6-Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Overview

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and popular paths. This 6-day trek passes through lush rainforest, alpine moorlands, rocky desert, and glaciers, culminating at Uhuru Peak. The route offers excellent acclimatization and stunning vistas, making it ideal for trekkers seeking a challenging yet rewarding adventure.

Highlights

• Machame Route, a scenic and less crowded path to Kilimanjaro’s summit.

• Diverse habitats: rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers.

• Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

• Gradual acclimatization for higher summit success.

• Experienced guides, porters, and full mountain support.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Machame Gate – Hike to Machame Camp
Depart Arusha early and drive to Machame Gate for park registration. Begin trekking through lush rainforest, streams, and tropical vegetation before reaching Machame Camp for the first night on the mountain.

Elevation: 1,800 m → 2,835 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Camping at Machame Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp
Trek through the rainforest and gradually emerge onto the Shira Plateau. Hike across open moorlands, observing high-altitude vegetation and panoramic mountain views. Overnight at Shira Camp.

Elevation: 2,835 m → 3,500 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Accommodation: Camping at Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Ascend from Shira Camp toward Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatization, then descend slightly to Barranco Camp. Trek through dramatic cliffs and alpine desert terrain, enjoying spectacular high-altitude views.

Elevation: 3,500 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland → Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp
Climb out of Barranco Valley via the Barranco Wall, then continue directly to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit push. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight ascent.

Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,640 m
Distance: 5–6 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Begin the midnight summit climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), witnessing sunrise from Africa’s highest point. Descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp for recovery and overnight.

Elevation: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic → Rainforest

Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect summit certificates, and transfer back to Arusha, concluding the 6-day adventure.

Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,600 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Not applicable (day of departure)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Camping along the route

• Meals on the mountain (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

• Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

• Professional guides, porters, and cook team

• Transfers from/to Arusha and Machame Gate

• Summit certificate

Excluded

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bags, poles)

• Tips and gratuities

• Optional excursions in Arusha