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Machame Route 6 Days
Conquer Africa's Highest Peak • Challenging Adventure • Scenic Beauty
Package overview
Experience the scenic Machame Route through 5 diverse climatic zones, from rainforest to ice-capped summit.
- Duration
- 6 Days / 5 Nights
Day-by-day itinerary
Location: Moshi Hotel
Airport transfer from Kilimanjaro or Arusha. Pre-trek briefing, equipment review, and preparation for your mountain adventure.
6,000 ft → 9,950 ft | 11 km | 5-6 hrs
Ascend through lush rainforest on winding trail up ridge. Muddy sections require gaiters and trekking poles. Arrive at Machame Camp for your first night on the mountain.
9,950 ft → 12,600 ft | 5 km | 4-5 hrs
Leave rainforest and ascend steep rocky ridge. Cross valley, traverse river gorge to reach Shira Camp on the plateau. Great acclimatization opportunity.
12,600 ft → 13,000 ft | 10 km | 5-6 hrs
Ascend ridge past Kibo peak junction to Lava Tower ("Shark's Tooth"). Walk high, sleep low strategy. Descend to Barranco Camp for crucial acclimatization.
13,000 ft → 15,350 ft | 9 km | 6-8 hrs
Tackle the steep Barranco Wall. Traverse Karanga Valley, connect with Mweka Trail. Complete South Circuit with stunning summit views ahead. Sleep at Barafu Camp base.
15,350 ft → 19,340 ft → 10,150 ft | 18 km | 10-13 hrs
Depart midnight. Climb through scree to Stella Point for sunrise, then snow ascent to Uhuru Peak (Africa's highest point!). Descend to Mweka Camp. Most challenging and rewarding day.
10,150 ft → 5,500 ft | 10 km | 3-4 hrs
Final descent through forest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate. Return to Moshi hotel. Celebrate your achievement!
What's included
Included
- Professional, experienced mountain guides.
- All porters and cook salaries
- All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Waterproof 4-season mountain tents
- Sleeping mattress & emergency sleeping bag rental
- All park & conservation fees
- All mountain transfers (Moshi ↔ Gates)
- Clean purified drinking water
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- Summit certificate
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips & gratuities for guides/porters
- 5% online payment surcharge (if using card)
Pricing and booking terms
Frequently asked questions
Machame is considered a challenging route, suited for trekkers with hiking or backpacking experience. It's physically demanding with steep sections, high altitude, and challenging terrain. However, the 6-day itinerary provides excellent acclimatization. If you're fit and determined, you can succeed. We recommend prior cardio fitness (running, cycling) and hiking experience.
The success rate on Machame is approximately 65-70%, depending on fitness level and acclimatization. The 6-day route has a higher success rate than 5-day options because of the extra acclimatization day. Altitude sickness is the main challenge, not physical fitness. Our guides are trained to monitor your condition and make safe decisions.
Yes, altitude sickness affects 50% of trekkers above 3,000m. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue. The 6-day Machame route with the "walk high, sleep low" strategy minimizes risk. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen. Carry altitude medication (consult doctor). Our guides monitor all trekkers and have oxygen available.
8+ days before trek: No cancellation fees. 0-7 days before: 50% of total price charged as penalty. Trek can be postponed to any new date with no extra cost. The 5% online payment surcharge is non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation.
