Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route, 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
Mount Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route
The Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days 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. Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route
Day by day itinerary, Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (2,835m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route
Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Elevation Gain: +1,035m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route: Begin in the lush rainforest, with a gradual ascent through moss-covered trees and wildlife-rich trails.
Highlights: Vibrant flora, such as giant ferns, and potential sightings of blue monkeys.
Accommodation: Machame Camp (tents).
Meals: Lunch, dinner.
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Elevation Gain: +915m
Time: 4-6 hours
Route: Ascend through heath and moorland zones, with views of Kibo Peak in the distance. The path is steeper than Day 1, with a rocky ridge leading to Shira Plateau.
Highlights: Expansive views of the Shira Plateau and the surrounding landscape.
Accommodation: Shira Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,750m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,630m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +880m/-670m
Time: 6-8 hours
Route: A key acclimatization day. You’ll trek to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp.
Highlights: Stunning views of Lava Tower and the Great Barranco Wall. This day helps your body adjust to high altitudes.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation Gain: +680m
Time: 7-9 hours
Route: Begin by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble. Trek through the Karanga Valley and alpine desert before reaching Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt.
Highlights: Barranco Wall ascent and panoramic views of Mount Meru and Kibo.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Descend to Mweka Camp (3,080m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,255m/-2,815m
Time: 12-16 hours
Route:
Midnight Start: Ascend through scree and switchbacks to Stella Point (5,730m) on the crater rim. From there, it’s a gradual climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for rest and continue to Mweka Camp.
Highlights: Sunrise at the summit and breathtaking views of glaciers, the crater, and beyond.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,080m) to Mweka Gate (1,650m), Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Elevation Loss: -1,430m
Time: 3-4 hours
Route: A straightforward descent through the rainforest, ending at Mweka Gate.
Highlights: Celebrate your achievement with your summit certificate at the gate!
Transfer: Drive back to Moshi or Arusha for rest and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Additional Notes
Best Time to Climb:
Dry Seasons: January to mid-March and June to October.
Acclimatization: The Machame Route follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, enhancing acclimatization.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, with summit night being the most challenging. Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route
Inclusions, Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Clean, purified drinking water
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
All meals while on the Mountain
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Exclusions, Kilimanjaro Trek in 6-days Machame route
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tanzania Visa
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Tips and gratuities
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)