6 Days Machame trek
Trek Overview
The 6-day Machame Route is known for its stunning scenery and diverse landscapes. It is a popular choice for climbers who want a more challenging trek on Kilimanjaro. Starting from the southwest side of the mountain, this route offers a variety of environments, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. It also provides great acclimatization opportunities, which helps increase your chances of reaching the summit.
Detailed Itinerary
On your arrival day, you will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and taken to your hotel in Moshi. Depending on your time of arrival, you can rest and relax or have a briefing about Kilimanjaro and gears check with your mountain guide. This will give you a chance to make final preparations before beginning your adventure the next day.
Highlight: Trek through lush rainforest.
Begin your adventure at Machame Gate, located at 1,495 meters (4,905 feet). After registration, start hiking through the dense rainforest filled with vibrant birdlife, playful monkeys, and a variety of unique plants. The trail winds up through towering fig trees and alongside cascading waterfalls. After a 5-6 hour hike, you will arrive at Machame Camp at 2,835 meters (9,301 feet) for your first night on the mountain.
Highlight: Transition from rainforest to the Shira Plateau.
Today, emerge from the rainforest and enter the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude volcanic landscape. The trail ascends steeply, offering views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding mountains. You will see the environment change from dense forest to heath and moorland, with hardy plants like giant heathers and lobelias. The trek covers about 5-6 hours, reaching Shira Camp at 3,750 meters (12,303 feet) for an overnight stay.
Highlight: Acclimatization hike and views of Barranco Wall.
Today’s hike helps your body acclimatize to the higher altitude as you move through semi-desert terrain. The route climbs to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,920 meters (12,861 feet). This “climb high, sleep low” approach is perfect for acclimatization. The trek lasts about 7-8 hours and ends at the base of the Barranco Wall, offering a preview of tomorrow’s challenge.
Highlight: Climb the Barranco Wall and head straight to Barafu.
Begin the day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that is both challenging and rewarding. With the support of your guides, you’ll navigate this dramatic ascent, taking in breathtaking views of the Barranco Valley below. After a short break, continue the trek, bypassing Karanga Camp and heading directly to Barafu Camp at 4,600 meters (15,089 feet). This 7-8 hour trek prepares you for the summit attempt. Once at Barafu, rest and get ready for the final climb.
Highlight: Reach the summit of Kilimanjaro and descend.
Begin the final push to the summit around midnight. With headlamps lighting your way, you’ll ascend through the darkness over rocky terrain. The climb is challenging, but reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa, is an unforgettable experience. After celebrating at the top, you’ll begin the descent to Mweka Camp at 3,080 meters (10,105 feet), covering a total of 12-14 hours of trekking today.
Highlight: Complete your Kilimanjaro journey.
The final leg of the trek takes you down through the rainforest, retracing your steps from the first day. This 3-4 hour hike ends at Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate and celebrate your success with your fellow trekkers and guides. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest views and reflect on the incredible achievement of conquering Kilimanjaro.
Pricing
| # of People | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Days Machame Trek | $3,240 | $2,650 | $2,450 | $2,350 | $2,250 | $2,200 | $2,100 |
Price Includes
- Professional mountain guides
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Transport to and from the park gate
- Salaries for guides, cooks, and porters
- Portable oxygen tanks
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Kilimanjaro trekking certificate for successful summit
Price Excludes
- Flights to and from Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Personal gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing)
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
- Additional accommodation before and after the trek
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Why Machame route?
Best time for Machame route
Seasonal Advice:
The best time to trek the Machame Route is during the dry seasons, which are from late June to October and from December to February. These months offer the best weather conditions, with clearer skies and a lower chance of rain, making for a more enjoyable climb.
Accommodation in Machame
Machame campsites offer a comfortable and unique camping experience on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite being basic, the campsites provide essential amenities like walk-in tents, camp beds, portable toilets, and mess tents. Enjoy stunning mountain views, relax in a peaceful atmosphere, and recharge after a long day of trekking. Remember to pack warm clothing, a headlamp, and respect the environment.
Machame Expert Advice
The Machame Route is ideal for trekkers who are looking for a scenic and varied climb with good acclimatization opportunities. To increase your chances of reaching the summit, take it slow and stay hydrated. Consider the 7-day option over the 6-day to give your body more time to adjust to the altitude. Trekking poles can also be helpful for the steep sections, especially during the descent. Finally, be prepared for all types of weather and pack layers to stay comfortable
Popular machame FAQS
The Machame Route is considered moderately difficult to challenging. It involves steep ascents and longer trekking days, making it best suited for trekkers with some prior hiking experience.
The best time to climb the Machame Route is during the dry seasons, from late June to October and from December to February. These periods offer more stable weather, clearer skies, and a more enjoyable trekking experience.
Essential gear includes a good-quality sleeping bag, waterproof clothing, layered clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a daypack. Your tour operator usually provides camping equipment, but personal gear is your responsibility.
The Machame Route is approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) long and typically takes 7 days to complete. This includes six days of trekking and one day for the summit attempt.
Accommodations on the Machame Route are in mountain tents provided by your trekking company. You’ll camp at designated sites along the route, with basic but necessary facilities available.
The Machame Route is popular, so it can be busy, especially during the peak trekking seasons. However, its longer duration and diverse trails help distribute trekkers along the way, so it doesn’t feel overly crowded.
The success rate for reaching the summit via the Machame Route is high, with about 85-90% of trekkers making it to the top. This is largely due to the route’s gradual ascent and excellent acclimatization profile.
Trivia About Machame
Bill Clinton – 2005: The former U.S. President climbed to raise awareness for global health issues.
Mia Farrow – 2009: The actress and activist climbed to support humanitarian efforts, especially for children in Darfur.
Mikhail Gorbachev – 2002: The former Soviet leader climbed to promote environmental awareness.
Megan Fox – 2010: The actress climbed to raise awareness for global health and environmental issues.
Richard Branson – 2010: The entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group climbed to raise funds for charity.
Youngest Climber:
The youngest person to successfully climb Kilimanjaro is Mikayla McGowan, who reached the summit at the age of 7 in 2010.
Oldest Climber:
The oldest person to climb Kilimanjaro is Anne Lorimor, who summited at the age of 89 in 2019.
Fastest Climb:
The fastest ascent of Kilimanjaro is held by Kilian Jornet, who completed it in just under 7 hours in 2010.
Lemosho Route:
This route starts further west and can connect with the Machame Route on the way to the summit.
Shira Route:
This route also begins in the west and intersects with the Machame Route, providing stunning views.
Umbwe Route:
This is a more challenging route that can join the Machame Route as climbers approach the summit.
Kilimanjaro Packing Essentials
- Warm gear
- Waterproof gear
- Hiking attire
- Personal items
- Documents