Machame Camp
Tented camp
Rainforest edge, 3,010m
All Kilimanjaro routes
Machame Route
6 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route
The compressed Machame itinerary for fit trekkers who already have altitude experience and limited time.
6 days / 5 nights80% summit successHardFrom $2,100 pp
Route overview
Six days covers the same spectacular Machame trail but merges the Barranco and Karanga stages into one longer day. It suits climbers who have been above 4,000m before and want the shortest scenic route to Uhuru Peak.
- Same scenery as the 7-day route in one less day
- Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley in a single stage
- Ideal for experienced, well-acclimatised trekkers
- Lower park-fee cost than longer itineraries
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Moshi to Machame Camp
Registration at Machame Gate, then a rainforest trek beneath giant heather and colobus monkeys to the first camp.
- Elevation:
- 1,800m → 3,010m
- Distance:
- 11 km · 5–7 hrs
- Overnight:
- Machame Camp
- 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
A steep morning climb out of the forest onto the moorland ridge with the first full views of Kibo.
- Elevation:
- 3,010m → 3,850m
- Distance:
- 5 km · 4–6 hrs
- Overnight:
- Shira Camp
- 3
Shira to Lava Tower to Barranco
Classic climb-high sleep-low acclimatisation day via the 4,600m Lava Tower before descending into the Barranco Valley.
- Elevation:
- 3,850m → 4,600m → 3,950m
- Distance:
- 10 km · 6–8 hrs
- Overnight:
- Barranco Camp
- 4
Barranco Wall to Barafu Base Camp
A long day: the Barranco Wall scramble, the Karanga Valley and on across alpine desert to base camp.
- Elevation:
- 3,950m → 4,673m
- Distance:
- 9 km · 8–9 hrs
- Overnight:
- Barafu Camp
- 5
Summit day: Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Midnight departure for Stella Point and Uhuru Peak at sunrise, then a long descent through the moorland to Mweka.
- Elevation:
- 4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m
- Distance:
- 17 km · 12–14 hrs
- Overnight:
- Mweka Camp
- 6
Mweka Camp to Moshi
Final rainforest descent, crew tipping ceremony and summit certificates, then transfer to your hotel.
- Elevation:
- 3,100m → 1,640m
- Distance:
- 10 km · 3–4 hrs
- Overnight:
- Moshi hotel (own account)
Camps, huts and lodges
Shira Camp
Tented camp
Open moorland, 3,850m
Barranco Camp
Tented camp
Below the Barranco Wall, 3,950m
Barafu Camp
Tented base camp
Summit launch point, 4,673m
Mweka Camp
Tented camp
Upper rainforest, 3,100m
Pricing per person
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 climber | $2,500 |
| 2 climbers | $2,250 |
| 3–4 climbers | $2,100 |
| 5–6 climbers | $2,000 |
| 7+ climbers | $1,920 |
What's included
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping/hut and rescue fees
- KINAPA-licensed lead guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain plus filtered drinking water
- Quality four-season tents, sleeping mats and dining tent
- Daily pulse-oximeter health checks and emergency oxygen
- Return transfers between Moshi/Arusha and the park gate
- 18% VAT and government taxes
- Summit certificate at Uhuru Peak
Not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel and evacuation insurance (compulsory)
- Hotel nights before and after the climb
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag hire
- Tips for the mountain crew (KPAP guideline: ~$250 per climber)
- Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
Other Kilimanjaro routes
Questions before you commit to the mountain?
Talk to a Kilimanjaro specialist about fitness, gear hire and the route with the best summit odds for you.
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