Climbing Kilimanjaro: The Machame Route
Machame Route · Tanzania

Climbing
Kilimanjaro

Summit 5,895 m
Duration 6 days
Total Distance 62 km
Difficulty Challenging
Price From $1,950
Start Machame Gate
Style The most popular route
Summit Uhuru Peak, 5,895m

6 days · Private Trek

Day-by-day itinerary

The Journey

Six days to the roof of Africa

Discover the 6-day Kilimanjaro Machame route, the mountain's most popular itinerary, featuring breathtaking landscapes and a rewarding ascent—from tropical rainforest to the Roof of Africa.

What's included
  • Professional guides, porters, and cook
  • Full board and purified water
  • High-quality camping equipment
  • Park entrance fees and transfers
  • Safety equipment: Oxygen and medical kit
What's excluded
  • International flights
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Personal hiking gear
  • Pre- and post-trek accommodation
  • Crew gratuities/tips
From
1,950$
per person (6-day trek) This price is an estimate. All our treks are 100% tailor-made.

Ready to Reach
the Summit?

Our experts are at your disposal to shape your bespoke Kilimanjaro expedition.

Book your expedition
Day 01

Start of
the Trek

After completing formalities at Machame Gate (1,490m), you venture into one of the world's most beautiful tropical rainforests. The ascent is gradual, and the trail can be muddy in places, alive with the sound of bird calls and ancient, moss-draped trees.

Distance 11 km
Duration 5–7 h
Altitude 1490m → 2980m
Tent camping · Machame Camp
Kilimanjaro tropical rainforest
Camp Machame
Day 02

Trek to
Shira Plateau

The day begins with a steeper climb out of the forest into the moorland zone. You reach the spectacular Shira Plateau, rewarded with magnificent views of Mount Meru rising above the clouds and the icy crown of Kibo in the distance.

Distance 5 km
Duration 4–6 h
Altitude 2980m → 3840m
Tent camping · Shira Camp
Shira Plateau on Kilimanjaro
Camp Shira
Day 03

Acclimatization

An essential "climb high, sleep low" day. You ascend to the iconic Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch before descending toward the impressive Barranco Wall—a striking reminder of Kilimanjaro's volcanic past.

Distance 10 km
Duration 6–8 h
Altitude ↑4630m then ↓3950m
Tent camping · Barranco Camp
Lava Tower on Kilimanjaro
Camp Barranco
Day 04

Base
Camp

After scaling the Barranco Wall—a passage that requires the use of hands with breathtaking exposure—the trail winds through wild alpine valleys toward Barafu base camp. Rest now: the final ascent begins at midnight.

Distance 9 km
Duration 6–8 h
Altitude 3950m → 4550m
Tent camping · Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp on Kilimanjaro
Camp Barafu
Day 05

The
Summit

Depart in the cold darkness of midnight for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. Watching the sunrise ignite the ancient glaciers from the Roof of Africa is a moment that redefines your notion of what is possible. Afterward, the long, triumphant descent to Mweka Camp.

Distance 17 km
Duration 10–14 h
Altitude ↑5895m then ↓3100m
Tent camping · Mweka Camp
Sunrise at Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro summit
Summit Uhuru Peak
Day 06

Celebration

A final hike through the lush tropical rainforest brings you back to Mweka Gate. Receive your hard-earned summit certificate, bid warm farewells to your team, and savor the well-deserved luxury of a hot shower at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Distance 10 km
Duration 3–4 h
Altitude 3100m → 1980m
Hotel night · Moshi / Arusha
Final descent at Mweka Gate
Gate Mweka

Ready to reach
the summit?

Our experts are at your disposal to shape your bespoke experience on Kilimanjaro.

Book your expedition

Essential Knowledge

Preparing your ascent

When to go

What is the
Ideal Time?

JFMAM JJASOND

The magic of Kilimanjaro is best captured during the dry windows. We recommend the months of January to March or June to October for optimal visibility.

Essential Knowledge

Preparing
Your Ascent

Technical gear and equipment

Equipment is your primary protection. We recommend a layering system (3 layers) combining breathability and waterproofing, as well as a -15°C comfort sleeping bag for high-altitude nights.

Health and altitude protocol

The climb is an endurance effort. Constant hydration, slow walking ("pole-pole"), and gradual acclimatization are the pillars of your success. Consult a specialized doctor 6 weeks before your departure.

Formalities and entry

Peace of mind starts before the flight. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return. Applying for an e-Visa via the official portal guarantees a smooth arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport.

Our Commitment

Your Safety is
Our Legacy

Beyond the climb, we care for every detail to ensure your adventure is as safe as it is breathtaking. Excellence is not a choice, but our standard.
⛑️

Certified medical experts

Accompanying you are wilderness first-responder guides trained in high-altitude protocols.

💨

Oxygen protocol

Emergency oxygen system available instantly for your respiratory comfort.

📡

Global connectivity

Permanent satellite communication and real-time tracking for total peace of mind.

🍲

Nutritional mastery

High-energy menus and rigorous water purification processes ensuring your vitality.

Ready to Defy the Summit?

Our experts are at your disposal to shape your bespoke experience on Kilimanjaro. Start your adventure with a personalized conversation.

Receive a personalized quote

We are dedicated to help you complete your bucket list in Tanzania. Explore the wildlife and climb Kilimanjaro with us.

Address

POV BOX 96 Marangu, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Phone

Email