Affordable Machame Route Climb

6 days—Affordable 6 Days 5 Nights Kilimanjaro Budget Climbing Tour via the Machame Route 2025, 2026 and 2027.

$1400-1650 USD

Get quote

Quick to reply to quote requests!

Safari summary

The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic trekking routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). This route offers climbers a beautiful and varied landscape, making it a favorite for those seeking a rich trekking experience with a good chance of acclimatization and summit success — even within a 6-day timeframe.

The 6-day Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a scenic and rewarding trek that takes climbers through five distinct climate zones, offering an unforgettable adventure across varied terrain. Over the course of six days, climbers begin at Machame Gate and ascend through lush rainforest, traverse the moorlands of the Shira Plateau, and reach the high-altitude Lava Tower for crucial acclimatization before descending into the breathtaking Barranco Valley. The route continues with a climb up the famous Barranco Wall and across alpine desert terrain to reach Barafu Camp, the launching point for the midnight summit attempt. On the fifth night of the six-day itinerary, climbers push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, arriving at sunrise before descending to Mweka Camp and ending the journey at Mweka Gate on the final day. The Machame Route’s “climb high, sleep low” approach, combined with its scenic beauty and solid acclimatization profile, makes it one of the most popular choices for a 6-day Kilimanjaro climb, offering a balance of challenge and summit success for well-prepared adventurers.
Route Progression by Day
• Day 1: Begin climb at Machame Gate (1,800m); hike through rainforest to Machame Camp (3,000m)
• Day 2: Climb into moorland to Shira Camp (3,840m) with great views of Kibo
• Day 3: Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) then descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m) – important for acclimatization
• Day 4: Scramble up the Barranco Wall and hike across valleys to Barafu Camp (4,600m)
• Day 5: Midnight summit attempt via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
• Day 6: Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m), marking the end of the climb

Q: How difficult is the Machame Route?
The Machame Route is considered moderate to challenging. While it doesn’t require technical climbing skills, summit day is long and demanding. Proper physical preparation and mental resilience are key

Q: What’s the success rate for the 6-day Machame Route?
The average summit success rate for 6-day Machame climbs is around 65–70%. Adding an extra acclimatization day (making it 7 days) increases success rates to over 85%.

Q: What is the weather like?
Weather varies by altitude. Expect warm, humid conditions in the rainforest, cold nights in higher camps, and potentially sub-zero temperatures during the summit attempt. Weather on Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable, so layers are essential.

Q: Do I need prior climbing experience?
No technical climbing experience is required. However, you should be in good physical shape, capable of walking 6–10 hours a day on varying terrain.

Q: What’s included in a guided trek?
A full-service guided trek typically includes park fees, guide/porter support, tents, meals on the mountain, water, and safety monitoring. It does not usually include tips, flights, or hotel stays before/after the trek.

Q: How do I prepare for altitude?
Gradual ascent, hydration, rest, and a “climb high, sleep low” approach help. Some trekkers use Diamox (acetazolamide) after consulting their doctor.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONS click the link below
https://africarisesafaris.com/

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
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate - Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, the starting point of your climb. After registering with Kilimanjaro National Park and meeting your crew, you'll begin climbing through the lush rainforest. The trail is moderate and leads you gradually uphill under a canopy of dense trees with moss and occasional colobus monkeys. The hike to Machame Camp takes around 5 to 7 hours. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with warm drinks, a cooked meal, and a tent set up by porters.

Machame Campsite

Day 2:Machame camp - Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro

After a hearty breakfast, the trail leaves the rainforest behind and enters the moorland zone. The vegetation becomes sparser as you ascend along a rocky ridge. This day involves less distance but steeper elevation gain. The views open up dramatically, revealing Kilimanjaro's glaciers and the Shira Plateau. You’ll reach Shira Camp (3,840 meters) after 4 to 6 hours of hiking. You’ll have time to rest, explore the plateau, and enjoy a warm dinner as the temperature begins to drop at night.

Shira Camp

Day 3: Lava Tower - Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro

This important acclimatization day takes you from Shira Camp up to Lava Tower (4,600 m), where you’ll stop for lunch. The high altitude may bring mild AMS symptoms, but the “climb high, sleep low” approach aids adjustment. Afterward, descend to Barranco Camp (3,950 m) in a scenic valley below the Barranco Wall. The 6–8 hour, 10 km trek ends with a stunning mountain sunset.

Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp - Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

You start the day with a steep scramble up the Barranco Wall, a challenging but fun ascent offering jaw-dropping views at the top. After the wall, the trail undulates across alpine desert terrain, eventually merging with the Mweka Route. You’ll pass Karanga Camp (where some groups overnight on a 7-day itinerary) and continue on to Barafu Camp (4,600 meters), your base camp before the summit. The hike takes about 6 to 8 hours. After dinner, you’ll get a short rest before the midnight summit push.

Barafu Camp

Day 5: Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak

Kilimanjaro

The most demanding yet rewarding day begins around midnight. Equipped with headlamps, you’ll slowly ascend steep switchbacks toward Stella Point, reaching it by sunrise. After a brief rest and enjoying the fiery colors lighting up the horizon, you’ll push onward to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Africa. After celebratory photos and a moment of reflection, you descend to Barafu Camp for rest and food, then continue to Mweka Camp. The full day involves 10 to 14 hours of climbing over 17 kilometers.

Mweka Camp

Day: 6 Mweka Gate - Back to Moshi

Kilimanjaro

The final leg of your journey is a gentle, scenic descent through rainforest terrain. The 3- to 4-hour walk takes you to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters), where you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy a hot shower and celebrate your successful climb with your fellow trekkers and guides.

Acommodation can be booked with extra price

Here are the latest 6 tours by Africa Rise Safaris. See all 76 tours.