6-Day Machame Route Itinerary
6-days Machame route 2025/2026, There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via 6-days Machame route 2025/2026
6-days Machame route 2025/2026,The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro. This popular route with paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of summit.
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha to Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (2,835m), 6-days Machame route 2025/2026
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Elevation Gain: +1,035m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route:
Drive to Machame Gate for registration and permits.
Begin the trek through the dense rainforest, with occasional wildlife sightings like colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
The trail is often muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are useful.
Highlights: Lush rainforest, vibrant flora, and wildlife.
Accommodation: Machame Camp (tents).
Meals: Lunch, dinner.
Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835m) to Shira Camp (3,750m), 6-days Machame route 2025/2026
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Elevation Gain: +915m
Time: 4-6 hours
Route:
Leave the rainforest and ascend through the moorland zone.
The trail becomes steeper, with spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru.
Reach Shira Camp, where temperatures drop significantly at night.
Highlights: Stunning landscapes, Shira Plateau, and views of Kibo Peak.
Accommodation: Shira Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,750m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m), 6-days Machame route 2025/2026
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +880m / -670m
Time: 6-8 hours
Route:
Gradual ascent to Lava Tower for acclimatization. This “climb high, sleep low” technique aids altitude adjustment.
After resting at Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp, set in a scenic valley below the iconic Barranco Wall.
Highlights: Lava Tower, acclimatization, and incredible views of glaciers and the Barranco Valley.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m), 6-days Machame route 2025/2026
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Elevation Gain: +75m
Time: 4-5 hours
Route:
Begin with a climb up the Barranco Wall, a non-technical but thrilling ascent.
Continue through rocky terrain and alpine desert toward Karanga Camp.
Highlights: The challenge and excitement of the Barranco Wall and stunning southern glacier views.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m), 6-days Machame route 2025/2026
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: +605m
Time: 3-5 hours
Route:
Trek to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt.
Rest and prepare for the challenging summit night. Dinner is served early as you’ll wake before midnight.
Highlights: Views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, and anticipation of summit day.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Gate (1,650m), 6-days Machame route 2025/2026
Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,255m / -4,245m
Time: 12-16 hours
Route:
Summit Attempt: Start at midnight to climb steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,745m) and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Enjoy the sunrise and panoramic views before descending to Barafu Camp for rest.
After a short break, continue the long descent to Mweka Gate through the rainforest.
Highlights: Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise, incredible glacier views, and the immense sense of achievement.
Transfer: Return to Moshi/Arusha to celebrate your success.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Why Choose the 6-days Machame route 2025/2026?
Scenic Route: Incredible views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, valleys, and diverse landscapes.
Climb High, Sleep Low: Optimal acclimatization with the “Lava Tower” day.
Moderate Duration: Ideal for those short on time but fit for a challenging adventure.
Challenges of the 6-Day Machame Route
Summit Day: Demanding ascent and long descent in a single day (12-16 hours).
Altitude: The shorter duration increases the need for proper pacing and hydration to avoid altitude sickness.
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
January to mid-March: Clear skies and cooler summit conditions with occasional snow.
June to October: Dry season, mild weather, and excellent visibility.
Includes: 6-days Machame route 2025/2026
Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
Gate Transfers
Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
Quality Imported Equipments
Excludes: 6-days Machame route 2025/2026
Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room