6-Day Climb · mid-range
6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route
Price for 1 person
$3,250
per person
Less in a group: $2,250 each for 8+ climbers. See every group size
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro with Trust Tours & Safaris and experience the adventure of a lifetime on the scenic Machame Route — six days from the rainforest to Uhuru Peak.
The 6-Day Machame Route is an adventurous way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, standing at 5,895 metres above sea level. Known for its spectacular scenery, changing landscapes and dramatic views, the Machame Route takes you through lush rainforest, open moorland, alpine desert and the high-altitude world surrounding the summit.
At Trust Tours & Safaris, we understand that climbing Kilimanjaro is more than reaching the top of a mountain. It is a personal challenge that requires careful planning, experienced mountain guides, dependable support staff, proper equipment and honest advice. Our team works to make your expedition as safe, comfortable and rewarding as the mountain conditions allow.
We organise your climb with a clear itinerary, a professional mountain crew, nutritious meals on the mountain and practical support from your arrival briefing to your return from the trek.
Your goal is Uhuru Peak. Our responsibility is to help you prepare properly and give you professional support throughout the journey.
- Duration
- 6 days on the mountain
- Highest point
- Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
- Start / finish
- Machame Gate / Mweka Gate
- Mountain accommodation
- Five nights camping in mountain tents
- Best for
- Physically fit trekkers with suitable mountain experience
- Age policy
- 12–70 years, subject to fitness and medical suitability
Highlights
- Professional mountain support: Climb with an organised team of guides and support crew.
- Clear pricing: Understand what is included and what you will need to arrange separately.
- Proper preparation: Receive a pre-climb briefing covering equipment, altitude, fitness and the daily schedule.
- Mountain meals and camping arrangements: Your team prepares meals and organises the overnight camping arrangements specified in your quotation.
- Personal attention: Ask questions, discuss your experience level and receive practical advice before committing to your climb.
Best months to climb: Jan · Feb · Mar · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
6-day climbing
Price per person
| Route | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 pax | 6 pax | 7 pax | 8+ pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machame route 6 days | $3,250 | $2,750 | $2,550 | $2,450 | $2,400 | $2,350 | $2,325 | $2,250 |
6 days on the mountain. Your final price depends on group size, accommodation choice, transfer arrangements and the services included in your package.
How the prices work
Our prices are based on the number of climbers travelling together. They are indicative planning prices; your final price depends on your group size, accommodation choice, transfer arrangements and the services included in your package.
The solo price reflects the higher cost of organising a private expedition for one climber, while two-person and larger groups can share certain operational costs. The price for eight or more climbers is a starting estimate and may change according to the final group size, travel dates, accommodation arrangements before and after the climb, and any additional services requested.
These prices are intended for a quality guided mountain expedition rather than a stripped-down budget climb. They are realistic planning prices for 2027–2028. The 2-person rate assumes two climbers booking together and sharing a hotel room. Solo pricing includes the additional cost of operating the expedition for one climber. Larger groups require confirmation of crew capacity and safe guide-to-climber ratios.
Before you pay a deposit, we confirm your final price, payment schedule, cancellation terms and any optional services in writing.
Guides, crew and transport are shared by the whole party, so the more of you there are, the less each person pays. Travelling alone? You can also join a group departure.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Route profile
6 days on the mountain · highest point 5,895 m · about 46 km
Swipe sideways to see every day →
- 1
Day 1
Machame Gate to Machame Camp – Enter the Rainforest
1,800 m → 2,835 m10–11 km5–7 hoursYour adventure begins with a transfer to Machame Gate, where your climbing team completes the required registration and prepares for the trek. After meeting your guides and support crew, you begin walking through the beautiful rainforest on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The trail winds beneath tall trees and thick vegetation, with opportunities to spot birds and other forest wildlife. The atmosphere is cool and humid, and the gradual ascent gives you time to settle into your walking rhythm.
By afternoon, you reach Machame Camp, where your crew prepares your overnight camping arrangements and a freshly cooked mountain meal.
- Overnight:
- Machame Camp (tents)
- Meals:
- Lunch and dinner
- 2
Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp – Above the Forest
2,835 m → 3,750 m5–6 km4–6 hours
After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and continue climbing through heathland and moorland. As the vegetation becomes shorter, the landscape opens up to reveal broad mountain views and the impressive volcanic terrain of Kilimanjaro.
The trail becomes steeper in places, so walk at a steady pace and follow your guide’s advice. Taking regular breaks, drinking water and avoiding unnecessary rushing are important parts of preparing for the higher elevations ahead.
Arrive at Shira Camp, located on the Shira Plateau, where you can rest, eat and appreciate the mountain scenery.
- Overnight:
- Shira Camp (tents)
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 3
Day 3
Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp – Climb High, Sleep Low
3,750 m → 3,960 mHighest point 4,630 m10–11 km6–8 hoursToday is an important stage of your acclimatisation. You cross the Shira Plateau and gradually ascend towards the Lava Tower area, reaching approximately 4,630 m, before descending to Barranco Camp at around 3,960 m.
This approach, commonly described as “climb high, sleep low,” gives your body an opportunity to experience a higher elevation before spending the night lower down. It does not eliminate altitude sickness, but it can support acclimatisation.
The scenery changes dramatically as you enter the alpine desert, with rugged rock formations, sparse vegetation and expansive mountain views. Your guide monitors the group’s condition and adjusts the pace as needed.
After reaching Barranco Camp, enjoy a warm meal and rest before the challenging day ahead.
- Overnight:
- Barranco Camp (tents)
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 4
Day 4
Barranco Camp over Barranco Wall to Barafu Camp – Prepare for the Summit
3,960 m → 4,673 m9–12 km7–9 hoursBegin the day with the ascent of the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the Machame Route. Although some sections require careful foot placement and the use of your hands for balance, the route is a guided mountain hike rather than a technical rock-climbing expedition under normal trail conditions.
At the top, take time to appreciate the views before continuing across the mountain terrain towards the Karanga area and then Barafu Camp. On this six-day itinerary, you do not spend a separate night at Karanga Camp, making this a particularly demanding day.
Arriving at Barafu Camp, your team prepares dinner and helps you organise the equipment needed for the summit attempt. Rest as much as possible, drink fluids as advised and listen carefully to the summit briefing. The summit departure usually begins around midnight or during the early hours of the following morning.
- Overnight:
- Barafu Camp (tents)
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 5
Day 5
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp – Summit Day
4,673 m → 3,100 mHighest point 5,895 m12–16 hours or more
This is the most challenging and potentially rewarding day of your expedition.
You begin your summit attempt in darkness, guided by your mountain team and headlamps, ascending slowly through the cold, high-altitude terrain towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The climb is physically demanding, and the combination of steep terrain, low temperatures and reduced oxygen makes a steady pace essential.
From Stella Point, continue along the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa. If conditions and your health allow you to reach the summit, you will have the opportunity to celebrate your achievement, take photographs and enjoy the extraordinary feeling of standing on top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After the summit, begin the long descent via Barafu Camp towards Mweka Camp. Your guides monitor your condition during the descent, which can be tiring after the overnight climb.
This is a very long day, commonly taking approximately 12–16 hours or more. Reaching Uhuru Peak cannot be guaranteed because altitude, weather and individual health can affect the outcome.
- Overnight:
- Mweka Camp (tents)
- Meals:
- Summit-day meals and drinks
- 6
Day 6
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Complete Your Kilimanjaro Adventure
3,100 m → 1,640 m8–10 km3–5 hoursAfter breakfast, descend through the rainforest towards Mweka Gate. The lower slopes are often greener and warmer, providing a welcome contrast to the cold, exposed terrain near the summit.
At the gate, complete the required exit procedures and certificate arrangements according to the park’s rules and your summit achievement. Your driver then transfers you to the agreed hotel or drop-off point in Moshi or Arusha, as specified in your booking.
You leave Kilimanjaro with memories of the landscapes, the challenge and the people who supported your journey.
- Overnight:
- Transfer to the agreed destination
- Meals:
- Breakfast
What's included in the price
- Park fees: Kilimanjaro National Park fees applicable to the confirmed itinerary.
- Camping fees: Camping fees for the designated mountain camps.
- Mountain team: Professional mountain guides and support crew.
- Camping equipment: Mountain tents and camping equipment specified in the package.
- Meals: Meals during the climb, prepared by the mountain cook.
- Drinking water: Drinking water arrangements as specified in your quotation.
- Transfers: Between the agreed pickup point, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Machame Gate and Mweka Gate, with onward transfer as confirmed.
- Hotel nights: Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb, only if expressly included in your selected package.
- Preparation: Pre-climb briefing and practical equipment guidance.
- Rescue and taxes: Applicable park rescue arrangements and taxes, as specified in the final quotation.
- Summit certificate: Arranged in accordance with park procedures and the climber's achievement.
What's not included
- International flights.
- Tanzania visa fees.
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
- Personal hiking equipment, including suitable boots, warm layers, waterproof clothing, gloves, sleeping bag and trekking poles.
- Tips for guides, porters, cooks and other support crew.
- Additional hotel nights, room upgrades and personal expenses.
- Additional meals outside the package.
- Medical expenses and services not covered by the agreed package or insurance.
- Optional safaris, Zanzibar holidays and other activities before or after the climb.
Is the 6-Day Machame Route right for you?
The Machame Route is scenic and rewarding, but the six-day version is physically demanding. It includes a long summit day and a demanding fourth day because the itinerary moves from Barranco towards Barafu without an overnight stay at Karanga.
It may suit trekkers who are physically fit, have suitable mountain experience and understand the demands of high-altitude walking. However, being fit does not guarantee that your body will acclimatise successfully.
For many first-time Kilimanjaro climbers, we recommend considering the seven-day Machame Route. The extra day allows a more gradual schedule and an additional overnight stop, although no itinerary can remove altitude-related risks.
Before recommending your route, we encourage you to tell us about your hiking experience, fitness level, travel dates and preferred comfort level. We can then advise whether the six-day itinerary is appropriate or whether a longer climb would be a better choice.
Why book with Trust Tours & Safaris?
Choosing a Kilimanjaro operator is an important decision. You need more than an attractive price: you need clear communication, a realistic itinerary, transparent inclusions and a team that takes your wellbeing seriously.
At Trust Tours & Safaris, we want you to understand your trip before paying a deposit. We explain what your package covers, help you prepare the right equipment and provide practical guidance about the demands of the mountain.
We do not promise that every climber will reach Uhuru Peak, because no responsible operator can guarantee that outcome. Instead, we focus on professional preparation, appropriate pacing, attentive support and honest advice throughout your expedition.
Your Kilimanjaro journey deserves careful planning. Let us help you prepare for it with confidence.
Request your 2027–2028 Kilimanjaro quotation
Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of climbers and whether you would like a private or group expedition. We will prepare a written quotation showing the itinerary, accommodation arrangements, inclusions, exclusions and final price.
Start planning your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure with a local team that values clear information, careful preparation and service you can trust.
- WhatsApp: +255 785 938 860
- Email: info@trusttourstz.com
- Website: trusttourstz.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Ask Ombeni directly on WhatsApp.
The same route, another length
More days on the mountain mean more time to acclimatise and a better chance of reaching the summit; fewer days suit fit climbers with less time.
Compare every Kilimanjaro climb
Prices per person in US dollars. Open any climb for its full itinerary and price table, or see all routes side by side.
| Climb | On the mountain | Difficulty | 1 person | Groups from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Marangu | 5 days | Challenging | $2,850 | $1,999 |
| 6-Day Marangu | 6 days | Moderate | $2,627 | $1,950 |
| 6-Day Machame (this climb) | 6 days | Challenging | $3,250 | $2,250 |
| 6-Day Rongai | 6 days | Moderate | $3,250 | $2,300 |
| 6-Day Umbwe | 6 days | Tough | $3,250 | $1,990 |
| 7-Day Machame | 7 days | Challenging | $3,233 | $2,350 |
| 7-Day Lemosho | 7 days | Challenging | $3,250 | $2,450 |
| 8-Day Lemosho | 8 days | Challenging | $3,850 | $2,550 |
| 9-Day Northern Circuit | 9 days | Challenging | $4,550 | $2,850 |
| 11-Day Northern Circuit + Crater Camp | 11 days | Tough | $6,250 | $3,590 |
Read before you go
Free, no-fluff guides from the people who run the trips.
How Long Does It Take to Climb Kilimanjaro?
Five to nine days — and why the longer routes reach the summit far more often.
Read guide →Kilimanjaro · 12 min readClimbing Kilimanjaro: The Complete Guide
Everything that actually decides whether you stand on the Roof of Africa — routes, days, fitness, altitude, cost and timing — in one honest read.
Read guide →Kilimanjaro · 9 min readClimbing Kilimanjaro for Beginners
Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro? Yes — most reasonably fit first-timers can, with the right route, some training and a slow pace. An honest first-timer's guide.
Read guide →Ready to climb?
Plan your 6-Day Machame with Ombeni
Per person in US dollars. The 2-person rate assumes two climbers sharing a hotel room; the solo rate carries the full cost of a private expedition. Final price confirmed in your written quote.
1 person
$3,250
per person