Best Six Days Kilimanjaro Tour

6 days—The best and most popular 6-day Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour via Machame Route in 2025 -2026.

$1439-1700 USD

Get quote

Safari summary

Best 6-day Kilimanjaro climbing tour via Machame route is the unique Kilimanjaro climb tour package that makes you Standing tall like a majestic sentinel over the African plains, Mount Kilimanjaro beckons adventurous spirits from around the globe. Scaling its 5,895-meter (19,341-foot) peak is a bucket-list challenge, and the Machame Route offers a scenic and diverse path to reaching the summit, Uhuru Peak.

The best 6-day Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker on day three which kickstarts the body’s adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires that a person be in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses.

The best 6-day Kilimanjaro Machame route climbing tour offers a great summit success rate of about 94%, covering a distance of 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) with 35–45 walking hours from Machame gate to summit to Mweka gate. The best 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Machame route tour starts from Moshi Kilimanjaro or Arusha City in 2025-2026.

The best 6-day Machame variation is a difficult route. In particular, day 4 combined with day 5 makes for a very hard schedule. Day 4 is a full day of hiking from Barranco to Barafu Camp. Then after dinner and a partial night’s sleep, the very long and strenuous summit day begins around midnight. This best 6 day Machame route requires 19-24 hours of demanding walking, at extremely high elevation, with only 4-6 hours of sleep.

This 6-day itinerary takes you through breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforests to volcanic terrain, all while prioritizing acclimatization for a safer and more rewarding climb. So, lace up your boots, grab your trekking poles, and let's delve into the thrilling journey that awaits.

Here are some key pieces of information and unique highlights you won't want to miss on your 6-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route climbing tour:
Distance: Approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles)
Difficulty: Considered a moderate to challenging trek due to the altitude and terrain.
Acclimatization: The itinerary prioritizes gradual ascents and rest days to minimize altitude sickness risk.
Permits and regulations: Secure your climbing permit and national park entrance fees in advance.
Essential gear: Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing layers, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles, headlamp, and trekking poles are crucial.
Guide and porters: Consider hiring a reputable guide and porters for safety, support, and cultural insights.

The best day-by-day full detailed itinerary for the 6-day Kilimanjaro climbing via Machame route:
Day 1: Machame Gate (56,000ft / 1,830m) to Machame Camp (10,200ft / 3,100m) | 5-7 hours | 11 km
Day 2: Machame Camp (10,200ft / 3,100m) to Shira Campsite (12,600ft / 3,840m) | 4-6 hours | 9 km
Day 3: Shira Camp (12,600 ft / 3,840 m) to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (3,950 m / 12,960 ft) | 5-7 hours | 15 km
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950 m / 12,960 ft) to Barafu Camp (4,680 m / 15,350 ft) | 6-8 hours | 9km
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,680 m / 15,350 ft) to Summit (5895m / 19,343ft), down to Mweka Camp (3090m / 10,150ft) | 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down | 6 km up / 13 km down
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3090m / 10,150ft) to Mweka Gate (1680 m / 5500 ft) | 3-4 hours | 10 km.

Remember, climbing Kilimanjaro is a physically and mentally demanding journey. Thorough preparation, good physical fitness, and a positive attitude are key to a successful and rewarding experience.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

Your adventure begins at the Machame Gate, nestled amidst lush coffee plantations. The initial trek winds through the rainforest, sunlight filtering through towering trees and vibrant birdlife flitting among the foliage. After a moderate climb, you arrive at Machame Camp, your first haven amidst the mountain's grandeur. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing with short hikes and soaking in the panoramic views of the plains below.

Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro

Today, you ascend onto the expansive Shira Plateau, a surreal lunar landscape dotted with volcanic cones and heather. The air thins as you climb, making each step a mindful exercise in acclimatization. Reach Shira Camp by afternoon and rest amidst the breathtaking vistas of Kibo, Kilimanjaro's volcanic summit cone. Savor the clear skies and star-studded night as you prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Shira Camp

3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro

The day begins with a challenging climb up the Lava Tower, a jagged volcanic remnant offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains. After descending into the Great Barranco Valley, a dramatic gorge dotted with giant lobelia plants, you'll reach Barranco Camp. Nestled beneath towering cliffs, Barranco Camp provides a dramatic setting for acclimatization hikes and a taste of the challenges to come.

Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

Today's trek tests your perseverance as you navigate the Barranco Wall, a series of steep scree slopes and gullies. The reward? Reaching Barafu Camp, perched precariously on the edge of the crater rim. Barafu Camp is your final stop before the summit push. Spend the afternoon resting, fueling up, and mentally preparing for the night climb.

Barafu Camp

Day 5: Summit day to Mweka

Kilimanjaro

You'll begin your summit climb in the pre-dawn hours, headlamps illuminating the icy path under a canopy of stars. The ascent is strenuous, but the anticipation builds with every step. As the first rays of the sun paint the sky, you finally reach Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. Standing at the continent's highest point is a moment of profound accomplishment, with breathtaking views stretching out in all directions, and then beginning the descent back to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Mweka Camp

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

The final day is a gentle trek through the rainforest, reflecting on the challenges overcome and the memories made. Reaching Mweka Gate marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Moshi

Here are the latest 6 tours by Smile Wide Expedition. See all 40 tours.