6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking via Machame Route

Climb Africa’s highest mountain on the scenic Machame Route, with experienced mountain guides, supported mountain camps, and a summit attempt at Uhuru Peak.

Price per person
$2,100
Duration
6 Days
Overnight stays
5 Nights

Kilimanjaro Trek Overview & Highlights

Take on Mount Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route, a spectacular trail that climbs through rainforest, moorland, and alpine terrain before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). This six-day itinerary includes an acclimatization day profile with a high point at Lava Tower before descending to sleep lower at Barranco.

Your climb is supported by a qualified mountain guide team, camp crew, and meals on the mountain. Summit success depends on individual health, weather, and acclimatization; the guide makes the final safety decisions and may adjust the itinerary when needed.

Mountain accommodation: Overnight stays are in designated mountain camps. The operator confirms the final camp plan, crew arrangements, park requirements, and inclusions before booking.

Day 01: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After registration at Machame Gate, begin trekking through lush montane rainforest. The trail climbs steadily to Machame Camp, where the crew prepares dinner and camp for the night.

Overnight: Machame Camp (approximately 3,000 m).

Mountain camp

Machame Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro Machame CampApproximately 3,000 m

Day 02: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Leave the forest behind as the route climbs onto the Shira Plateau. Trek across open moorland with broad views toward Kibo before reaching Shira Camp.

Overnight: Shira Camp (approximately 3,850 m).

Mountain camp

Shira Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro Shira CampApproximately 3,850 m

Day 03: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Trek toward Lava Tower at around 4,600 m for an important high-altitude acclimatization point, then descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” profile helps prepare for the higher stages of the climb.

Overnight: Barranco Camp (approximately 3,960 m).

Mountain camp

Barranco Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro Barranco CampApproximately 3,960 m

Day 04: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Climb the Barranco Wall and continue through the alpine desert to Karanga Valley. After a short rest, trek on to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Have an early dinner and rest before the night ascent.

Overnight: Barafu Camp (approximately 4,673 m).

Mountain camp

Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro Barafu CampApproximately 4,673 m

Day 05: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

Begin the summit attempt before dawn, climbing to Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) if conditions and your health allow. Celebrate at the summit, then descend to Mweka Camp for recovery and overnight rest.

Overnight: Mweka Camp (approximately 3,100 m).

Mountain camp

Mweka Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro Mweka CampApproximately 3,100 m

Day 06: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Descend through the montane forest to Mweka Gate, complete park formalities, and meet your transfer back to Arusha.

Accommodation: No overnight stay; the trek concludes in Arusha.

Frequently Asked Questions

Essential details on the Machame Route itinerary, mountain camps, crew support, and trek preparation

Included: Mountain guide and support crew, designated camping, meals and drinking water on the mountain, park fees, group camping equipment, and route-gate transfers as confirmed in the final quote. Excluded: International flights, visa, travel insurance, personal trekking gear or rental, personal expenses, and crew tips.
Overnight stays are at designated mountain camps in expedition tents. The crew sets up camp and prepares meals; accommodation before or after the trek should be confirmed separately.
Vegetarian and other dietary needs can generally be accommodated when advised in advance. Tell the trekking team about allergies or dietary requirements before the climb so meals can be planned.
Crew tips are not included in the package price. Tipping is customary but voluntary; ask the operator for current guidance on distributing tips fairly among the mountain crew.
Use a soft duffel for porters and a small daypack for personal essentials. The operator will confirm the porter weight allowance and packing list before departure; bring layered clothing, waterproofs, and broken-in trekking boots.
The itinerary includes five nights at mountain camps, from Machame Camp through Mweka Camp. The final day descends to Mweka Gate and returns to Arusha.
The Machame Route is a challenging high-altitude trek with long walking days and a summit night. Good preparation is essential, and reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed.
The route follows the Machame trail and park rules. Ask the operator about private or group departures, optional extra acclimatization days, and any resulting price changes.
Pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, waterproof outerwear, warm summit gear, broken-in boots, a headlamp, sun protection, and personal medication. The operator will send a detailed kit list before departure.
The trek begins at Machame Gate and finishes at Mweka Gate. Route-gate transfers from and back to Arusha are arranged as specified in your final booking confirmation.