6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route with Summit

Six days of steady ascent through five ecosystems to the crater rim

A 6-day guided climb of Kilimanjaro via the Machame route from Moshi, ascending from rainforest through moorland and semi-desert to the summit. The route approaches from the southwest, crosses the Shira Plateau, passes Lava Tower, scales the Great Barranco Wall, and descends via the Mweka Trail. Professional guides, all park fees, meals and accommodation at mountain camps are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Moshi to Machame gate

• Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate
• Walk through rainforest to Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Hike ascending path to Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Hike ridge towards Lava Tower
• Descend to Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• Climb Barranco Wall
• Cross Karanga Valley
• Hike to Barafu Camp

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

• Ascend to summit starting midnight
• Rest at Stella Point and view sunrise

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

• Descend to Mweka Park Gate
• Receive summit certificates
• Drive back to hotel in Moshi

The experience

The Machame route is steeper and more scenic than the standard Marangu path, rewarding the extra effort with views of the Shira Plateau and a traverse beneath Kilimanjaro's southern ice field. The first day climbs 1,200 meters through rainforest on a muddy, winding trail to Machame Camp. Gaiters and trekking poles help here. The second day continues upward across a rocky ridge into moorland, reaching Shira Camp at 3,850 meters. Day three includes an optional scramble up Lava Tower (the "Shark's Tooth" at 4,650 meters) before descending to Barranco Camp: a crucial acclimatization day that ends at roughly the same elevation where it began.

Day four tackles the steep Barranco Wall and climbs through the Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp at 4,700 meters, completing the South Circuit and opening views of the summit ahead. On day five, you depart between midnight and 2 a.m. for the final push, ascending through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most demanding stretch physically and mentally, but faster hikers may reach the summit itself and watch the sunrise from the top. The final day descends through forest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate and return to your hotel in Moshi by vehicle (about 60 minutes).

Professional guides lead the climb in English, Spanish, French or German. A chef and cook prepare meals at each camp. The route suits trekkers with some hiking or backpacking experience. It is steeper and more technical than easier alternatives, but the varied terrain and strong acclimatization schedule make it one of the best options for reaching the summit. Minimum age is 16.

What’s included

• Professional guides in English, Spanish, French or German.
• chef and cook.
• all park fees and taxes.
• breakfast, lunch and dinner at mountain camps.
• accommodation at Kilimanjaro campsites.
• hotel pickup and return transport from Moshi.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 to 85 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Spirit of Kilimanjaro

Is this one for you?Choose this route if you have some trekking experience and want the best balance of acclimatization and scenery. The Machame's varied terrain and steady daily climbs prepare your body for summit night better than steeper alternatives.

Traveler reviews

4.97★★★★★★★★★★

32 verified traveler reviews

5 ★31

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and German.

What is the Machame route known for compared to other Kilimanjaro paths?

The Machame route is nicknamed the "Whiskey" route because it is more difficult and expensive than the Marangu route, but it offers better acclimatization and more varied scenery, including views of the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, the Great Barranco Wall, and the southern ice field.

How much elevation gain happens on each day of the climb?

Day one climbs 1,220 meters to Machame Camp; day two gains 800 meters to Shira Camp; day three stays roughly level (important for acclimatization) while covering 10 kilometers; day four climbs 700 meters to Barafu Camp; day five is the summit push starting before dawn; day six descends 1,410 meters to the gate.

What happens on summit night, and when do you start?

You depart Barafu Camp between midnight and 2 a.m. and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim, a mentally and physically demanding stretch that takes most of the night. Faster hikers may reach the summit itself and watch the sunrise from the top.

What meals and accommodation are provided during the trek?

A professional chef and cook prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner at each mountain camp. You sleep in tents at Kilimanjaro campsites on nights one through five, then return to your hotel in Moshi on the final night.

Do I need hiking experience to climb the Machame route?

The route is considered difficult and is better suited for trekkers with some hiking or backpacking experience. It is steeper and more technical than easier alternatives, though it is suitable for all physical fitness levels with proper preparation.