6 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Experience the beauty, challenge, and thrill of the Machame route

Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

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Overview

The 6-day Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route” due to its more challenging nature. This route is known for its stunning landscapes and varied terrain, taking trekkers through lush rainforest, open moorlands, rocky ridges, and the alpine desert before reaching the summit. It follows a “climb high, sleep low” approach, which helps with acclimatization and increases the chances of a successful summit.

Although it is more physically demanding than routes like Marangu, the Machame Route rewards climbers with breathtaking views and a more immersive trekking experience. Highlights include the famous Barranco Wall and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The descent is made via a different path, adding variety to the journey. This route is ideal for adventurous trekkers looking for a balance between challenge, scenery, and a higher success rate to Uhuru Peak.

A shorter and more challenging version of the popular trek on Mount Kilimanjaro
Scenic and adventurous trail known as the “Whiskey Route”
Rapid ascent through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert zones
Dramatic landscapes including Shira Plateau and Barranco Wall
“Climb high, sleep low” profile that supports acclimatization despite shorter duration
Steeper trekking days, ideal for physically fit and experienced hikers
Summit attempt at Uhuru Peak, followed by descent through the Mweka route

Includes/Excludes

Experienced mountain guides and porters
Park and rescue fees
Camping and safety equipment
All meals during the trek
Drinking water
Transfers to/from the mountain
Accommodation before and after climb

Flights (international/domestic)
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for crew
Personal climbing gear
Personal expenses

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 45 minutes but driving from Arusha it will take almost 2 hours. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 2835m

Distance: 11km/7mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland.

Meals: B, L, D

Budget Camping: Machame Camp

Day 2: Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira Cave campsite.

Elevation: 3750m

Distance: 5km/3mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: B, L, D

Budget Lodging: Shira Camp

Day 3: Hike Shira Cave Camp to Lava Tower then Barranco Camp

From the Shirer Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body to prepare for the day that you will be summiting.

Elevation: 3900m

Distance: 10km/6mi

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: B, L, D

Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Aberrance Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.Then you will have lunch at Karanga there after you continue to Barafu to overnight and having preparations for your kili trek to night.

Elevation: 4673 amsl

Distance: 6 km/3mi

Hiking Time: 34 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

Budget Lodging: Barafu camp

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit-Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6-Days.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro a Roof of Africa and the continent of Africa as well.

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 3100 m

Distance: 8 km

Descending time: 2 to 3 hours.

Habitat: Moorland Zone

Meals: B, L, D

Budget Campsite: Mweka Camp

Day 6: Decend Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

Elevation: 1640m

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: BAt Kijiji village.