Mount Kilimanjaro: Machame Route climb 6 days with guide

Summary

Kilimanjaro Machame Route: 6-Day Trekking Story

You’ll trek through Kilimanjaro’s rain forest and moorland with a local guide, sleep under stars at high-altitude camps, face summit night together, and descend into lush valleys again — all with meals included and pickup from Moshi. Expect tough climbs, honest laughter, and moments you’ll remember long after your boots are clean again.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — boots squelching in the mud as we left Machame Gate, rain forest pressing in close and green. Our guide, Joseph, grinned at my awkward gaiters (I’d put them on backwards) and told us stories about his childhood in Moshi. The air smelled like wet earth and something sweet I couldn’t place. By the time we reached Machame Camp, my legs were jelly and my hair was full of mist. But honestly? I felt weirdly proud just to have made it through that first day.

Day two was all about climbing out of the forest into moorland — heather everywhere, soft underfoot, and clouds drifting so low you could almost touch them. Joseph pointed out Shira Peak far off in the haze; I tried to act like I wasn’t already tired after only a few hours. Lunch was simple but tasted amazing up there (maybe hunger is the best spice). There’s this moment when you look back down at where you started and realize how far up you’ve come — it hit me then, somewhere between Shira Camp and Lava Tower.

I won’t lie: summit night is brutal. We left Barafu Camp around midnight, headlamps bobbing in a line like fireflies. My water bottle froze solid by Stella Point, and every step felt heavier than the last. Joseph kept checking on us quietly — just a hand on my shoulder or a “pole pole” whispered when I started to rush. Sunrise at Uhuru Peak didn’t feel real at first; orange light spilling over glaciers, everyone too tired to cheer much but grinning anyway. On the way down to Mweka Camp my knees nearly gave out but somehow laughter came easier — maybe relief or just exhaustion.

Back in Moshi, after six days on the mountain, everything felt louder and brighter — showers never felt so good. Even now I catch myself remembering little things: the taste of hot tea at camp, or how Joseph sang Swahili songs when we were too tired to talk. If you’re thinking about a 6-day Kilimanjaro climbing tour via Machame route… well, it’s hard but worth every muddy boot and sore muscle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moshi to Machame Camp

• Drive Moshi to Machame Gate
• Hike through rainforest to Machame Camp

Day 2 — Machame to Shira Camp

• Hike from Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Day 3 — Shira to Barranco Camp

• Hike from Shira Camp to Lava Tower
• Continue to Barranco Camp

Day 4 — Barranco to Barafu Camp

• Hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Continue to Barafu Camp

Day 5 — Summit Day and Descent

• Summit Kilimanjaro from Barafu Camp
• Descend to Mweka Camp

Day 6 — Mweka Camp to Moshi

• Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
• Drive back to Moshi

Top questions

How long does the 6-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route take?

The tour lasts six days from Moshi to Moshi, including all trekking days and return transport.

Is hotel pickup included for this Kilimanjaro climbing tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Moshi is included at both the start and end of the trek.

What kind of physical fitness do I need for this trek?

You should have at least moderate fitness; some days involve long hikes at high altitude.

Are meals provided during the climb?

Yes, all meals are included during your six-day trek along the Machame Route.

Is this route wheelchair accessible?

The transportation options are wheelchair accessible but the mountain trail itself is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Where do we sleep during the trek?

You’ll stay overnight at designated campsites along the Machame Route each night.

How cold does it get on summit night?

Temperatures can drop well below freezing near Uhuru Peak during summit night; warm layers are essential.

What’s included

Your 6-day journey includes hotel pickup in Moshi, all park entry fees for Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, overnight stays at mountain campsites with meals provided daily, guidance from an experienced local guide throughout the trek, and return transport back to your hotel after descending from Mweka Village.