6-day Machame Route

For those who only have six days to climb Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile. Compared to other six-day routes, the Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker (day three) which kickstarts the body’s adaptation to altitude.  However, this route requires that a person be in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses.

The six-day Machame variation is a difficult route. In particular, day four combined with day five makes for a very hard schedule. Day four is a full day of hiking from Barranco to Barafu. Then after dinner and a partial night’s sleep, the very long and strenuous summit day begins around midnight.  The 6-day Machame route requires 19-24 hours of demanding walking, at extremely high elevations,  with only 4-6 hours of sleep.

DAY 1 – Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation: 5,400 to 9,400ft (1646 to 2865m)
Distance: 6.8 mi (11 km)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

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 rainforest 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.

DAY 2 – Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation: 9,400 to 12,500ft (2865 to 3810m)
Distance: 3.1 mi (5 km)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns West onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

DAY 3 – Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 12,500 to 16,000ft; down to 13,000ft (3810 to 4877m; down to 3962m)
Distance: 6 mi (10 km)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the East up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of  Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the  “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the  Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft (4877m). We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft (3962m). Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

DAY 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,000 to 15,000ft (3962 to 4572m)
Distance: 5.6 mi (9 km)
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the  Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the  Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit,  which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

DAY 5 – Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Elevation: 15,300 to 19,345ft; down to 10,000ft (4663 to 5896m; down to 3048m)
Distance: 3.1 mi ascent / 7.5 mi descent (5 km ascent / 12 km descent)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the  Rebmann and Ratzel 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 (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow during the whole 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site,  stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 6 – Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation: 10,000 to 5,400ft (3048 to 1646m)
Distance: 6 mi (10 km)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

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). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.

DAY 7 – Departure

If your time in Africa ends today, our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked a safari with us, or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure.