Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing 2026/2027
The 6 Days Machame Route is one of the highest-rated tours for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Join one of our top-rated Kilimanjaro climbing experiences via the Machame Route, a popular option featured on our main Mount Kilimanjaro trekking tours page. Commonly known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is the most scenic and widely used trail on the mountain, though it is also considered steeper and more challenging due to its shorter itinerary.
This 6-day Kilimanjaro Machame route tour is ideal for experienced and very fit hikers. The route is regarded as moderately difficult, with steep, rocky sections and occasional scrambling, but it does not require technical climbing skills. For hikers with prior hiking experience who are seeking a demanding yet highly rewarding ascent, the Machame Route offers an excellent balance of challenge, scenery, and summit success.
Our company representative will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport upon landing and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Once settled in at your hotel, you will meet your appointed guide for the trek who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
We pick you up at your hotel right after breakfast and drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters who’ll be with you for the whole 6 days Machame route hike and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rain-forest.
The trail is often wet and muddy with high chances of rain all year long, but lots of animals can be found in this area, such as the black and white colobus monkey, antelopes etc. We continue a for 4 more hours of hiking and walking until we reach the Machame Camp.
At the camp, our porters will have already prepared your tent and the cook will be preparing dinner.
Our route continues right after breakfast, today you will emerge from the rain-forest continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge hiking for about four hours followed by a steeper ascent after a picnic lunch, lasting another 2 hours until you reach the Shira Plateau.
As the landscape opens up, you’ll enjoy stunning views to the east, including the Western Breach and its breathtaking glaciers. Upon reaching the Shira Plateau, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Kibo to the northwest and Mount Meru to the east—views that are especially beautiful at sunset.
Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Campsite
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up as landscape becomes more and more rocky. You might start experiencing the first symptoms of altitude sickness, like headaches and breathlessness. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents and you’ll enjoy lunch at the top of Lava Tower mid afternoon. After lunch, you’ll descend over 650 meters (2,150 feet) through the stunning Barranco Valley, arriving at the Barranco campsite, which is nearly at the same altitude as your starting point. The “climb high, sleep low” strategy is excellent for acclimatization, significantly boosting your chances of reaching the summit.
Here, you’ll get a glimpse of the famous Barranco Wall, known for its sheer size and steepness. Though it may seem challenging, don’t worry, tomorrow’s climb follows an easy, non-intimidating hiking trail.
Today we will start early than usual this morning. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin the climb up Barranco Wall. It’s best to leave camp as early as possible to avoid the crowds from other groups, which can slow you down. The hike up the wall isn’t difficult and takes about an hour. The Great Barranco Wall divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring.
We then start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route. You will be served lunch once at Karanga camp, after which you continue hiking to Barafu camp.
At Barafu camp, a hot healthy meal will be served for dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping as you’ll start your summit attempt later that night.
Today’s adventure begins just before midnight as you set out into the night to begin your hike toward the summit. We start off around after midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will enjoy a light breakfast before starting your final ascent to the summit in darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks.
Stella Point is reached in approximately 5 to 6hrs and a further ascent to the Uhuru Peak reached in about another 45 minutes. We will gain incredible height over a short distance. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. Near Stella Point (5750ft) you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Enjoy and cherish this moment.
We will eventually begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on-wards tracking our way back to Barafu Camp for lunch, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for dinner and a long well-earned rest with fresh air full of oxygen!
This is your last day of your 6 days machame route hike on Mt. Kilimanjaro . After breakfast we continue with a gentle trek that takes us down through the rain-forest to Mweka Gate. It can be wet and muddy so trekking poles will help. Also shorts and t-shirts will be suitable.
Upon reaching Mweka Gate, your tour guide will complete park formalities. You’ll have the chance to sign the register and receive your summit certificate—a green one for reaching Stella Point and a gold one for making it all the way to Uhuru Peak. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village where you can say goodbye & thank your team of guides, cooks & porters for a successful trek.
A private vehicle from African Delight Safaris will be waiting for you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 1hour).
All our Mountain guides are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR), equipped to manage emergencies and ensure a safe and well-guided climb for our clients. We prioritize thorough staff training, maintain high-quality medical kits, and adhere to established emergency protocols.
On your Mount Kilimanjaro hike, we’ll supply purified, boiled drinking water and all your meals. Our trekking crew includes a cook (or cooks) experienced in accommodating various dietary needs, so please let us know in advance if you have any specific dietary requirements or restrictions.
On the 6 day Machame route package, you’ll sleep in tents at designated campsites along the trail. These camps provide basic amenities, including toilets, and our trekking crew will handle the setup and take-down of your 4 seasons mountain tents ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free camping experience.
Planning your Kilimanjaro adventure for 2026 or 2027? Our 6 days Machame Route, featured on our interactive map, offers a clear and engaging look at one of the most thrilling ways to summit Africa’s highest peak. As the route winds through breathtaking landscapes and key camps such as Machame, Shira Cave, Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu, it becomes clear why this itinerary is so popular among climbers. Learn more about the benefits of this trail in our detailed guide on why choose the Machame Route to climb Kilimanjaro
Each camp on Kilimanjaro is strategically positioned to support proper acclimatization and improve summit success, making the Machame Route a strong choice for trekkers seeking a compact yet rewarding climb. This visual guide helps you understand what to expect at every stage of the journey, allowing you to prepare with confidence. As part of your planning, we also recommend reviewing essential information on Kilimanjaro travel insurance to ensure you are fully covered for your climb
The Mt. Kilimanjaro 6 Days Machame Route price per person varies based on group size and travel season. On average, the cost for this Kilimanjaro climb ranges from USD $1,400 to $2,400 per person (depending on add-ons), making it a popular choice for trekkers seeking a scenic and challenging route at a competitive price. The Machame Route offers excellent value due to its high success rate, diverse landscapes and efficient 6-days Kilimanjaro itinerary.
Booking as part of a group can significantly reduce the Machame Route cost per person, while private climbs are available for those seeking flexibility and personalized support. Contact us for an exact quote based on your preferred dates and number of climbers.
| GROUP SIZE | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 & ABOVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOUR PRICE |
$1850 |
$1720 |
$1650 |
$1575 |
$1500 |
$1470 |
The departure dates listed below are confirmed for private Kilimanjaro tours and for Kilimanjaro group climbing tours for trekkers who have already booked our 6 days Machame Route Kilimanjaro packages. You’re welcome to join one of these fixed expeditions if you’d like to share the trail with like-minded adventurers, but you’re also free to select your own custom start date at no extra cost.
Many of our climbers choose the 6-day Machame Route for its efficient itinerary and balanced acclimatization. Travelers climbing solo or with friends, can opt for a private trek or join a small group.
We intentionally keep our groups small, to provide personalized support, close health monitoring against altitude related sickness and a safer, more comfortable experience on the mountain. No matter how you choose to climb, you’ll enjoy expert guidance, full porter support, and a seamless journey from Machame Gate to the summit of Uhuru Peak.
| Reference | Climb Start | Climb End | Route | Booked | Places |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZMTN | 12 July 2026 | 17 July 2026 | 6 Days Machame | 6 | 🔒 |
| KFJR | 28 July 2026 | 02 August 2026 | 6 Days Machame | 3 | 5 |
| LMSO | 05 August 2026 | 10 August 2026 | 6 Days Machame | 5 | 3 |
| RHNO | 14 August 2026 | 19 August 2026 | 6 Days Machame | 4 | 4 |
| SIMB | 27 August 2026 | 01 September 2026 | 6 Days Machame | 8 | 🔒 |
| KIBO | 05 September 2026 | 10 September 2026 | 6 Days Machame | 2 | 6 |
| MWNZ | 18 September 2026 | 23 September 2026 | 6 Days Machame | 4 | 4 |
| TRNG | 29 September 2026 | 04 October 2026 | 6 Days Machame | 5 | 3 |
Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2026/2027 with African Delight Safaris means more than reaching the summit, it’s a handcrafted journey led by a 100% Tanzanian-owned team. Our Kilimanjaro tours combine deep local knowledge, honest advice, and personalized itineraries tailored to your pace and experience level. With expert mountain crews, safety-first operations, and community-driven values, we make your trek meaningful and unforgettable. Every detail is handled with care, from your first inquiry to your final descent. And by choosing us, you directly empower local guides, porters, and businesses who make your journey possible.
We’re your trusted partner for Mt. Kilimanjaro tours in Tanzania.
If the 6 Days Machame Route has inspired your Kilimanjaro adventure, you might also be interested in exploring other popular climbing routes. Each trail offers unique scenery, challenges, and experiences, giving you plenty of options to plan the perfect summit journey.
Planning your Kilimanjaro climb for 2026? Visit our Kilimanjaro 2026 climbing page to see all available itineraries, compare routes, and start preparing for an unforgettable adventure to Africa’s highest peak.
We’ll help you customize your own itinerary for a once in a lifetime adventure in Tanzania.