Machame begins on Kilimanjaro’s southern side, where rainforest paths lead towards the tree line. The landscape opens onto Shira, then the trail crosses via Lava Tower and Barranco towards the summit base at Barafu.
The six-day version combines the journey from Barranco to Barafu through Karanga. The seven-day version adds a Karanga night, separating that stage before the summit attempt.
The summit attempt climbs towards Stella Point and, when conditions and your health permit, continues to Uhuru Peak. The descent returns through Mweka. Talk to our team about your hiking experience and the time you can allow before choosing.
Watch the vegetation and scenery change as the route gains height.
Experience Lava Tower, the Barranco Valley and the climb over the Barranco Wall.
Ask your questions directly and prepare for the journey with Sunset’s Moshi-based team.
| Day | Walking stage | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Machame Gate to Machame Camp | Machame Camp |
| 2 | Machame Camp to Shira Camp | Shira Camp |
| 3 | Shira to Lava Tower to Barranco | Barranco Camp |
| 4 | Barranco to Barafu via Karanga | Barafu Camp |
| 5 | Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka | Mweka Camp |
| 6 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate | Return transfer |
Each stage brings a different landscape. The daily descriptions below follow your 6-day Machame mountain itinerary.
Complete park registration and begin walking through Kilimanjaro’s rainforest. Move at a steady pace as the path climbs towards the tree line, then settle into Machame Camp.
Keep your daypack essentials accessible as you settle into the trail. Your guide sets the walking rhythm and helps you get familiar with the mountain routine.
Overnight: Machame Camp
Climb out of the forest into more open moorland. The landscape changes as the trail gains height, with views towards Kibo when the weather is clear.
The landscape opens above the forest. Settle into camp, enjoy the changing views and discuss the next stage with your guide.
Overnight: Shira Camp
Walk towards Lava Tower before descending into the Barranco Valley. The day takes you higher before returning to a lower overnight camp, providing useful time at altitude.
You walk higher during the day before descending into the Barranco Valley for the night. The landscape becomes more sparse as the trail approaches Lava Tower.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Climb the Barranco Wall and continue through the Karanga Valley towards Barafu. Unlike the seven-day option, this schedule does not include a separate overnight stop at Karanga.
Your guide helps you find your footing on the wall before the route continues across ridges and valleys. The mountain terrain is steep and calls for careful walking.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Start around midnight for the ascent towards Stella Point and, if conditions and your health permit, Uhuru Peak. Descend to Barafu for a rest before continuing to Mweka Camp. This is the longest and most demanding day of the trek.
Expect cold conditions, darkness and a long walking day. The descent is an important part of the stage, and your guide assesses how the journey is progressing.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete the park exit formalities and meet your return transfer. Certificates are issued according to the point reached on the climb.
The rainforest returns as you descend towards the gate. After the park exit formalities, the transfer takes you back to town.
After the walk: Return transfer
USD per person. Choose the rate for the number of people travelling together.
| Your party | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2-4 travellers | $1,700 |
| 1 traveller | $1,800 |
Tell us about your walking experience, travel dates and the people coming with you. We will help you understand the route and organise the arrangements around your mountain days.
Share any dietary or equipment questions before departure. For high-altitude health concerns, speak with a healthcare professional before travelling.
Have something else on your mind? Tell us when you enquire.
The itinerary has 6 mountain days from the trailhead to Mweka Gate. Arrival and onward travel are arranged around that schedule.
The six-day Machame schedule combines Barranco to Barafu via Karanga in one walking day. The seven-day itinerary adds a separate night at Karanga.
This is a mountain camping itinerary. The daily schedule shows the overnight camps. Your proposal also sets out the town accommodation for your trip.
No. The summit attempt depends on the weather, trail conditions and how you feel at altitude. Your guide helps assess the climb, and a change of plan may be needed.
Yes. Share your onward flight and the time available after trekking. We can discuss rest time, a private safari or a day trip with the local team.
Tell us a little about your 6-day Machame climb. We will help you explore the options and prepare a personal proposal for your party.
