The Kilimanjaro 6 days Machame route is the highest rated route on Kilimanjaro Mountain. Join the nest Kilimanjaro safari tours using 6 days Machame route Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro climbing. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary.
6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE OVERVIEW
The 6 days Machame route is a popular trekking route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. It is known for its scenic beauty and relatively high success rate in terms of reaching the summit. The route is named after the Machame village, located near the base of the mountain.
The 6 days machame route trek covers a distance of approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) and takes six days to complete, allowing for acclimatization to the high altitude. The trail starts from the southern side of the mountain and ascends through a variety of terrain, including dense rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
The Machame route is considered a moderately difficult trek, with steep and rocky sections that require some scrambling. However, it does not require technical climbing skills, making it accessible to most fit and healthy hikers. The route is often recommended for those who have some previous trekking experience and are looking for a challenging but rewarding adventure.
DAY 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The drive from Moshi to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village called Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We’ll 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 to Machame Camp.
DAY 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley 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
From the Shira Plateau, we continue hiking to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue climbing, our direction changes to the South East 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. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000ft. 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
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue hiking 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 climbing 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 make 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 Camp
Here’s a brief overview of the best full day-by-day Marangu route 6 days itinerary on the Kilimanjaro climb: Day 1: Marangu gate to Mandara hut;
Day 2: Mandara hut to Horombo hut;
Day 3: Acclimatization day at Horombo hut;
Day 4: Horombo hut to Kibo hut;
Day 5: Kibo hut to Summit, then to Horombo hut;
Day 6: Horombo hut to Marangu gate, then to Moshi or Arusha.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Rising: 2,740 m Stretch: 7 km Hiking time: 4-7 hours Climatic habitat: Montane forest Shelter: Mandara Hut Meals: L, D After registration at Marangu Gate, you will start the trek through the rainforest to reach Mandara Hut at an altitude of 2,740 meters.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Kilimanjaro Horombo Hut
Rising: 3,700 m Stretch: 11 km Hiking time: 6-8 hours Climatic habitat: Moorland Shelter: Horombo Hut Shelter: Meals: B, L, D Continue trekking through the moorland and heather zones to reach Horombo Hut at 3,700 meters, which takes around 5–6 hours.
Day 3: Acclimatization day at Horombo Hut
Rising: 12,205ft to 14,160ft to 12,205ft Stretch: 10 km Hiking time: 3-4 hours Climatic habitat: Habitat: heath Shelter: Meals: B, L and D Spend a day resting and acclimatizing at Horombo Hut. You can take a short hike from Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Hut, then back to Horombo Hut to enjoy dinner and enjoy the scenery.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Rising: 12,205ft to 15,430ft Stretch: 10 km Hiking time: 6-8 hours Climatic habitat: Alpine desert Shelter: Meals: B, L and D Climb to Kibo Hut at an altitude of 4,703 meters. This is a steep ascent through the alpine desert zone.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Rising: 15,430ft to 19,341ft to 12,205ft Stretch: 22 km Hiking time: 12-13 hours Climatic habitat: Arctic Shelter: Meals: B, L & D Start the ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, around midnight. It takes approximately 6-7 hours to reach the summit, with the goal of arriving in time for sunrise. After summiting, descend to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.
Day 6: Horombo Huts to Marangu gate
Descend: 12,205ft to 6,046ft Stretch: 20 km Hiking time: 5-7 hours Climatic habitat: Rain forest Descend through the forest to Marangu Gate, where you will receive your certificate of achievement for reaching the summit.
Package all inclusive:
- Park fees
- Guide
- Tax
- Gate transfer
- Crew wages
- Environment fees
- Meal: 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, and drinking water
- Cook
- Porters
Package exclusive:
- Flights
- Visas
- Tipping the crew
