6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb
A private 6-day climb of Kilimanjaro on the Machame route, camping all the way, with two hotel nights in Moshi, 8 days in total.
One Day Shorter, the Same Summit
This version follows the same path as our 7-day Machame climb: rainforest, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall and the southern circuit to Barafu Camp. The difference is day 4: instead of stopping at Karanga Camp, you walk on to Barafu in one longer day, so you reach the summit a day earlier.
It suits fit hikers who have been to high altitude before, for example on Mount Meru or in the Alps or Andes, and travellers with little time. The shorter climb gives your body less time to adjust, so your chance of reaching the summit is lower than on 7 days. If you have the time, or this is your first high mountain, we recommend the 7-day version.
Have one more day? See the 7-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb →
Why Climbers Choose It
- 6 days on the mountain on one of Kilimanjaro's most scenic routes
- A climb-high-sleep-low day via Lava Tower (4,640 m)
- The Barranco Wall scramble and the southern circuit
- Our own licensed guides, cook and porters, with a personal porter for your bag
- Emergency oxygen, a sleeping bag and two hotel nights in Moshi included
Altitude Profile
Approximate altitudes in metres; published figures differ between sources. D1–D6 are the days on the mountain. On day 4 you pass Karanga Camp and continue to Barafu.
Our driver meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drives you to your hotel in Moshi. Later your lead guide comes to brief you on the climb and to check your clothes and equipment.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Dinner is not included on arrival day
↑ about 1,000 m · about 11 km · 5–7 hours
A short drive from Moshi brings you to Machame Gate, where you register with the park while the crew weighs and packs the loads. The trail climbs steadily through tall, damp rainforest, often muddy, to the first camp at the edge of the trees.
Overnight: Machame Camp (tents)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 900 m · about 5 km · 4–6 hours
A steeper, rocky path takes you out of the forest into heather and moorland, with wide views back over the plains. You reach the Shira Plateau by early afternoon, with time to rest.
Overnight: Shira Cave Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 890 m, ↓ about 680 m · about 10 km · 6–8 hours
The key acclimatisation day. You climb through rocky alpine desert to Lava Tower, a tall volcanic rock, for lunch, then walk down into the Barranco Valley past giant groundsels. Going high in the day and sleeping lower helps your body prepare for the summit.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 680 m · about 9 km · 7–9 hours
You start by scrambling up the Barranco Wall, using your hands in places, then follow the southern circuit up and down to Karanga Valley for lunch. Instead of staying there, you continue up a rocky ridge to Barafu Camp. It is a long day; you eat an early dinner and try to sleep before the summit attempt.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 1,255 m, ↓ about 2,815 m · about 12–16 hours
You leave around midnight and climb slowly by headlamp to Stella Point on the crater rim, then along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, ideally at sunrise.
After your photos you walk back to Barafu for a rest and a meal, then continue down to Mweka Camp in the forest. This is the hardest day of the climb.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↓ about 1,450 m · about 10 km · 3–4 hours
A downhill walk through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you sign out and receive your summit certificate. Our driver takes you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, or you can continue on one of our safaris.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Per Person — Private Climb
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,195 |
| 2 People | $1,995 |
| 3 People | $1,930 |
| 4 People | $1,895 |
| 5 People | $1,875 |
| 6 People | $1,865 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people climbing together. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Moshi (Kilimanjaro Airport transfers included)
- 8 days in total: 6 days on the mountain + 2 hotel nights
- Private climb: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Best for fit hikers with some high-altitude experience
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Kilimanjaro National Park conservation, camping and rescue fees
- Licensed mountain guides, cook and porters from our own crew
- A personal porter to carry your main bag
- Emergency oxygen carried on the climb
- A sleeping bag
- All meals on the mountain and drinking water
- 2 nights' hotel in Moshi with breakfast
- Transfers: Kilimanjaro Airport, Moshi hotel and the park gates
- Summit certificate
Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m and evacuation
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal climbing clothes and boots
- Drinks other than drinking water
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
- Lunch and dinner in Moshi
Questions Climbers Ask
Is 6 days enough to climb Kilimanjaro?
Many climbers reach the summit in 6 days, but the success rate is lower than on 7 or 8 days because your body has less time to adjust to the altitude. Choose 6 days if you are fit and have been high before; otherwise choose our 7-day Machame climb.
What is the difference from your 7-day Machame climb?
The path is the same. On the 7-day climb you sleep at Karanga Camp on day 4 and reach Barafu on day 5; on the 6-day climb you walk from Barranco straight to Barafu in one long day.
Is the Barranco Wall dangerous?
It is a steep scramble of about an hour where you sometimes use your hands, but no ropes or climbing skills are needed. Our guides help you through the narrow sections.
What happens if I feel unwell from the altitude?
Your guides check you twice a day and carry emergency oxygen. If symptoms get worse, the only real cure is to go down, and a guide will take you down at once. Your safety comes before the summit.
What insurance do I need?
Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 metres and emergency evacuation. Please check the altitude limit in your policy before you book.
