Share This Tour
- Duration: 6 days
- Difficulty: Medium
- Scenery: Good
- success rate: high
6 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Machame Route
The 6-day Machame Route offers a scenic and challenging ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, ideal for trekkers seeking an adventurous experience. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is famed for its steep, diverse trails and beautiful scenery that winds through lush rainforests, alpine moorlands, and glacial landscapes. Each day on this route combines intense climbs with rewarding views, giving climbers a unique, immersive experience on Kilimanjaro’s slopes. Popular for its excellent acclimatization profile, the Machame Route boasts a high success rate, making it a top choice for adventurers determined to conquer Africa’s tallest peak.
6 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route Itinerary
Day 0
Arrival (Pre-trek Briefing)
We recommend all trekkers to organize their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airpot. Then If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Arrive at least a day before your trek to attend a pre-trek briefing at your hotel. We will review your gear and provide any necessary equipment rentals
Day 1
Arrival
- Arrival: Pre-trek Briefing
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
Day 1
Hotel to Machame Camp
Drive from you hotel to Machame Gate 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.
Day 1
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
- Distance: 11km/7mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2
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 campsite.
Day 1
- Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Walking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira 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 prepare for summit day.
Day 1
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 9km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5
Barafu Camp to Summit 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.
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 and the continent of Africa!
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.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
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).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Day 1
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Inclusions and Exclusion
The price includes:-
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
- quality mountain tent and Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
The price Excludes:-
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Price per person Sharing
Solo
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
7+ pax
USD 2021
USD 1967
USD 1904
USD 1828
USD 1816
USD 1798
USD 1794
SOLO
2 PAX
3 PAX
4 PAX
5 PAX
6 PAX
7 PAX +
USD 2021
USD 1967
USD 1904
USD 1828
USD 1816
USD 1798
USD 1794
Facts to know before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a 19,340-foot (5,895-meter) mountain, has three peaks and popular trekking routes. Climbers traverse diverse climate zones over 6–9 days, depending on the route. The first successful ascent was in 1889 by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, also requiring an average fitness level.
Trekking Distance
Long Route 98 KM | Short Route 62 KM
Kilimanjaro Three Peaks
Kibo | Mawenzi | Shira
Climate Zones
Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic
First Climb
1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller
Required Skills
Average fitness level
Kilimanjaro Routes
Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Marangu, Umbwe
Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths
5-9 days depend on Routes
The 6-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route is one of the most popular paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its breathtaking scenery and high success rate. Also known as the “Whiskey Route,” it offers a more challenging and scenic trek compared to other routes. Starting from the south side of the mountain, it provides climbers with a variety of landscapes, from lush rainforest to high alpine terrain, making it an ideal choice for adventurous climbers seeking both challenge and beauty on Kilimanjaro.
The 6-day Machame Route is favored for its scenic beauty, diverse landscapes, and effective acclimatization profile. It offers trekkers a gradual climb with additional time for altitude adjustment, which increases the chances of a successful summit. Known for its “climb high, sleep low” design, the Machame Route is excellent for preventing altitude sickness, making it a top choice for climbers aiming to summit Kilimanjaro.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro using the Machame Route is during the dry seasons, from January to early March and from June to October. These months offer favorable weather conditions, clear skies, and a more comfortable trek. Although it’s possible to climb year-round, the rainy seasons (April-May and November) make the trails muddy and challenging, which can impact the overall Kilimanjaro climbing experience.
The 6-day Machame Route is considered moderately difficult and is suited for climbers with a good level of physical fitness, though no technical skills are needed. It includes steep sections and long trekking days, especially as climbers gain altitude. To increase chances of reaching Kilimanjaro's summit, climbers are advised to undergo cardiovascular and strength training before attempting the climb, as well as to prepare mentally for the high altitude and varying weather conditions on Kilimanjaro.
The 6-day Machame Route itinerary includes trekking through Kilimanjaro’s rainforest, heather, and moorland zones, leading up to alpine desert and arctic conditions at the summit. Key stops along the way include Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, and Barafu Camp. Preparation involves packing the right gear for a range of temperatures, training to handle high-altitude trekking, and choosing an experienced Kilimanjaro tour operator for safety and support. Climbers should also consider acclimatization hikes if possible to improve their chances of a successful summit.
8 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Price From $2331 Pp
-
Mti Mkubwa camp, Shira camp, Moir camp, Buffalo camp, Rongai Third Cave, School Hut, Millennium Camp, Mweka gate
9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Price From $2573 Pp
-
Mti Mkubwa camp, Shira camp, Moir camp, Buffalo camp, Rongai Third Cave, School Hut, Millennium Camp, Mweka gate
6 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Price From $1794 Pp
-
Cave Camp, Barranco camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka camp, Mweka gate
7 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Price From $2046 Pp
-
Cave Camp, Barranco camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka camp, Mweka gate
6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Price From $1856 Pp
-
Marangu Gate, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut,
