Tour Overview
The Machame Route is often considered the best option for climbers with only six days to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, thanks to its favorable acclimatization profile. Compared to other six-day routes, Machame exposes climbers to higher altitudes earlier in the journey—specifically on Day Three. This early exposure allows the body more time to adjust to the elevation, increasing the chances of a successful summit attempt. However, tackling this route requires good physical fitness due to its challenging elevation gains and losses.
The six-day variation of the Machame Route is known for its difficulty, particularly on Days Four and Five, which together create an especially demanding schedule. On Day Four, climbers ascend from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp, a steep and physically taxing hike. Then comes the infamous summit day, which begins around midnight after a brief rest and dinner at Barafu Camp. Climbers face a long, grueling night trek to Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak, culminating in approximately 19–24 hours of strenuous walking at high altitude over two days. With just 4–6 hours of sleep during this period, the route tests both endurance and mental resilience.
While the six-day Machame Route offers a rewarding experience, it is not for the faint of heart. Proper preparation and conditioning are essential to handle the intense physical demands of this iconic trail.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m)
Time Spent Hiking: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 18 kilometers
Habitat: Montane ForestAfter an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be picked up and driven from Arusha to Machame Village (1,400m). Here, you can purchase mineral water and will receive a packed lunch for the day. Depending on road conditions, you may drive directly to the Machame Gate; however, if the roads are impassable due to mud, you’ll embark on a roughly 3-kilometer walk from the village to the gate, taking about an hour.
Upon arrival at the gate office, you’ll register before beginning your ascent into the lush montane forest. This region is characterized by its dense vegetation, and rain is quite common, turning the trail soggy, muddy, and slippery underfoot. Around halfway through the hike, you’ll pause for a welcome lunch break before continuing onward. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the Machame Camping Area.
By the time you reach the campsite, your porters—having arrived much earlier—will have already pitched your tent, ensuring everything is ready for your arrival. The porters will also boil water for drinking and washing, while the cook prepares a warm dinner to fuel you for the night ahead. Despite the relatively early stage of the climb, nighttime temperatures at this altitude can drop below freezing, offering a glimpse of the challenges yet to come. Rest well, as tomorrow promises another exciting day in the heart of Kilimanjaro’s wilderness.
Day 2: Shira camp (2980m) – Machame camp (2980m) (3840m)
Time Spent Hiking: 6 hours
Approximate Distance: 9 km
Habitat: MoorlandAfter an early wake-up at Machame Camp, you’ll begin your ascent with a steady climb for about an hour to emerge from the forest. From there, you’ll traverse the moorland zone for approximately two hours along a gentler gradient. This section offers breathtaking views as you leave the dense forest behind and enter a more open, rugged landscape.
Following a quick lunch and rest, the trail continues upward along a rocky ridge, leading onto the expansive Shira Plateau. As you progress, the Western Breach and its stunning glaciers come into view from the east, showcasing Kilimanjaro’s majestic peaks. By this point, you’ll be positioned due west of Kibo, offering panoramic vistas of the mountain ahead. A short hike later, you’ll arrive at the Shira Campsite, situated at an elevation of 3,840 meters.
Upon arrival, your porters will have already boiled water for drinking and washing, ensuring comfort before dinner is served. Despite the beauty of the plateau, the exposure makes for a colder night compared to the previous one, with temperatures dropping significantly below freezing. Bundle up and prepare for a restful evening under the stars, knowing that another thrilling day on Africa’s highest peak awaits.
Day 3: Shira (3840m) to Lava Tower (4630m) to Barranco camp (at 3950m)
Time Spent Hiking: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat: Semi-DesertAfter a steady 5-hour trek, the trail shifts eastward into a striking semi-desert and rocky landscape, leading you to the iconic Lava Tower at an elevation of 4,630 meters. Before ascending the challenging rocky scree path to Lava Tower, you’ll stop for lunch in a designated area. This portion of the journey is widely considered the most demanding so far, as climbers often begin to experience altitude-related symptoms such as breathlessness, irritability, or headaches around this point.
Despite the difficulty, the ascent to Lava Tower offers significant acclimatization benefits. After lunch, you’ll descend approximately 680 meters to the Barranco camping area, where the advantages of reaching the high altitude of 4,600 meters earlier in the day become evident. This descent takes about 2 hours and provides stunning photo opportunities of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.
Barranco Camp is nestled in a valley beneath the imposing Great Barranco Wall and the Western Breach, offering a dramatic setting for your evening. As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking sunset amidst this awe-inspiring landscape. Once settled, your porters will prepare drinking and washing water while the cooks get dinner ready. Though temperatures may drop significantly during the night, the memories of this extraordinary day will keep you warm as you rest in preparation for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 4: Barranco camp (3950m)-Barafu camp (4550m)
Time Spent Hiking: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 13 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine DesertAfter a night spent beneath the imposing Great Barranco Wall—an initially intimidating sight—you’ll tackle this iconic obstacle. Surprisingly, the climb proves easier than expected, and once at the top, just below the Heim Glacier, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views that highlight Kilimanjaro’s majestic beauty.
From here, the trail descends into the Karanga Valley, weaving through ridges and valleys before merging with the Mweka Route, which serves as the preferred descent path from the summit. Continuing along the ridge and turning left, you’ll reach Barafu Hut in about an hour.
Barafu Camp marks a significant milestone, but it’s also one of the most desolate spots on the mountain. As the Swahili word “barafu” translates to “ice,” this camp lives up to its name, offering a rugged and inhospitable environment. Tents are set up on a narrow, stony ridge, fully exposed to the relentless winds. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the terrain before darkness falls to ensure safety.
Keep in mind that there is no water available at Barafu Camp, so the last opportunity to refill your supplies is in the Karanga Valley. This alpine desert habitat is barren and unforgiving, with temperatures dropping sharply as you prepare for the final push. The summit now stands 1,345 meters above, and the attempt will take place overnight.
To gear up for the summit bid, organize your equipment carefully. A ski stick, thermal clothing, and a well-prepared headlamp are essential. Replace or bring spare batteries for your headlamp and camera, as cold conditions can drain them quickly. Store your water in a thermal flask to prevent freezing, ensuring hydration during the challenging ascent. Try to rest as much as possible, aiming for sleep by around 19:00, as you’ll need all your energy for the upcoming summit push. Though the environment may feel harsh, the sense of anticipation and preparation makes Barafu a pivotal moment in your Kilimanjaro journey.
Day 5: Barafu Camp (Summit Attempt) (4550m) – Mweka (5895m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) (3100m)
Time Spent Hiking: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7–8 hours to descend to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers of ascent, 23 kilometers of descent
Habitat: Stone Scree and Ice-Capped Summit
You’ll rise early, around 23:30, fueled by tea and biscuits, before setting off into the night on a moonlit trek. The journey begins with a grueling 6-hour climb through rocky stone scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim, heading in a north-westerly direction. For many climbers, this segment is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the entire route.
Upon reaching Stella Point (5,685 meters), you’ll pause for a brief rest and, if weather permits, witness one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles—a stunning sunrise that paints the sky in vibrant hues. From Stella Point, it’s a 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, where you may encounter snow along the way. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather conditions; lingering too long can make it challenging to continue due to the biting cold and fatigue. Take a moment to savor your achievement and etch this memory into your heart.
The descent back to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours, allowing for a short but well-deserved break to gather your remaining gear. From Barafu, the trail continues downward, transitioning through moorland and eventually into the lush forest via a mix of rock and scree paths. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Mweka Camp, nestled within the upper forest zone. Here, mist or light rain might greet you, adding to the serene atmosphere of the rainforest habitat.
As the day draws to a close, dinner will be served, and porters will provide washing water, ensuring you end your extraordinary day comfortably. Though physically exhausting, this final push to the summit and subsequent descent encapsulates the essence of your Kilimanjaro adventure—an unforgettable blend of challenge, triumph, and natural beauty.
Day 6: Mweka camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Distance: 15 kilometers
Habitat: ForestAfter a well-earned breakfast, your team will gather for a joyous celebration filled with dancing and singing to mark the successful completion of your Kilimanjaro adventure. This is also the perfect opportunity to express your gratitude and provide feedback directly to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters who have supported you throughout the journey. Following the celebrations, which last about three hours, you’ll begin the final leg of your descent back to Mweka Gate.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, all hikers are required to sign their names to receive an official certificate of completion from Kilimanjaro National Park. Those who reached Stella Point (5,685 meters) will be awarded green certificates, while hikers who made it to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) will proudly receive gold certificates—a testament to their incredible achievement.
After collecting your certificates, the descent continues into Mweka Village, a gentle 1-hour walk covering 3 kilometers. Here, amidst the lush forest habitat, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch prepared for you as a token of appreciation for completing this monumental challenge. Finally, you’ll return to Moshi, where you can indulge in the refreshing sensation of rain and celebrate once more with friends and fellow adventurers. It’s here that your unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience truly comes full circle, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
