6 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Considered to be the most beautiful and scenic of the various routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, the Machame Route is appropriate for more adventurous hikers who wish for a more physically demanding climb than Marangu or Rongai can offer. You can choose to complete this route in either six days or seven days.
One of the most breathtaking and popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Machame (or ‘Whiskey’) route contains some tough climbing that rewards those who prepare and endure when the going gets tough.
For those wanting a scenic climb and a physical challenge, Machame is the perfect combination.
Your Journey Mapped Out

Scenery

The route offers stunning views and varied terrain, including lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and the iconic Barranco Wall

Difficulty

Moderate to challenging, with some steep sections but no technical climbing required

Acclimatization

The route follows a "climb high, sleep low" strategy, which helps improve acclimatization and increases the chances of reaching the summit

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)

Distance: 11km / 7 miles

Hiking time: 5 – 7 hours

Ascent: 1,200m / 3,935ft

Max. altitude: 3,000m / 9,840ft

Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Tent

Meals included: Lunch / Dinner

Your adventure begins at the Machame Gate, where you’ll complete registration formalities before starting your trek through the lush rainforest. The trail is often muddy and slippery, but the dense vegetation and diverse wildlife make it a fascinating journey. You’ll reach Machame Camp in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp and enjoy your first night on the mountain.

Overnight: Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,750m/12,375ft)

Distance: 5km / 3 miles

Hiking time: 4 – 6 hours

Ascent: 750m / 2,460ft

Max. altitude: 3,750m / 12,375ft

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Tent

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper and more rocky as you ascend, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll reach Shira Camp in the early afternoon, where you can rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.

Overnight: Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,750m/12,375ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,870ft) via Lava Tower (4,600m/15,180ft)

Distance: 10km / 6 miles

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours

Ascent: 850m / 2,805ft

Max. altitude: 4,600m / 15,180ft

Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Tent

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of Lava Tower is about 4 hours (7 km). This tower is a 300 feet high volcanic plug. From Lava Tower, we begin our steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing large flowering plants which actually look like trees, senecios. This is good practice for your descent from the summit in a few days’ time and will take around 2 hours (3km). Although you will end your day at almost the same elevation as you started, today is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit night. Barranco Camp is in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.

Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,870ft) to Barafu Camp (4,640m/15,220ft) via Karanga Camp (4,035m/13,235ft)

Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles

Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours

Ascent: 740m / 2,425ft

Max. altitude: 4,640m / 15,220ft

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Tent

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Your climb today begins with the challenging ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep and rocky path that requires some scrambling but offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Once you conquer the Barranco Wall, you’ll traverse through the alpine desert, crossing several valleys and ridges. You’ll pass by Karanga Camp, where you can take a short break before continuing your ascent to Barafu Camp. The path is well-defined but can be challenging due to the altitude and the steepness of the ascent. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the summit attempt. The camp is situated on a narrow, rocky ridge, providing breathtaking views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This is your last stop before the final push to the summit, so it’s essential to rest and acclimatize properly.

Overnight: Barafu Camp

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,640m/15,220ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) to Mweka Camp (3,080m/10,105ft)

Distance: 17km / 10.5 miles

Hiking time: 11 – 14 hours

Ascent: 1,255m / 4,121ft

Descent: 2,815m / 9,236ft

Max. altitude: 5,895m / 19,341ft

Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Accommodation: Tent

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Your summit attempt begins around midnight, with a challenging climb through the arctic zone to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The ascent is steep and demanding, but the reward is an unforgettable sunrise over the vast African plains. After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you’ll begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp. The descent is long and tiring, but the lower altitude and lush rainforest provide a welcome change of scenery.

Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,080m/10,105ft) to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)

Distance: 10km / 6 miles

Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours

Descent: 1,440m / 4,725ft

Max. altitude: 3,080m / 10,105ft

Habitat: Rainforest

Meals included: Breakfast

On your final day, you’ll continue your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail is often muddy and slippery, but the dense vegetation and diverse wildlife make it a fascinating journey. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your guides and porters. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, where you can relax and celebrate your incredible achievement.

Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your Accommodations in Moshi.
2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
Park entry fees
Hut fees
Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
Oxygen cylinder
18% VAT on tour fees & services
All camping equipment
Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
3 hot meals a day while on the mountain
Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Hot water for washing
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO) Government taxes
Ox meter
Emergency first-aid kit

Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
Travel insurance
Flights
Laundry (Available at the hotel)
Personal items and toiletries
Tips for guides, porters, and cook

Prices

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Kilimanjaro Parking List

What makes the Machame Route popular among climbers

The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is popular due to its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes. It offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and provides a good balance between challenging terrain and acclimatization opportunities.

How difficult is the Machame Route

The Machame Route is considered to be moderately difficult. It involves steep ascents and descents, particularly on the Barranco Wall and the final summit push. However, with proper preparation and acclimatization, it is achievable for climbers with a reasonable level of fitnes

What is the best time of year to climb the Machame Route?

The best time to climb the Machame Route is during the dry seasons, which are from January to mid-March and from June to October. These periods offer the best weather conditions and clearer views.

How long does it take to complete the Machame Route?

The Machame Route typically takes 6 to 7 days to complete. The 7-day itinerary allows for better acclimatization and increases the chances of a successful summit.

What kind of accommodation is available on the Machame Route?

Accommodation on the Machame Route is in tents. Campsites are set up at designated points along the route, and porters carry and set up the tents for you. Meals are also provided at the campsites.

Is the Machame Route suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Machame Route is suitable for beginners due to its gradual ascent and lower traffic compared to other routes. However, it's important for beginners to be well-prepared, physically fit, and to follow a proper acclimatization schedule to increase their chances of reaching the summit.