The 6-Day Machame Route - The Ultimate Guide to Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Experience from Arusha or Moshi is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that takes trekkers on an unforgettable journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from either Arusha or Moshi, this route covers approximately 40 kilometers and offers an array of breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. The Machame Route is known for its "climb high, sleep low" strategy, which helps with acclimatization, improving the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). Along the way, climbers will encounter iconic landmarks like the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and spectacular views of the surrounding area. This trek is designed to be challenging yet rewarding, offering adventurers a perfect blend of stunning scenery, altitude experience, and a true sense of accomplishment.
The most affordable price for the 6-Day Machame Route ranges from USD 1,200 to USD 3,500 per person, with the variation depending on the type of package, level of service, and inclusions. At the lower end of this range, trekkers can expect a more basic experience with camping accommodations, fewer frills, and a focus on the essentials, such as experienced guides, park fees, and meals. Mid-range packages often include additional comforts, such as better tents, more personalized services, and extra amenities like extra meals or airport transfers. At the higher end of the price range, trekkers can enjoy a more luxurious experience, with premium tents, better equipment, and extra features such as high-quality meals, private guides, and transportation options. Regardless of the package, each option offers an unforgettable adventure, allowing climbers to experience the breathtaking landscapes and the challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak while accommodating various budgets and preferences.
Elevation (ft): (3,000 m): 5-. 6,000 ft / 1,830 m to 10,200 ft / 3,100 m.
Distance: 11 km.
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Camp: Machame Camp.
The drive from Moshi to the 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 leave 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.
Elevation (ft):10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 12,600 ft / 3,840 m.
Distance: 9 km.
Walking Time:4-6 hours.
Habitat: Moorland.
Full Board Shira Cave Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m.): 5-7 hours walking.
12,600 ft / 3,840 m to 12,700 ft / 3,860 m.
Distance: 15 km.
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert.
Full Board Barranco Camp
Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views.We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,950 m.).
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Barranco Camp to Barafu Hut Camp {4600m} 6-8 hours.
4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/
Walking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Full Board at Barafu Camp.
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elves 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elves 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
Elevation (ft): 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,343ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 6km up / 13km down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Reitzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation (ft): 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: B
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).
Tanzania Natural Tours vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Day of departure: Transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport.