Best six days Machame route

6 days— Kilimanjaro climbing 6 days Machame route 2025 -2026

From

$1200 USD

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Safari summary

The Machame Route, often called the "Whiskey Route," is one of Mount Kilimanjaro's most popular and scenic paths, known for its stunning variety of landscapes. Beginning in lush rainforest, the route ascends through different climate zones, including moorland, alpine desert, and eventually the arctic summit zone. It offers hikers panoramic views of the mountain's glaciers, towering cliffs, and expansive plains below.

The route is favored for its beauty, and although more challenging than the Marangu Route, it allows better acclimatization with its "climb high, sleep low" approach. Over 6 or 7 days, trekkers experience dramatic shifts in scenery, including tropical forests, volcanic rock formations, and breathtaking high-altitude vistas. The journey culminates with a midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, offering unforgettable sunrise views over the continent.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Park fees
Premium alcoholic beverages
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1:Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp Altitude: 1,640 m (5,380 ft) to 2,850 m (9,350 ft) Distance: 11 km (7 miles) Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rainforest After registration at the Machame Gate, you'll hike through dense rainforest with towering trees and lush vegetation. The trail can be muddy, especially if it has recently rained. You'll arrive at Machame Camp for your first night under the stars.

machame camp

Day 2:Machame Camp to Shira Camp A

Kilimanjaro

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp Altitude: 2,850 m (9,350 ft) to 3,750 m (12,300 ft) Distance: 5 km (3 miles) Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Moorland The landscape transitions from rainforest to moorland. The trail steepens as you ascend the Shira Plateau, with panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance. Shira Camp offers expansive, scenic vistas and dramatic sunsets.

shira camp

Day 3:Shira Camp to Lava Tower to

Kilimanjaro

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Altitude: 3,750 m (12,300 ft) to 4,630 m (15,190 ft) to 3,960 m (12,990 ft) Distance: 10 km (6 miles) Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Semi-desert This is an important acclimatization day. You ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude. You'll pass through rocky terrain, with towering cliffs around you.

barranco camp

Day 4:Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp Altitude: 3,960 m (12,990 ft) to 4,640 m (15,220 ft) Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles) Time: 7-9 hours Habitat: Alpine desert You'll begin by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble. After the wall, the trail undulates, offering breathtaking views of Kibo's glaciers. By the end of the day, you’ll arrive at Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt.

barafu camp

Day 5:Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to

Kilimanjaro

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp Altitude: 4,640 m (15,220 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,110 m (10,200 ft) Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles) Time: 11-15 hours (7-8 hours ascent, 4-7 hours descent) Habitat: Arctic zone (summit), moorland, and rainforest You’ll start your summit attempt around midnight, ascending through steep, loose scree towards Stella Point. From Stella Point, it's a short but challenging hike to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

mweka camp

Day 6:Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Alt

Kilimanjaro

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Altitude: 3,110 m (10,200 ft) to 1,640 m (5,380 ft) Distance: 10 km (6 miles) Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rainforest The final descent takes you through the lush rainforest, where you'll celebrate your achievement at the Mweka Gate. From here, you’ll receive your summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel.

moshi/ arusha

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