6 Days Machame Route: Ultimate Kilimanjaro Climbing Experience

Machame Route full Itinerary Kilimanjaro Climbing 7-Days 2025/2026

MACHAME ROUTE IN 6 DAYS

The kilimanajaro 6 – day Machame route is the highest rated route on Kilimanjaro Mountain. Join the nest Kilimanjaro safari tours using 6 days Machame route
Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro climbing. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary.

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6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE OVERVIEW

The 6 days Machame route is a popular trekking route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. It is known for its scenic beauty and relatively high success rate in terms of reaching the summit. The route is named after the Machame village, located near the base of the mountain.


The 6 days machame route trek covers a distance of approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) and takes six days to complete, allowing for acclimatization to the high altitude.

The route is often recommended for those who have some previous trekking experience and are looking for a challenging but rewarding adventure.

DAY 1: Machame route 6 days, Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The drive from Moshi to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village called Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

Distance: 10.6km

Time : 6 hours

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Machame Camp

DAY 2: Machame route 6 days, Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

Distance : 5.4km

Time : 4-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Shira Camp

DAY 3: Machame route 6 days, Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we continue hiking to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue climbing, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.”

Distance : 10.8km

Time : 8 – 10 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

DAY 4 : Machame route 6 days, Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue hiking on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Distance : 8.5 km

Time : 8 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

DAY 5: Machame route 6 days, Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue hiking our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy screed towards Stella Point on the crater rim.

Distance : 16.4km

Time : 7-8 hours ascent – 4-6 hours descent

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mweka Hut

DAY 6: Machame route 6 days, Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Back to Moshi

The pace quickens as you continue your triumphant way back down across alpine meadow and past Mandara Hut through the rainforest to the Gate where you board the vehicle for the journey back to Moshi/Arusha.And this marks the end of Machame 6 days route.

Distance : 9.1km

Time : 3 hrs

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Includes:

  • 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:

  • 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