6 Day Machame Route
PRICE FROM $1,700
6-Day Machame Route – Overview
The Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning on the south-western side of the mountain at Machame Gate, this route takes climbers through some of Kilimanjaro’s most remarkable landscapes and ecosystems.
The trek starts in the lush cloud forest of Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes, where giant trees, moss, and diverse wildlife create a rich rainforest environment. As the journey continues, the trail climbs toward the wide and dramatic Shira Plateau, known for its dry alpine terrain and breathtaking panoramic views. Along the way, trekkers experience spectacular scenery, including the famous Barranco Valley with its giant senecio plants and the impressive Barranco Wall, where stunning views of Kibo Peak appear through the mountain mist.
Often nicknamed the “Whiskey Route,” the Machame Route is considered more challenging than some other routes but is widely regarded as the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro. The trek covers approximately 62 km, making it suitable for hikers who are physically fit and ready for a rewarding adventure. The route is a camping (tent) experience, offering trekkers a true wilderness journey on Africa’s highest mountain.
One of the main advantages of this route is its excellent acclimatization profile, which increases the chances of successfully reaching the summit. Climbers enjoy unforgettable moments such as dramatic sunsets over the Shira Plateau, clear views of glaciers, and the mist-covered reveal of Kibo from the Barranco Wall.
Summit attempts are usually made via the Barafu Camp trail, reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) before descending through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, marking the successful completion of an extraordinary Kilimanjaro adventure. 🏔️
Plan Day By Day
Arrival Date
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
During the drive, you will get your first glimpse of Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes and, if the weather is clear, you may even see the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
After arriving at the hotel, you will have time to relax and recover from your journey. Later in the day, your mountain guide will conduct a pre-climb briefing, where you will receive important information about your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure, review your equipment, and prepare for the climb starting the following day.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Moshi, preparing for the unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa. 🏔️
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800 m) – Machame Camp (2,835 m)
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure via the Machame Route begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Moshi after breakfast. You will then drive for about one hour to Machame Gate, the starting point of the trek.
After completing registration with Kilimanjaro National Park Authority, your guides, porters, and cook will organize and weigh the equipment before the climb begins.
The trail starts through the dense montane rainforest, one of the most beautiful ecosystems on Mount Kilimanjaro. The path can be muddy and slippery due to frequent rain in this region. Along the way, you may spot unique plants, birds, and even monkeys.
After a lunch stop along the trail, you will continue trekking to Machame Camp (2,835 m) where your camping crew will have already set up your tents. In the evening, enjoy boiled drinking water and a freshly prepared dinner before resting for the night. Temperatures at this altitude can drop close to freezing.
Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835 m) – Shira Camp (3,750 m)
Vegetation Zone: Heather & Moorland
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
After breakfast at Machame Camp, you begin your trek toward Shira Camp. Although the distance is shorter, the trail becomes steeper as you climb out of the rainforest into the heather and moorland zone.
As you gain altitude, the vegetation changes dramatically and the views become more open. Ahead, you will see the impressive Shira Plateau, one of the oldest geological formations on Kilimanjaro.
After stopping for lunch along the trail, you will continue hiking for about 1.5 hours until you reach Shira Camp (3,750 m). Here you will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the peak of Kilimanjaro. Your camping crew will have prepared your tents and dinner will be served later in the evening.
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,750 m) – Lava Tower (4,600 m) – Barranco Camp (3,900 m)
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert & Moorland
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Today is an important acclimatization day on your Kilimanjaro climb. After breakfast, the trail gradually ascends through the alpine desert landscape toward the famous Lava Tower at approximately 4,600 meters.
At this altitude, some trekkers may begin to feel mild altitude symptoms such as shortness of breath or headaches. After lunch near Lava Tower, you will descend about 680 meters to Barranco Camp (3,900 m). This strategy of climbing high and sleeping lower greatly improves acclimatization.
Barranco Camp lies in a beautiful valley below the impressive Barranco Wall, with stunning views of the Western Breach and Kibo Peak. Enjoy a spectacular sunset before dinner and overnight at camp.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,900 m) – Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
After breakfast, you will tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but exciting climb that offers incredible views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and surrounding valleys.
After reaching the top of the wall, the trail descends into the Karanga Valley, which is the last water point before the summit attempt. From here, the route continues across ridges and valleys toward Barafu Camp (4,673 m).
The word “Barafu” means ice in Swahili, and the camp sits on an exposed rocky ridge with spectacular views of the summit. After an early dinner, you will rest for a few hours before preparing for the midnight summit climb.
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,673 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Vegetation Zone: Arctic / Ice-Capped Summit
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours to summit / 4–5 hours descent
Your summit attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro begins around midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, you will slowly ascend through steep scree slopes toward Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim.
After a short rest and, weather permitting, witnessing a spectacular sunrise, you will continue for about two more hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your incredible achievement while enjoying breathtaking views of glaciers and the surrounding landscape. After taking photos, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
After an early breakfast, you will begin the final descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Upon arrival at the gate, climbers who successfully reached Stella Point or Uhuru Peak will receive official Kilimanjaro summit certificates. It is also customary to thank and tip your guides and porters for their incredible support during the trek.
You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and relax after completing one of the world’s most iconic trekking adventures. 🏔️
Departure Date
After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, you will have time to relax and reflect on your incredible Mount Kilimanjaro climbing adventure.
Depending on your travel plans, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your international departure flight.
If you wish to extend your Tanzania experience, this day can also mark the beginning of another exciting journey:
Tanzania Wildlife Safari: Continue your adventure with a safari to famous national parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park, where you can experience incredible wildlife and the famous Big Five.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday: Fly to the beautiful island of Zanzibar for a relaxing beach escape. Enjoy white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the rich culture of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you choose to return home, explore Tanzania’s wildlife, or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar, your journey will conclude with unforgettable memories of Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s natural beauty. 🌍🏔️🌴
Price (quoted in USD/per person)
Number of Pax
1 Pax
2 - 4 Pax
5 - 7 Pax
8 - 9 Pax
10+ Pax
6 Day MACHAME ROUTE
$ 1,800
$ 1,700
$ 1,650
$ 1,600
$ 1,550
This Tour Includes & Exclude
- Airport pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- All Mount Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
- Professional English-speaking mountain guides
- Experienced porters and cook
- All meals during the Kilimanjaro trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Three Meals During Trekking
- Government taxes and service charges
- aily health checks and emergency oxygen for safety
- Fair wages for the mountain crew
- Clean and quality mountain camping equipment (tents, dining tent, tables, and chairs)
- International & Local Flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, clothing, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
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