← All Kilimanjaro RoutesCamping · compressed schedule

6-Day Machame

Forest, plateau and the southern circuit in a shorter schedule, combining Karanga and Barafu into one day.

Altitude5,895M
LocationKilimanjaro, Tanzania
Duration6 Trekking Days
Experience NeededRegular Mountain Walking
Fitness LevelVery Strenuous
Guided ByInternational Mountain Leader & Local Guides
SeasonJanuary–March & June–October

Allow 8 days in Tanzania including arrival and departure. This is a compressed schedule with fewer altitude-adjustment opportunities; discuss your experience with us before choosing it.

Machame route schematic showing the approach, summit and descent
Your Route

Machame: The Journey

A supported camping trek with a separate route down after the summit attempt.

  • Start: Machame Gate
  • Key stops: Machame · Shira · Barranco · Barafu
  • Finish: Mweka Gate
Explore The Itinerary
Altitude at a glance Approximate camp heights, with summit high point
6,000m1,500mD1D2D3D4SummitD5Exit
The Route

Day By Day

The days below count time on the mountain. Arrive in Moshi the day before for your briefing and kit check; depart after your post-trek hotel night. Camps and timings remain subject to conditions and the guide’s assessment.

Times and elevations are approximate. + means ascent and − means descent. Values marked net compare the start and end of the walking stage; they exclude the extra ups and downs along the trail. Travel by flight, road or lift is excluded from walking elevation figures. Flexible days are set by the leader.

DAY 1

Machame Gate → Machame Camp

Overview

Walk through the forest from Machame Gate, with a steady climb to the first camp. Keep waterproofs close and settle into an unhurried walking rhythm.

Today’s Objective

Reach Machame Camp through the rainforest.

Approx. Time
6–7 hours
Elevation Change
+1,200m net
High Point / Reference
Machame Camp · approx. 3,021m
Overnight
Machame Camp · approx. 3,021m
View towards Mount Meru from Machame Hut
View towards Mount Meru from Machame Hut
DAY 2

Machame Camp → Shira Camp

Overview

The trees give way to open heath as the trail climbs towards the Shira Plateau. The ground is steeper in places, with broader views as you gain height.

Today’s Objective

Leave the forest for the Shira Plateau.

Approx. Time
5–6 hours
Elevation Change
+810m net
High Point / Reference
Shira Camp · approx. 3,830m
Overnight
Shira Camp · approx. 3,830m
Shira Plateau on the approach to Shira 2
Shira Plateau on the approach to Shira 2
DAY 3

Shira → Lava Tower → Barranco

Overview

Cross the open upper slopes towards Lava Tower before descending into the Barranco valley. Today takes you higher than your sleeping camp, adding an important stage to the altitude build-up.

Today’s Objective

Cross towards Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco.

Approx. Time
6–8 hours
Elevation Change
+130m net
High Point / Reference
Lava Tower · approx. 4,600m
Overnight
Barranco Camp · approx. 3,960m
Approach to Lava Tower, Kilimanjaro
Approach to Lava Tower, Kilimanjaro
DAY 4

Barranco → Karanga → Barafu

Overview

Climb the Barranco Wall, cross the Karanga valley and continue to Barafu in one demanding stage. This shorter itinerary omits the Karanga overnight, leaving less recovery before summit night.

Today’s Objective

Cross the wall and Karanga valley to Barafu in one stage.

Approx. Time
7–8 hours
Elevation Change
+680m net; repeated climbs and descents
High Point / Reference
Barafu · approx. 4,640m
Overnight
Barafu Camp · approx. 4,640m
Karanga Camp, Kilimanjaro
Karanga Camp, Kilimanjaro
DAY 5

Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Millennium

Overview

Start in darkness for the long ascent to Stella Point and, if conditions and your guide’s assessment allow, Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. Descend via Barafu to Millennium Camp.

Today’s Objective

Attempt Uhuru Peak and descend via Barafu to Millennium.

Approx. Time
12–15 hours
Elevation Change
Approx. +1,255m / −2,105m
High Point / Reference
Uhuru Peak · 5,895m
Overnight
Millennium Camp · approx. 3,790m
Uhuru Peak summit sign on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Uhuru Peak summit sign on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
DAY 6

Millennium → Mweka Gate

Overview

Continue down through the forest to Mweka Gate. Complete the park exit formalities and transfer to Moshi for a shower, a proper rest and a final evening together.

Today’s Objective

Finish the trek at Mweka Gate, then return to Moshi.

Approx. Time
5–7 hours
Elevation Change
−2,160m net
High Point / Reference
Start: Millennium · approx. 3,790m
Overnight
Hotel in Moshi
Rainforest on the Mweka descent
Rainforest on the Mweka descent

Make time for the descent. The summit stage is the longest effort, followed by a substantial return to lower ground. Prepare for repeated walking days, cold mornings and a night-time start.

Your Trip

What’s Included

These are the arrangements we plan into the package. Your written quote confirms the full scope for your dates and group.

Included In The Package

  • Mountain guides, porters and the cooking team.
  • Park entry, route accommodation fees and park rescue fees.
  • Shared mountain tents, sleeping bags and mats.
  • Meals and treated drinking water during the trek.
  • Agreed airport and mountain-gate transfers.
  • A shared hotel room before and after the trek, with the meal plan specified in your quote.
  • Pre-trek briefing, kit check and group emergency equipment.

What’s Not Included

  • Flights, visas and personal travel insurance.
  • Tips for the mountain crew.
  • Personal clothing, boots and additional equipment hire.
  • Single-room or single-tent supplements.
  • Extra hotel nights, unlisted meals, drinks and personal spending.
  • Safari or beach extensions and additional private transfers.

A park rescue fee is not personal rescue insurance. Private toilet arrangements, baggage allowances and any extra hire are itemised in your quote.

Season & Pricing

Indicative Prices From £1,726 Per Person

Typical season: January–March & June–October. Subject to weather, mountain conditions and route availability.

A planning guide for a shared trip, subject to a confirmed SOOM quote. Group size, dates, accommodation and extras affect the final cost. Request a confirmed quote and booking details.

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Prices confirmed on enquiry. Published prices are indicative. Hut availability, routes, permits, transport and other associated costs can change after publication. Your written quote confirms the final price, itinerary, inclusions and exclusions for your dates and group.

Get In Touch

Ask About 6-Day Machame

Typical season: January–March & June–October, subject to conditions. Ask about availability and your confirmed quote.

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