The 6 days Machame route does not include the extra day for acclimatization and is therefore recommended for mountain climbers with previous climbing experience with abilities to acclimatize faster. The Machame route, sometimes known as the “Whiskey” Route, is most likely the most popular route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The fact that the trail’s surroundings offer unrivalled visual beauty is Machame’s positive and strong point.

This trail, however, is a popular choice among adventurers since it is more difficult, steep, and difficult than the other routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. As a result, climbers who choose this route should have prior high-altitude trekking expertise. Because the Machame trail is shorter, it is ideal for climbers who only need a few days of climbing or who do not have enough time on their hands; otherwise, the longer the route, the higher the chance of reaching the summit.

6-day Machame Route Day By Day Walkthrough Video

Book this 7 Day Trek - Machame Route

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Trip Dossier

6 days Machame Route Trail

Hikers ascend Mount Kilimanjaro’s rainforest zone on their way to the Shira Plateau’s ever-beautiful and flat environment. Many trails going to the top converge on the Shira Plateau before diverging in different directions. The road then turns left and heads east, passing beneath Mount Kilimanjaro’s Southern Icefield.

Location of Machame Route and Descending Route

The Machame gate serves as the major starting point for this famous path, which begins on the mountain’s southern side. You’ll need to drive from Moshi Town to reach the Machame Gate, which takes less than an hour. The descent is accomplished through a separate route, the Mweka Route, which leads down the mountain to the Mweka Gate.

Machame Route Map

Arrive in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or similar to begin your 6-day Machame Route trek, where you will be met by Tranquil Kilimanjaro representatives. Transfer to Chanya Lodge and meet with your climbing manager and guide for a thorough briefing and equipment check. Chanya Lodge or other recommended accommodation options is where you’ll spend the night.

Accommodations: Chanya Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1

Machame Gate – Machame Camp

Elevation: (1490m) to (2980m)

Hiking time: 7 hours

Distance: Approximately 18 kilometers

Habitat: Montane forest

Starting point: The starting point for the 6-day Machame route is at the Machame Gate.

To kickstart your expedition, after an early and hearty breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, you will be picked up and transported to Machame Village from Moshi (1400m). We will carry packed lunch and mineral water. Depending on road conditions, you can drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3-kilometer trek will take roughly an hour. You begin to scale the mountain slopes by entering the rainforest almost immediately after registering at the gate office. There’s a good chance of rain in the forest, which will turn the track sloppy, muddy, and hazardous.

You’ll pause for a delicious lunch break approximately halfway through and arrive at the Machame camping location late in the afternoon.
Your porters (who arrived at the campsite far earlier than you) will have already set up your tent when you arrive. Before you retire to your tent for the night, the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare meals. At this location, nighttime temperatures might already be below freezing.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – Machame Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Machame camp (2980m) – Shira camp (3840m)

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 9 km

Habitat: Moorland

You get up early in Machame camp and ascend about an hour or so to the top of the forest, then walk for two hours across the moorland zone at a softer grade. You proceed over a rough slope onto the Shira plateau after a quick lunch and break. By now, you should be able to see the Western Breach with its magnificent glaciers from an easterly direction. You are now due west of Kibo and will arrive at the Shira campground at 3 840m after a short climb. Before serving supper, the porters will boil drinking and cleaning water. The night will be considerably colder at this exposed camp than the previous night, with temperatures falling far below freezing.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – Shira 1 Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Shira (at 3840m) to Lava Tower (at 4630m) to Barranco camp (at 3950m)

Hiking time: 7 hours

Distance: Approximately 15 km

Habitat: Semi-desert

After around a 5-hour walk, the road bends east through a semi-desert and rocky environment surrounding Lava Tower, where you will reach a height of 4630m. Before hiking the rough scree trail to Lava Tower, lunch is given in a designated area (4630m). This is by far the most difficult day thus far. It is usually about this point, 1′, that some climbers begin to experience symptoms such as dyspnea, irritability, and headaches for the first time. After lunch, you descend about 680 meters to the Barranco camping area, and the entire acclimatization advantage of this day becomes apparent when you reach the high altitude of 4600 meters at Lava Tower.

The descent to Barranco camp takes roughly 2 hours and provides excellent photographic chances of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. While you wait for your meal to be prepared, the camp is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should award you with a magnificent sunset.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – Barranco Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Barranco camp (3950m)- Barafu camp (4550m)

Hiking time: 7h

Distance: Approximately 13 km

Habitat: Alpine desert

After spending the night at the Great Barranco Wall (an intimidating sight at first), you climb this impressive-looking challenge, which usually turns out to be easier than you thought. When you reach the top, right below the Heim Glacier, you realize how stunning Kilimanjaro is. The path then descends through the Karanga Valley, passing through slopes and valleys on its way to reaching the Mweka route. This is the favored descent path from the peak, so keep that in mind. Turn left up the slope and you’ll arrive at Barafu Hut in about an hour.
Because there is no water at Barafu Camp, the last water break on the trek is the Karanga Valley. The Swahili term “Barafu” means “ice,” and it is a desolate and difficult camping spot. The tents are placed on a small, craggy, and perilous ridge, completely exposed to the constant gales. To avoid any mishaps, make sure you familiarize yourself with the terrain before it becomes dark. The top is now 1345 meters higher, and you’ll finish the climb that night. For your summit attempt, prepare your equipment, ski stick, and warm gear. This should involve replacing your light and camera batteries, as well as making sure you have a spare pair on hand. Carry your water in a thermal flask to prevent it from freezing. Go to bed at 19h00 and try to catch up on some much-needed rest and sleep.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – Barafu Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

(Summit attempt) Barafu camp (4550m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)

Hiking time: 8h to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 – 8h to descend to Mweka

Distance: Approximately 7 km ascent – 23 km descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You’ll get up at 23h30 and trudge off into the night after some tea and biscuits. You’ll hike over hard scree to Stella Point on the crater rim in a north-westerly direction. This 6-hour hike to Stella Point is the most emotionally and physically demanding trip for many climbers. You’ll take a short break at Stella Point (5685m) and be rewarded with the most spectacular dawn you’ll ever witness (weather permitting). On your 2-hour trek to Uhuru Peak from Stella Point, you will almost certainly encounter snow. The amount of time you spend on the top will be determined by the weather.

Stopping here for too long will make it tough to restart owing to the cold and exhaustion. Take pride in your success and remember this day for the rest of your life. It takes roughly 3 hours to return to Barafu from the peak. You’ll take a well-deserved but brief break here before gathering the remainder of your belongings. The trail is not challenging and will take you through the moorland and into the woodland through a rock and scree path. The camp is located in the higher woodland, so expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner will be provided, as well as washing water.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – Mweka Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Mweka camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)

Hiking time: 3h
Distance: Approximately 15 kms
Habitat: Forest

Your team will enjoy a tremendous celebration with dancing and singing after a well-deserved breakfast. You will give your suggestions to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters here on the mountain. You will return to Mweka Gate after partying for three hours. To get a certificate of completion from the National Park, all hikers must sign their names. Hikers who reach Stella Point (5685m) are awarded green certificates, while those who reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) are awarded gold certificates. Hikers will descend into Mweka village for 1 hour after getting certificates (3 kilometers). You’ll be fed a hearty lunch before returning to Moshi for some much-needed rain and more festivities.

Departure

You may opt for a Tanzania safari extension before you depart. You have a dayroom today to pack, freshen up, and prepare for your journey back home or a much-needed relaxation in Zanzibar.

Here is what is included in the price

Airport Pickup & Drop-off Trransfers in Private Car/van

Accommodation before and after your hike

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Surcharge for online payment of deposit (5%)

Cost excludes.

Tanzania Visa

Gratuity

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed above

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents

Sleeping Mattress

All meals while on the Mountain

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Prices for 6 days trek – Machame

The cost of climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame route – six days is as follows.

1 Person: $2,450

A group of 2 people: $2,230 per person

A group of 3 people: $2,125 per person

A group of 4 people: $2,050 per person

A group of 5 people:  REQUEST PRICE

A group of 6 People: $1,850 per person

A group of 7+ people:  REQUEST PRICE

Machame to the summit of Uhuru Peak

The Machame path leads from Barafu to Kilimanjaro’s main peak, Uhuru Peak, via the Southern Ice Field on the mountain’s Southern Circuit.
The Machame trek is available in two lengths: a six-day package and a seven-day itinerary, which we strongly suggest because it includes an extra day of acclimatization. The shorter variant package skips Karanga Camp and goes directly from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp on the fourth and fifth days. The starting point for summiting.

6 Days Machame Route Reviews

Below are some of the previous reviews from clients that attempted Kilimanjaro using the 6 Days Machame Route.

We successfully made it to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro thanks to the great support from our guides and porters from Tranquil Kilimanjaro. It wasn’t easy but so much worth every bit of the climb. We loved the meals and the sunrise at Stella Point.

Szabo Horkai – Budapest, Hungary

Trip Information

Difficulty
The Machame route is renowned for its demanding nature. You’ll trek for 6-7 hours daily at increasing altitudes, with the summit push requiring 12-15 hours of continuous effort—6-8 hours ascending and 6-7 hours descending. Success on this route depends on excellent physical fitness and a calm, determined mindset.

Novice climbers may feel nervous about the Great Barranco Wall, but it’s essentially a short scramble rather than a technical climb. Your guide will provide constant support, and the most challenging part involves a single careful step around a rock outcrop. Thousands of climbers, including porters carrying heavy loads, safely navigate this section every year.

For personalized training advice, consider Kate Sielmann’s mountaineering and trekking coaching programs. More details can be found [here](insert link).

Food & Drink
Proper nutrition is critical during your climb, especially as altitude can suppress your appetite. Our head chef has designed delicious, energy-packed menus to keep you fueled. Fresh fruits and vegetables are provided daily, with meat available at the start of the trek and restocked at Karanga Camp on southern routes. After summiting, savor an “All Day English Breakfast” at Base Camp, complete with eggs cooked to your preference. Before descending, enjoy traditional Tanzanian dishes like Njegere and Machalari.

Accommodation
Your itinerary outlines hotel stays and meal plans, with accommodations in Moshi for pre- and post-climb stays, or Arusha for those going on safari. Hotels operate on a B&B basis, allowing you to purchase additional meals or snacks using Tanzanian Shillings or US Dollars. Upon arrival, familiarize yourself with the hotel layout and fire safety procedures.

Note that power and water outages are common in Tanzania, which may affect hot water availability in hotels.

During the climb, we provide Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 tents, designed for extreme conditions but not for standing room. If dust causes zippers to jam, our guides carry WD-40 for quick fixes. Meals are served in a spacious, waterproof mess tent with comfortable seating. A separate toilet tent with toilet paper is also provided.

Transport
We prioritize high-quality vehicles and experienced drivers for all transfers. While rear seatbelts are not mandatory in Tanzania, we ensure safety standards are met. If you have any concerns about the transport or driving, notify the driver or our local office immediately. Routine police checks are common and not a cause for concern.

Luggage

  • Climbing Bag Weight: Kilimanjaro National Park enforces a 15kg limit per porter, including your sleeping bag. Bags are weighed at the hotel; excess weight may require leaving items behind or hiring additional porters at $25 per day.
  • Plastic Bag Ban: Single-use plastic bags have been banned in Tanzania since June 1, 2019. Use sustainable alternatives like packing cubes. Airport zip-lock bags for liquids are still permitted.

How Do I Get There?
For travelers from the UK or US, fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). KLM offers flights from major airports with a stopover in Amsterdam. Our tours begin in Moshi, a short drive from JRO, where we arrange your transport. Plan a rest day after your flight for acclimatization. We recommend avoiding flights through Nairobi due to reported inconveniences. Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways offer excellent service from North America. For post-climb relaxation, consider flights to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam.

Travelling Responsibly
Starting in 2025, we offset carbon emissions for your trip from arrival to departure, excluding flights. Use our eCO2 calculator to estimate and offset your flight emissions.

Fitness and Training
Refer to our Kilimanjaro Training Guide for comprehensive advice on physical preparation.

Budget & Currency
The Tanzanian Shilling is not available abroad, so bring new US dollars. Use ATMs or airport exchanges to obtain local currency. Notify your bank of international card use to avoid issues.

Tipping
We adhere to the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project guidelines:

  • Porters: $6-10/day
  • Guides: $20/day
  • Assistant Guides & Cooks: $12-15/day per group

For summit support porters, an additional $20 tip is recommended. Tips are announced and distributed on the final night. For security, bring cash for tips to the hotel after the climb, using provided envelopes for distribution.

Formalities & Health

Passport Requirements:
All travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their stay in Tanzania, along with proof of a return ticket and sufficient funds for their visit. Managing your passport and visa requirements is your responsibility. If you don’t have a passport, apply early. If you already have one, check its expiration date to ensure it’s valid.

Visa Requirements:
A tourist visa is mandatory for citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, the US, Canada, and most EU countries visiting Tanzania. Visa fees typically start at USD 50 for most nationalities but may be higher for US citizens. Visas are valid for three months from the date of issue.

Application Process:
Visas can be obtained upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), but expect delays. To save time, it’s highly recommended to secure your visa in advance. Online applications are available—make sure to review the guidelines carefully before applying.

Where to Apply:

  • Tanzanian Embassies or High Commissions
  • Tanzania Immigration Services website
  • At international airports upon entry
  • In Dar es Salaam at the Director of Immigration Services office
  • In Zanzibar at the Principal Immigration Officer’s office

Note: Travel requirements can change, so always check the latest information or use a visa agency like www.thevisacompany.com.

Vaccinations:
Consult your GP or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date advice. General recommendations include:

Strongly Recommended:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Tetanus
  • Typhoid
  • Diphtheria
  • Yellow Fever (if arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow fever risk)

Sometimes Recommended:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Rabies
  • Tuberculosis
  • Cholera
  • Measles

Insurance:
Climbing Kilimanjaro involves risks, so comprehensive medical and accident insurance is essential. Ensure your policy covers:

  • Helicopter evacuation
  • Costs if you miss your flight due to health or other issues
  • Coverage up to 6,000 meters elevation
  • Standard travel risks like baggage loss

We recommend World Nomads for insurance, making sure to specify ‘hiking up to 6,000m’. Always read the policy details carefully.

Health Considerations:

Malaria and Mosquitoes:
Malaria is a risk below 3,000 meters. Use anti-malarial medication, wear long clothing, and apply DEET-based insect repellent.

Avoiding Diarrhoea:
Practice good hygiene, avoid untreated water, raw vegetables, and ice. During the trek, we ensure food and water safety. If diarrhoea occurs, stay hydrated and consider rehydration solutions or antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin (consult your doctor).

Preventing Dehydration:
Drink at least 3 liters of water daily, increasing intake during the summit push. Monitor hydration through urine color and skin elasticity.

Sunburn and UV Protection:
Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use UV-protective sunglasses. Sun intensity increases at higher altitudes.

Eating Well:
Appetite loss at high altitudes is common. Focus on carbohydrate-rich foods to maintain energy, especially during the summit attempt. Carry light snacks for the climb.

Body Temperature Management:
Layer your clothing to adapt to Kilimanjaro’s varying climate. Invest in high-quality, waterproof, and breathable gear.

Altitude Sickness (AMS):
AMS can occur above 2,400 meters. To reduce risk:

  • Follow the “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization strategy.
  • Maintain a steady pace to avoid overexertion.
  • Stay well-hydrated.
  • Consider using Diamox (consult your doctor).

Medication:
While your guide will carry a first aid kit, bring personal supplies such as:

  • Painkillers
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Blister prevention and treatment items
  • Sunscreen for skin and lips
  • After-sun cream
  • Any personal medications

Ensure you’re fully prepared for the unique challenges of high-altitude climbing.

Equipment & Clothing

Personal Equipment Overview
Each of our Tranquil Kilimanjaro climbing program comes with a detailed personal gear list, tailored to factors like seasonality, route conditions, weather, and altitude. This list will make sure you’re fully prepared without overloading you with unnecessary items.

Gear Rental
Most of the gear listed can be rented or purchased in Moshi or Arusha. Check out this for gear rental suggestions.

Equipment List

Pack & Travel

  • Duffel Bags: 2 x 120+ liters, made from durable material with strong zippers. One for trek gear carried by staff; the other for extra items left at the hotel.
    Guide Pick: North Face Base Camp Duffel 132L
  • Luggage Locks: Bring TSA-compliant locks as needed.
    Guide Pick: Anvil TSA Luggage Lock (4 Pack)
  • Backpack: 35+ liters for carrying daily essentials on the trail. Also useful for travel or sightseeing.
    Guide Picks: Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35L, Osprey Mutant 38L
  • Pack Cover: To keep your backpack dry during rain.
    Guide Pick: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil
  • Day Pack (Optional): 25+ liters for sightseeing or as a carry-on, not for the trek.
    Guide Pick: Black Diamond Speed 30

Sleeping Bag & Pad

  • Sleeping Bag: Rated between 20° to 0° F. Down is recommended for warmth and compressibility.
    Guide Picks: Mountain Hardwear Lamina 15°, Women’s Mountain Hardwear Lamina 15°, Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15°
  • Compression Stuff Sack: For compact packing of your sleeping bag.
    Guide Picks: Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Bag, Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Compression Sack
  • Inflatable Sleeping Pad: Full-length for comfort.
    Guide Picks: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, Therm-A-Rest ProLite Plus, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT
  • Closed Foam Sleeping Pad: Adds extra insulation when used with the inflatable pad.
    Guide Pick: Exped FlexMat

Technical Gear

  • Trekking Poles: Lightweight and collapsible for support.
    Guide Picks: Black Diamond Expedition 3 Poles, Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles, Women’s Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

Head

  • Warm Hat: Wool or synthetic for warmth.
    Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Beanie
  • Ball Cap or Sun Hat: For sun protection.
    Guide Picks: Tranquil Kilimanjaro Patch Hat, Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat
  • Buff: Versatile for head and neck protection.
    Guide Picks: Original Ecostretch Buff, Merino Lightweight Buff
  • Headlamp: With fresh batteries and spares for the trip.
    Guide Picks: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp, Black Diamond Spot 400, Black Diamond Storm 450
  • Glacier Glasses: Full coverage for UV protection.
    Guide Picks: Julbo Shield, Women’s Julbo Monterosa, Julbo Explorer 2.0

Hands

  • Light Weight Gloves: For UV protection and light warmth.
    Guide Picks: Men’s Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves, Black Diamond Softshell Glove, Black Diamond Crag Gloves
  • Medium Weight Gloves: Insulated for colder weather.
    Guide Picks: Black Diamond Patrol Glove, Rab Pivot GTX Glove, Women’s Outdoor Research Arete II GTX Glove
  • Heavy Weight Gloves or Mittens: For extreme cold or emergencies.
    Guide Picks: Black Diamond Mercury Mitt, Men’s Black Diamond Guide Glove, Women’s Black Diamond Guide Glove, Men’s Outdoor Research Alti II GTX Mitts

Upper Body
A layering system of at least five layers, including two insulating layers (light and medium).

  • Light Weight Baselayer or Sun Hoody: For sun protection.
    Guide Picks: Men’s Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie, Women’s Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie, Men’s Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie, Women’s Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
  • Light Weight Insulating Layer: Slightly heavier than a baselayer.
    Guide Picks: Women’s Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Hoody, Men’s Patagonia R1 Air FZ Hoody
  • Medium Weight Insulating Layer: For added warmth.
    Guide Picks: Men’s Arc’Teryx Atom LT Hoody, Women’s Arc’teryx Atom Hoody, Men’s Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody, Women’s Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody
  • Rain Jacket (Hard Shell): Waterproof with a hood.
    Guide Picks: Men’s Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket, Women’s Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket
  • Insulated Parka with Hood: Heavy-duty for summit day or emergencies.
    Guide Picks: Phantom Belay Down Parka, Women’s Phantom Belay Down Parka
  • Sports Bra: Moisture-wicking for women.
    Guide Pick: Women’s Patagonia Switchback Sports Bra

Lower Body
Four layers for flexibility in warmth and protection.

  • Underwear: 2-3 pairs, non-cotton.
    Guide Picks: Men’s Patagonia Sender Boxer Brief, Men’s Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Brief, Women’s Smartwool Seamless Bikini
  • Light Weight Baselayer: Synthetic or wool.
    Guide Picks: Men’s Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom, Men’s Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms, Women’s Capilene Midweight Bottoms
  • Softshell Climbing Pants: Versatile for varying conditions.
    Guide Picks: Men’s Outdoor Research Cirque II Pant, Women’s Outdoor Research Cirque II Pant, Men’s Black Diamond Alpine Pant, Women’s Black Diamond Alpine Pant
  • Rain Pants with Full-Length Side Zippers (Hard Shell): Waterproof with zippers for ease.
    Guide Picks: Men’s Rab Kangri GORE-TEX Pants, Women’s Rab Kangri GORE-TEX Pants, Men’s Black Diamond Stormline Stretch FZ Rain Pants, Women’s Stormline Stretch Full Zip Rain Pants
  • Light Weight Trekking Pants or Shorts: For lower, warmer sections of the trek.
    Guide Picks: Men’s Kuhl Renegade Pants, Women’s PrAna Halle Pant II

Feet

  • Hiking Boots: Lightweight, waterproof, mid-top for support.
    Guide Picks: Men’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots, Women’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots, Men’s Merrell Moab Speed Mid GORE-TEX, Women’s Merrell Moab Speed Mid GORE-TEX
  • Casual Shoes: For travel and camp.
    Guide Picks: Men’s La Sportiva Mutant, Women’s La Sportiva TX Guide
  • Gaiters (Optional): For protection against mud and snow.
    Guide Pick: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid Gaiters
  • Socks: 4 pairs, wool or synthetic.
    Guide Picks: Men’s Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition, Men’s Smartwool Hike Light Crew Sock, Women’s Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition

First Aid & Medications

  • Medications: Consult your doctor. Required:
    • Antibiotics (Azithromycin) for infections.
    • Dexamethasone for altitude illness.
    • Acetazolamide (Diamox) for AMS prevention/treatment.
    • Nifedipine for HAPE prevention/treatment.
    • Anti-malarial (recommended).
  • First Aid Kit: Keep it small and light.
    Guide Pick: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Day Tripper

Personal Items

  • Meals & Snacks: Refer to the Food tab for details.
  • Water Bottles: 2 x one-liter, BPA-free.
    Guide Pick: Nalgene
  • Stuff Sacks: For organizing gear.
    Guide Pick: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack
  • Reading Material/Journal (Optional):
  • Personal Toiletries & Bag: Essentials for hygiene.
  • Sunscreen: SPF 30+ for face and body.
    Guide Pick: Z Blok Sunscreen SPF 45
  • Lip Balm: SPF 15+.
    Guide Pick: Joshua Tree Lip Balm
  • Insect Repellent:
    Guide Pick: Ben’s Tick Repellent
  • Ear Plugs:
  • Spare Contact Lenses/Eyeglasses (Optional):
  • Chemical Toe and Hand Warmers: For warmth.
    Guide Pick: Ignik Hand Warmer
  • Pee Funnel (For Women): For convenience.
    Guide Pick: Women’s Freshette Funnel
  • Pee Bottle (Optional): For overnight use.
    Guide Pick: Metolius G-Whiz Pee Bottle
  • Small Hand Towel:
  • Camera (Optional): For capturing your adventure.
  • Power Bank (Optional): To charge devices.
    Guide Pick: Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank
  • Travel Power Adapter: For international use.
  • Binoculars:

Travel Clothes
Clothing for travel, sightseeing, and dining.

  • Sunglasses, Swimsuit, Sandals/Flip Flops:

Travel Documents

  • Passport: Valid for six months beyond your return.
  • Copy of Passport: First two pages.
  • Copy of Flight Itinerary:
  • Extra Passport Photos: 2 photos.
  • Immunization Record:

Pre-Trip Checklist

  • Purchase travel insurance.
  • Purchase airplane tickets.
  • Reserve rental equipment.
  • Get in the best shape possible.

Provided Equipment
Tranquil Kilimanjaro supplies sleeping tents, dining tents, cooking equipment, fuel, tables, chairs, and a private biological toilet at each camp. Guides carry rescue equipment, first aid kits, two-way radios, and a satellite phone for emergencies.


Though the Machame Route is considered challenging, the extra day for acclimatization on our 7-day Machame Route itinerary will make it simpler for you than the shorter 6-day itinerary that does not include the extra acclimatization day. On average, trekking days on the Machame Route last 6-8 hours, with daily altitude gains of 900m to 1000m, or 1,100m to 1,200m on exceptional days. The path is more challenging since it is shorter and steeper than other routes that are more gentle and longer, allowing you more time to acclimate. Keep in mind that the Machame path is not the most difficult on Mount Kilimanjaro; in fact, it is one of the most popular. All you need is good health and the willingness to climb for several days in severe terrain and weather. Having prior trekking experience, as well as mental and physical readiness, is a benefit.

The 6-day Machame route itinerary has a 65% – 70% success rate because it excludes the extra day for acclimatization. The 7-day route variation however has a high success rate of over 85%.

How difficult is the Machame 6-Day Route?

When comparing the 7 Days Machame route plan to the 6 Days Machame route package, the 6 Days Machame route package is harder since it excludes an extra day of acclimatization, lowering altitude sickness symptoms and increasing your chances of summiting.

What is the difficulty level of the Machame Route?

The Machame route is more challenging than the others since hikers must ascend the Great Barranco Wall on the fourth day and must settle for a steep slope towards Kibo peak on summit night. It’s worth noting that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro does not need any technical mountaineering abilities.

How can I get ready for the 6-Day Machame trek?

Any form of physical exercise will undoubtedly make climbing simpler and more fun. The more you want to get to the top, the more you need to train. Consider getting some experience climbing at high heights.

When is the best time to climb Machame?

Because Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of year, you can climb the Machame path at any time of year. The finest months are between January and March, and June and October when it is dry and mild. The months of April, May, and November should be avoided since they are cooler and wetter.

What should I bring with me and what equipment do I require?

Some of the gear that will make your Mount Kilimanjaro climbing through the 6-day Machame route simpler will be provided by us, but some essential gear will be required for you to purchase or lease. Well-fitting mountain climbing boots, a headlamp, sunglasses, personal medication, camp, and a non-disposable water bottle are examples of this gear. The whole list of mountain gear and equipment may be found here.

What is the best way to travel to the Machame route?

To get to the Machame Route’s beginning point, the Machame gate, you must first fly into Tanzania, then drive to Mount Kilimanjaro.

Flying into Tanzania’s main international airports, such as Kilimanjaro International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, is required for visitors from the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as other parts of the world such as India and the rest of Europe.

What climbing skills are required for the Machame route?

Because Mount Kilimanjaro is a manageable mountain, climbers of all abilities, genders, ages, and fitness levels are invited to hike on it. To reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, however, careful preparation and intensive physical training are still required.

Always choose the longer route options with extra days/time for acclimatization; this ensures a greater summit success rate and less symptoms of altitude sickness.

What permits do I need for the Machame Route of 6 Days?

Your 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame tour package includes all permits and entrance fees; anything not included will be listed on the “cost excluded list” in our itineraries. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or want any explanations.

7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
6 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route
7 days Machame Route

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