and descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Descend to Mweka Gate (1800m).
Trekking time: 3-4 hours.
Distance: 9.1 km.
Altitude loss: 1400m.
Receive summit certificates (if successful).
Transfer to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower, lunch, and rest.
Meals: All meals included.
Accommodation: No accommodation (end of tour).