6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour Package

This package is ideal for trekkers looking for a more physically demanding experience, with a balance between a reasonable pace and adequate acclimatization time. With an estimated summit success rate of about 85%, the Machame Route offers a higher chance of success compared to shorter routes. The journey is challenging, but the rewards of reaching Uhuru Peak make every step worthwhile.

Overview of the 6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour

The 6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Package covers approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) from the Machame Gate to the summit and back. This route is known for its "climb high, sleep low" strategy, which enhances acclimatization by ascending to higher altitudes during the day and descending to lower elevations to sleep. This approach is highly effective in reducing the risk of altitude sickness, a common challenge when climbing Kilimanjaro.

The Machame Route is more demanding than the Marangu Route, with steeper paths and longer hiking days. However, it offers spectacular views, including the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco Wall, providing a rich and varied experience. While the 6-day itinerary is more challenging than the 7-day option, it is a perfect choice for those with a good level of fitness who want to maximize their chances of reaching the summit in a shorter time frame.

Detailed Schedule of the 6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

• Altitude: 870 meters (2,850 feet)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: Dinner

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After settling in, you will meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing, where you'll learn about the itinerary, safety procedures, and what to expect on the trail. This is your chance to ask any last-minute questions and ensure you're fully prepared for the climb.

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Starting Altitude: 1,800 meters (5,905 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 2,835 meters (9,300 feet)
• Distance: 11 kilometers (7 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Machame Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Machame Gate, the starting point of the climb. Following registration, you'll begin the trek through the dense rainforest, where you might encounter wildlife such as Colobus monkeys and exotic birds. The trail is often muddy and can be slippery, so trekking poles are recommended. The day's hike ends at Machame Camp, where you'll enjoy your first night on the mountain.

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Starting Altitude: 2,835 meters (9,300 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 3,750 meters (12,300 feet)
• Distance: 5 kilometers (3 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Accommodation: Shira Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins with a steep ascent out of the rainforest and into the moorland. The trail becomes more open, offering panoramic views of the mountain. You'll traverse the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert that was once a volcanic crater. Shira Camp is located on the western side of Kibo, and from here, you can enjoy stunning sunsets and views of Mount Meru in the distance.

Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower, then Barranco Camp

• Starting Altitude: 3,750 meters (12,300 feet)
• Highest Altitude (Lava Tower): 4,630 meters (15,190 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 3,900 meters (12,800 feet)
• Distance: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Semi-Desert
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s hike is crucial for acclimatization as you ascend to Lava Tower, a rocky outcrop at 4,630 meters. This is the highest point you'll reach before descending to Barranco Camp. The day’s mantra is "climb high, sleep low," which helps your body adapt to the altitude. Although this day can be challenging, the diverse landscapes, including the striking Lava Tower and the scenic Barranco Valley, make it one of the most memorable days on the Machame Route.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• Starting Altitude: 3,900 meters (12,800 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 4,673 meters (15,331 feet)
• Distance: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins with a challenging climb up the Barranco Wall, a 257-meter (843-foot) rock face that requires some scrambling. Despite its intimidating appearance, the wall is manageable and offers spectacular views once you reach the top. The trail then winds through the Karanga Valley before making a final push to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit. You'll have an early dinner and rest before the summit attempt, which begins around midnight.

Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Descend to Mweka Camp

• Starting Altitude: 4,673 meters (15,331 feet)
• Summit Altitude: 5,895 meters (19,341 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 3,068 meters (10,065 feet)
• Distance (Ascent): 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)
• Distance (Descent): 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 5-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic Zone
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The summit attempt begins just after midnight. The climb to Stella Point (5,756 meters) is steep and slow, with freezing temperatures and thin air. From Stella Point, you’ll continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you’ll begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi

• Starting Altitude: 3,068 meters (10,065 feet)
• Ending Altitude: 1,640 meters (5,380 feet)
• Distance: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The final day’s hike takes you through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll complete your trek and receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi, where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved celebration.

Day 8: Departure

• Meals: Breakfast

Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time to explore Moshi or purchase souvenirs before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.

Package Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

• Professional Mountain Guides: Certified and experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the Machame Route and altitude acclimatization.
• Porters and Cook: Porters to carry your equipment and a cook to prepare meals during the trek.
• Accommodation: 2 nights in Moshi (before and after the climb), 5 nights in mountain camps on the Machame Route.
• Meals: All meals during the trek and breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your stay in Moshi.
• Park Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
• Transport: Round-trip transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi and to the Machame Gate.
• Drinking Water: Treated water throughout the climb.
• Summit Certificate: Official Kilimanjaro certificate upon successful completion of the climb.

Exclusions

• International and Domestic Flights: Flights to and from Tanzania.
• Travel Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
• Personal Gear: Climbing gear, such as boots, clothing, and sleeping bags. These can be rented upon request.
• Tips for Guides, Porters, and Cook: Tips are not included in the package but are customary and greatly appreciated.
• Visa Fees: Tanzanian visa fees are not included and must be obtained before arrival.
• Additional Accommodation: Extra nights in Moshi or elsewhere in Tanzania before or after the climb.

How the Machame Route Differs from Other Routes

The Machame Route is distinct from other Kilimanjaro routes in several key ways:

1. Scenery and Terrain: The Machame Route is renowned for its diverse landscapes, offering trekkers a rich variety of environments, including rainforests, moorlands, high deserts, and glaciers. This variety makes it one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro. The route is more challenging than the Marangu Route, with steeper trails and longer trekking days. However, these challenges are offset by the stunning views and the "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization strategy.

2. Acclimatization: The Machame Route’s design helps with acclimatization by allowing trekkers to ascend to higher altitudes during the day and descend to lower altitudes for sleep. This method is highly effective in reducing the risk of altitude sickness. The 6-day Machame Route has a summit success rate of around 85%, making it more favorable than the 5-day Marangu Route but slightly less so than the 7-day Machame option, which offers even better acclimatization.

3. Physical Demands: The Machame Route is physically more demanding than the Marangu and Rongai Routes, requiring trekkers to be in good physical condition. The route includes steep sections, such as the Barranco Wall, which involves some scrambling.

4. Group Size and Experience: The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro, which means you’ll likely encounter more trekkers on this path. This can create a more social atmosphere, but it may also mean more crowded campsites.

Drawbacks

• Crowds: Due to its popularity, the Machame Route can be crowded, especially during the high trekking season (June to October and December to February).
• Steep Sections: The route’s steepness can be challenging, particularly for those who are not well-prepared physically. The ascent to Lava Tower and the climb up the Barranco Wall are particularly demanding.

Join the Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure

The 6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Package is an excellent choice for trekkers seeking a challenging and rewarding adventure. With its diverse landscapes, effective acclimatization strategy, and high summit success rate, the Machame Route offers a comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience. While the route is more physically demanding than others, the breathtaking scenery and the sense of accomplishment at reaching Uhuru Peak make it a journey of a lifetime.

For those with limited time or looking for a less demanding climb, the 5-day Marangu Route offers a quicker, easier ascent, though with a lower success rate. However, if you're up for the challenge and want to maximize your chances of reaching the summit, the 6-Day Machame Route is the ideal choice.

Book your 6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Package today and embark on an unforgettable journey to the roof of Africa!