Machame Route

6 Days | 5 Nights

From $1,878/ person

Your trip overview

The 6-day Machame route variant offers a challenging trek that is shorter yet still takes climbers to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This route is ideal for those with limited time but still seek a rewarding climb.

Due to its acclimatization profile, the Machame route is well-suited for individuals with only six days available for the climb. Unlike other six-day routes, the Machame route ascends to higher altitudes earlier in the trek, allowing for quicker acclimatization.

However, climbers should be in excellent physical condition to manage the demanding elevation changes and descents along the route.

Day four presents a particularly strenuous challenge, especially when combined with day five. Climbers ascend from Barranco to Barafu on the fourth day, setting the stage for the grueling summit day. The summit push typically begins after midnight, following dinner and a brief rest. The summit day on the six-day Machame route involves 19-24 hours of rigorous trekking at high altitude, with minimal sleep of only 4-6 hours.

The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route, is highly recommended for its stunning scenery and is a popular choice among climbers aiming to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning at the Machame Gate and concluding with a descent via the Mweka Route, this route offers breathtaking views along the way.

From traversing through the rainforest to reaching the moorland zone and the picturesque Shira Plateau, climbers are treated to spectacular sights throughout the journey. The route also passes over the Southern Ice fields towards the Barafu Route, leading climbers to the summit of Uhuru Peak.

With a duration of either 6 or 7 days, this route is considered to have a medium difficulty level. The scenery is rated as excellent, offering climbers a memorable and visually stunning experience. However, due to its popularity, the Machame route tends to have high traffic.

The 6-day Machame route for climbing Kilimanjaro typically records an average summit success rate of approximately 75%. In contrast, the 7-day Machame Route itinerary boasts a considerably higher summit success rate of around 85%.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

MACHAME GATE

Mount Kilimanjaro

MACHAME CAMP

Mount Kilimanjaro

SHIRA CAMP

Mount Kilimanjaro

BARRANCO CAMP

Mount Kilimanjaro

BARAFU CAMP

Mount Kilimanjaro

MWEKA HUT

Mount Kilimanjaro

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Kenya, especially to the Masai Mara, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The 6-day Machame Route journey commences with a drive to the trailhead, the Machame gate. Situated a short distance from your hotel, the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate serves as the starting point.

Upon arrival, complete the check-in process at the park office and finalize any last-minute preparations for the climb. The initial leg of the trek takes us through the lush rainforest, ascending a hill to reach Machame Camp, where we will spend the first night.

Elevation (m):
1800m to 3000m

Distance:
11km

Time:
5-7 hours

Habitat:
Montane Forest

Where to stay

Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Following breakfast, we embark on today’s hike, bidding farewell to the rainforest as we ascend a steep rocky ridge enveloped in heath vegetation. Passing through a small valley, we continue our ascent along a high rocky ridge adorned with heath.

Our trail then veers westward, traversing a river gorge. Upon reaching the Shira campground, we take time to rest, refuel with meals, and prepare for a night’s rest. Our chef will skillfully prepare dinner on the camp stoves.

Elevation (m):
3000m to 3850m

Distance:
9km,

Time:
4-6 hours.

Habitat:
Moorland.

Where to stay

Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today marks a crucial phase for acclimatization, preparing your body for the summit bid. Expect this to be our most challenging day yet, with potential altitude effects beginning to manifest. To aid acclimatization, we ascend to Lava Tower (4600m) where we pause for lunch. Following this, we descend to Barranco Camp, our resting place for the night.

The breathtaking Western Breach and Breach Wall offer fantastic photo opportunities, and as you await your meal, take in the memorable sunset over the camp nestled in the valley below the imposing Breach and Great Barranco Wall.

Elevation (m):
3850m to 4600m to 3950m.

Distance:
12km,

Time:
6-7 hours.

Habitat:
Semi-desert.

Where to stay

Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Following breakfast, we embark on a swift and exhilarating ascent of the imposing Great Barranco Wall. From there, we navigate through scree-filled hills, making our way to the picturesque Karanga Valley (3930m) nestled below the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers.

Continuing our journey, we ascend to Barafu Camp (4600m), emerging from the Karanga Valley along the way.

Elevation (m):
3950m to 4600m

Distance:
13km,

Time:
6-7 hours.

Habitat:
Alpine Desert.

Where to stay

Barafu Camp

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Day 5 marks the pinnacle of our 6-day Machame Route expedition as we embark on our summit attempt. Awakening at 23:30, we’ll provide a quick tea and snack to fuel our ascent. Beginning between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, we chart a course northwestward toward Stella Point on the crater rim, navigating through challenging scree terrain.

This leg of the journey represents the ultimate test of both physical endurance and mental fortitude. Upon reaching Stella Point (5732m), a brief pause offers an opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking sunrise, weather permitting. Continuing onward, we attain the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5895m).

While temperatures may drop significantly at these altitudes during the night, the warmth of accomplishment fills us as we conclude our trekking day.

Descending from the peak, we make our way back to the Mweka Hut campsite via Barafu for a midday meal. The rugged gravel terrain leading to Mweka Camp necessitates the use of trekking poles (3100m). Later in the evening, we gather for our final mountain meal, savoring the culmination of our journey before retiring for a well-earned rest.

Elevation (m):
4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)

Distance:
7km ascent / 23km descent

Time:
6-8 hours ascent / 6-7 hours descent.

Habitat:
Stone scree and ice-capped summit/Alpine desert.

Where to stay

Mweka Hut

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Hotel

Our final leg of the 6-day Machame Route journey takes us back to Mweka Park Gate, where we receive our well-deserved summit certificates, marking the successful conclusion of our expedition. Descending through the montane forest, the terrain may be muddy and damp at lower elevations.

The assistance of gaiters and trekking poles proves valuable in navigating this section. Attired in comfortable t-shirts and shorts, with rain gear and warmer clothing easily accessible, we make our way to the gate, relishing the memories of our unforgettable ascent.

Elevation (m):
3100m to 1800m

Distance:
8km,

Time:
3-4 hours.

Habitat:
Montane Forest.

Where to stay

Hotel

Rates Per Person

The prices for the 6-day Machame Route package are as follows:

1PAX	2-5 PAX	6-10PAX	11+PAX
$2,140	$1,922 (per person)	$1,888 (per person)	$1878 (per person)

Please note that these prices are based on sharing accommodation and are subject to change. Feel free to contact us if you need prices and dates for the 6 days Machame Route climbs with a full moon for the years 2025-2026.

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after the climb)

Breakfast included at the hotel

1 Post-climb celebratory drink (beer, juice, or soda) on us

Group transport to and from Moshi to ALL Kilimanjaro park gates

No additional transport fees will be charged to the Northern or Western route gates

Kilimanjaro National Park permits

Camping/Hut fees

Mountain rescue fees

Guides/Porters salaries

Private toilet for the party on all climbs (except for Marangu)

All season mountain tents

Foam sleeping pad (unless you opt to bring your own instead)

Mess tents, tables, chairs for parties of two or more

All meals on the mountain

No small party supplement fees will be charged

No single supplement fees for Private Climbs will be charged

Exclusions

Airfare

Personal Gear

Tips for porters & Guides

Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Tips and any items of personal nature.

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Machame Route

6 Days | 5 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

MACHAME GATE

MACHAME CAMP

SHIRA CAMP

BARRANCO CAMP

BARAFU CAMP

MWEKA HUT

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Rates Per Person

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

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