6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

From $ 2,000

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Overview

The 6 Days Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, often called the “Whiskey Route” for its challenging yet rewarding nature. This route approaches the mountain from the southwest, passing through lush rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert, and finally the icy summit zone. 

Designed for climbers with limited time, the 6-day itinerary offers a steady ascent with beautiful landscapes and varied terrain, while still allowing for essential acclimatization. With its dramatic views, diverse ecosystems, and high success rate, the Machame Route is an excellent choice for adventurous trekkers seeking a classic Kilimanjaro experience.

Duration

6 Days | 5 Nights

Destinations

Machame Camp, Shira Camp,Lava Tower, Barranco Camp,Barranco Camp,Barafu Camp,Summit, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate

Pick Up/Drop Off

Kilimanjaro International Airport

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Full Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Main Destination:
Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation:
Hotel

Meals:
Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp

Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Main Destination:
Machame Camp

Accommodation:
Camp

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Main Destination:
Shira Camp

Accommodation:
Camp

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Main Destination:
Barranco Camp

Accommodation:
Camp

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Main Destination:
Barafu Camp

Accommodation:
Camp

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Main Destination:
Mweka Camp

Accommodation:
Camp

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Safari Pricing (Per Person)

No. of Pax 2 - 4 5 - 9 10+
Price Per Person
$ 2,000
$ 1,950
$ 1,650

Included in the Safari

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder

Not Included

  • Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Tanzania Visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • International and domestic flights
  • Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
  • Transfers (available as an optional addon)
  • Hotel (available as an optional addon)
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)

Plan Your Trip

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