The best Six day Machame Route

Safari summary

The Best Six Day Machame Route offers one of the most rewarding and scenic ways to experience Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse ecological zones, and well-balanced pace, this route has become a favorite for climbers seeking both challenge and comfort within a six-day itinerary. Often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” the Machame path blends dramatic scenery with a steady acclimatization profile, making it an excellent choice for trekkers who are physically prepared and eager to take on Africa’s highest peak in a relatively short timeframe.

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Overnight: Machame Camp
• Details: After breakfast and a short briefing, drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. Begin your trek through dense montane rainforest, gradually ascending along a ridge. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so trekking poles and gaiters are helpful. Reach Machame Camp by late afternoon.
• Elevation: 1830m / 6000ft → 3050m / 9950ft
• Distance: 11km / 7mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Overnight: Shira Camp
• Details: Trek out of the rainforest and enter the moorland zone. Enjoy sweeping valleys, giant heathers, and wide-open vistas across the Shira Plateau. This day provides excellent acclimatization and stunning high-altitude scenery.
• Elevation: 3050m / 9950ft → 3850m / 12,600ft
• Distance: 5km / 3mi
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Overnight: Barranco Camp
• Details: Trek across the Shira Plateau and climb toward the striking Lava Tower at 4600m. After lunch at Lava Tower, descend into Barranco Valley, framed by towering cliffs and dotted with giant senecio plants. This “climb high, sleep low” day aids acclimatization and sets you up for the summit push.
• Elevation: 3850m / 12,600ft → 4600m / 15,100ft → 3950m / 12,960ft
• Distance: 10km / 6mi
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert → Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• Overnight: Barafu Camp
• Details: Begin the day by climbing the Barranco Wall, a thrilling but safe scramble offering panoramic views. Continue trekking through ridges and valleys, enjoying spectacular scenery while your body continues to acclimatize. Barafu Camp provides a well-positioned resting spot before the final ascent.
• Elevation: 3950m / 12,960ft → 3995m / 13,106ft
• Distance: 5km / 3mi
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• Overnight: Barafu Camp
• Details: Summit day begins just after midnight. Guided by headlamps and stars, you’ll make a slow, steady climb to Stella Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. The sunrise is breathtaking, illuminating glaciers and vast horizons. After celebrating, descend back to Barafu Camp for rest and a warm meal.
• Elevation: 4673m / 15,331ft → Uhuru Peak 5895m / 19,341ft → Barafu 4673m / 15,331ft
• Distance: 8km / 5mi total
• Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic Summit Zone → Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

• Overnight: Overnight in Moshi
• Details: After breakfast, descend through the montane forest to Mweka Gate. Celebrate your accomplishment and receive your summit certificate. You’ll then be driven back to Hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour) for a relaxing shower, rest, and celebration.
• Elevation: 3090m / 10,150ft → 1680m / 5500ft
• Distance: 10km / 6mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

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
• Meals
• Park fees

What’s not included?

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