6 Days Machame Route
Challenging 6-day Machame Route with excellent scenery and acclimatization.
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Route Details
Route Highlights
The 6-day Machame Route is a more challenging option that requires good fitness. It offers stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization opportunities through the "climb high, sleep low" principle.
Why Choose This Route?
Spectacular views from Shira Plateau
Difficulty Breakdown
Challenging
Strong fitness and hiking experience required
Physical Requirements
- ✓Strong fitness level
- ✓Ability to walk 8-10 hours per day
- ✓Previous hiking experience
- ✓Regular cardio and strength training
Challenges to Expect
- !Steep ascents
- !Long summit day
- !High altitude
- !Variable weather
Training Recommendations
Cardiovascular Training
- • 3-4 times per week
- • 30-60 minutes per session
- • Hiking, running, or cycling
- • Include hill training
Strength Training
- • 2-3 times per week
- • Focus on legs and core
- • Squats, lunges, step-ups
- • Build endurance
Note: Altitude affects everyone differently. Even with excellent fitness, proper acclimatization is essential. Our 6-day itinerary is designed to maximize your chances of success through gradual altitude gain.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Begin at Machame Gate (1,800m) after registration. Ascend through lush rainforest where colobus monkeys play in the canopy. The trail can be muddy but is well-maintained. Dense vegetation surrounds you as you gain altitude steadily. Arrive at Machame Camp (3,000m) on the moorland edge after 5-7 hours. The camp offers views back toward the forest and glimpses of Kibo Peak above.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Leave the rainforest and enter moorland with giant heather. The trail steepens as you climb toward Shira Plateau. Cross streams and rocky ridges with expanding views of Kilimanjaro's glaciated peak. Reach Shira Camp (3,840m) on the plateau's western edge after 4-6 hours. The camp sits on one of the world's largest high-altitude plateaus.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Critical acclimatization day - climb high to Lava Tower (4,630m), then descend to sleep lower. Trek through alpine desert toward the massive Lava Tower volcanic formation. The altitude is challenging but essential for acclimatization. After lunch at Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m) through a valley of giant senecios. End beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall after 6-8 hours.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Start with the thrilling Barranco Wall scramble - 257 meters of hands-and-feet climbing. Continue along ridges with spectacular glacier views. The trail undulates through valleys and over ridges as you work around to the southern side. This longer day combines the Karanga Valley with the climb to Barafu Camp (4,673m). Arrive at the exposed ridge camp after 8-10 hours. Rest, prepare equipment, and sleep before the midnight summit push.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Begin around midnight, climbing through darkness toward Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim. The steep scree path is demanding in the thin air. Reach Stella Point at sunrise for spectacular glacier views. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the Roof of Africa! After summit photos, descend to Barafu for brief rest, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m). This 11-15 hour day is the ultimate test.
Important Note
Significant elevation gain. Take time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Summit Day Tips
- Start very early (midnight to 2 AM)
- Dress in warm layers
- Bring headlamp with extra batteries
- Stay hydrated and maintain slow, steady pace
Final descent through montane rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). The trail can be muddy and slippery - use trekking poles. Forest comes alive with birds and monkeys. Air becomes warmer and oxygen-rich as you descend. Sign out at the gate and receive your summit certificate after 3-4 hours. Transport returns you to your hotel for celebration.
Professional Mountain Guides
Serengeti Times Luxury Safaris employs the finest talent for Kilimanjaro expeditions. Our guides and their mountain crews are true professionals who have led hundreds of successful climbs.
Seasoned mountain professionals
Wilderness First Responders
What's Included
- ✓All meals and accommodation during the trek
- ✓Professional mountain guides and porters
- ✓National park fees and climbing permits
- ✓Emergency oxygen and comprehensive first aid kit
- ✓High-quality camping equipment
- ✓Two medical check-ups daily for altitude monitoring
Route Map
Loading map...Why This Route
Spectacular views from Shira Plateau
Choose Your Perfect Duration
We offer three different itineraries for this route. Compare them below to find the best option for your fitness level and schedule.
6-Day Itinerary Details
Why Choose 6 Days?
- Fastest route option
- Good for experienced hikers
- Budget-friendly
- Less acclimatization time
Considerations
- Extra acclimatization day
- Crater camp option
- Lower success rate
Ready to book the 6-day itinerary?
Expert Tip
For first-time climbers, we strongly recommend the 7 or 8-day itinerary. The extra acclimatization time significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit and makes the experience more enjoyable. The 6-day option is better suited for experienced high-altitude trekkers.
6 Route - Summit Success Rate
We've gathered detailed statistics on all Kilimanjaro routes over the years. Here are the success rates for reaching the Crater Rim and Uhuru Peak on the 6 route.
Crater Rim
of our climbers reach the Crater Rim (5,685m / 18,652ft)
Uhuru Peak
of our climbers reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft)
Total Climbers
successful summits with Serengeti Times Luxury Safaris since 2015
Success Rates by Itinerary Duration
Based on data from thousands of our climbers
| Itinerary | Crater Rim Success | Uhuru Peak Success |
|---|---|---|
Lemosho 6-day | 85.5% | 84.1% |
Lemosho 7-dayBEST | 96.5% | 94.9% |
Lemosho 8-day | 95% | 93.8% |
Why Our Success Rates Are Higher
Optimal Acclimatization
Our itineraries are designed for maximum acclimatization, with gradual altitude gain and strategic rest days.
Experienced Guides
All our guides have 7+ years of experience and undergo regular training in wilderness first aid and high-altitude medicine.
Superior Equipment
We provide high-quality camping equipment, emergency oxygen, and comprehensive medical kits on every climb.
Twice-Daily Health Checks
Our guides monitor oxygen saturation and vital signs twice daily to catch altitude issues early.
Nutritious Meals
Our mountain cooks prepare fresh, high-calorie meals to keep your energy levels up and support acclimatization.
Flexible Pacing
We maintain the "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) philosophy, allowing your body time to adapt to the altitude.
⚠️Important Note
Why the 8-day option has a slightly lower success rate: The reason lies in the type of climbers it attracts. Many trained hikers choose the 6-day trek and, thanks to their skills, reach the summit despite the greater difficulty. In contrast, the 8-day trek is popular among beginners with no trekking experience at high altitudes. This lack of experience makes the climb more challenging for them, even on the route option that offers a better acclimatization profile.
Kilimanjaro Packing List
Get your gear ready! Here's a comprehensive checklist of everything you'll need for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Important Packing Tips
- • Weight limit: Porter duffel bags are limited to 15kg (33 lbs)
- • Layering is key: Weather changes dramatically from base to summit
- • Break in boots: Wear your hiking boots for at least 50 miles before the trek
- • Test your gear: Make sure everything works before you arrive in Tanzania
Don't Have All the Gear?
No worries! We offer high-quality gear rental services for all essential items including sleeping bags, trekking poles, and clothing.
- ✓High-quality, well-maintained equipment
- ✓Competitive rental prices
- ✓Reserve in advance or rent on arrival
Popular Rental Items
Join Our Group Departures
Choose from our scheduled group climbs and join fellow adventurers on your journey to the summit
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers! Here are the most common questions about climbing Kilimanjaro.
Still Have Questions?
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What Our Travelers Say
Hear from adventurers who have experienced this amazing journey with Serengeti Times
"Outstanding experience! The guides were professional and the organization was flawless."
"Best decision ever! Serengeti Times Luxury Safaris made our dream adventure come true."
"Incredible journey with amazing guides. Highly recommend Serengeti Times Luxury Safaris!"
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