6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route
- Machame Route
Trekking Overview
The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes. This route offers a perfect balance between challenge and reward, guiding you through lush rainforest, alpine moorlands, and rocky highlands before reaching the summit of Africa’s highest peak, Uhuru Peak (5895m). With ample acclimatization opportunities, this route is ideal for climbers seeking a mix of adventure, breathtaking vistas, and a high success rate for reaching the summit. Experience the thrill of traversing Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecological zones while supported by our expert guides and dedicated team of porters.
The following itinerary provides a detailed day-by-day guide to your Kilimanjaro climb, including distances, trekking times, altitude gains, and what to expect at each camp.
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Moshi Town
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our friendly driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your trekking guide, who will provide a detailed briefing about the trek, including safety tips, route overview, and a gear check to ensure everything is in order. Any essential equipment may be rented today. This day is designed to help you acclimatize and prepare mentally for your adventure.
- Meals: Not included
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Day 2: Moshi – Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
After a one-hour scenic drive from Moshi, you arrive at Machame Gate for park formalities. Meet your crew of porters and start your climb through dense rainforest, where the path is lush, sometimes wet, and full of the sounds of wildlife. The trail steadily ascends and provides a truly immersive introduction to Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty. Tonight, enjoy your first night under the stars at Machame Camp.
- Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)
Trekking today moves from dense rainforest into open highland terrain. The ascent onto the Shira Plateau offers spectacular panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and surrounding peaks. As you climb, glance back to see Mt Meru towering above Arusha town, a breathtaking reminder of your journey’s progress. Tonight, enjoy camp life at Shira Camp, your gateway to higher altitudes.
- Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Shira Camp (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
The trail takes you across high moorland and volcanic landscapes, with dramatic changes in scenery. Pass beneath the Lava Tower and the Western Breach, trekking steadily while following the mountaineering principle of “walk high, sleep low” to optimize acclimatization. Tonight, camp in the sheltered Barranco Valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged beauty.
- Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
Begin the day with a steep climb over the Barranco Wall, testing your stamina and rewardingly opening views of the southeastern slopes of Kibo. Descend briefly into the Karanga Valley, the last fresh water stop before the summit, then traverse arid scree slopes to reach Barafu Camp. Prepare for the final push to the summit tomorrow with an early dinner and rest.
- Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
Rise before midnight for the summit push. Trek through scree and snow, reaching Stella Point (5739m) at sunrise for unforgettable views. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa, before beginning your descent to Millennium Camp, a well-earned rest after an extraordinary day.
- Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Departure and Optional Excursions (Standard Last Day)
On your final day, we ensure your adventure concludes smoothly and memorably. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will provide a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
For guests with extra time before departure, we can arrange optional activities, such as cultural experiences, wildlife sanctuaries, scenic nature excursions, or relaxation opportunities. For those extending their stay, we can assist in planning safaris or beach holidays to continue your Tanzanian adventure.
- Meals: Not included
Inclusions (What’s included in your Kilimanjaro adventure)
We ensure you are fully supported throughout your trek. Your package includes:
- Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Transport to and from Machame Gate
- National Park entry fees, camping fees, and applicable crater fees
- Rescue fees and emergency support
- Accommodation on the mountain in 4-season tents
- Double-layered sleeping mats (10 cm thick)
- Experienced guides, cooks, and porters
- Three nutritious meals per day while trekking
- Continuous access to treated and filtered drinking water
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for all crew, approved by KINAPA and KIATO
- Government taxes
- Portable oxygen tanks, oximeter, and first-aid equipment
- Portable flush toilet facilities on the mountain
- Official Kilimanjaro climbing summit certificate
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
Exclusions (What you’ll need to arrange yourself)
To ensure clarity, these items are not included in your trek package:
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Accommodation in Moshi before or after the trek (2 nights)
- Comprehensive travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal trekking equipment such as trekking poles, and other personal gear
- Personal items and toiletries
- Optional excursions, souvenirs, or extra activities outside the itinerary
- For clients arriving at Arusha Airport, an additional $50 for extended transfer
- Gratuities for the mountain crew – Recommended tipping guidelines are $20 per guide, $15 per cook, and $10 per porter per day per group.
Route Quote
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Group size
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1 Pax
|
2 – 3 Pax
|
4 -5 Pax
|
6 -7 Pax
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8 - 9 Pax
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10 Pax & Above
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Quote per person
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$1820
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$1672
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$1622
|
$1596
|
$1593
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$1583
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