Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Safari summary

The 6-day Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is a popular and scenic path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). It is known for its stunning landscapes, including lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and glacial peaks. Though more challenging than the Marangu Route, it offers a better acclimatization profile due to its “climb high, sleep low” approach. The trek begins at Machame Gate (1,800m) with a hike through dense rainforests to Machame Camp (3,000m). On day two, climbers ascend to the Shira Plateau (3,840m), enjoying breathtaking views. Day three involves a steep climb to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp (3,950m). On day four, trekkers tackle the iconic Barranco Wall and continue to Barafu Camp (4,673m), the base for the summit push. The summit attempt begins at midnight on day five, with a strenuous climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), followed by a descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m). The final day involves trekking down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m), where climbers receive their summit certificates. The 6-day version of Machame is more demanding than the 7-day route due to its shorter acclimatization period, making proper physical preparation essential. The best times to climb are January–March and June–October, ensuring optimal weather conditions.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	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
• Alcoholic beverages
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• All drinks
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas