6-days Kilimanjaro Climbing 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.
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.
Duration: 6 or 7 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1, 6-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route.
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a morning transfer to Machame Gate at 1,640 m. After registration, you start trekking through the lush Kilimanjaro rainforest, one of the most scenic sections of the Machame Route. The trail climbs gradually on a well-maintained path, giving you time to adjust to the environment.
The distance from Machame Gate to Machame Camp is 10–11 km, taking 5–7 hours of hiking. You arrive at Machame Camp at 2,835 m, where you enjoy dinner and rest amid the cool mountain air.
Day 2, 6-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route.
The second day takes you from Machame Camp up to the high heather and moorland zone. The scenery opens dramatically as you hike along ridges toward Shira Plateau. This day covers approximately 5 km with a hiking duration of 4–6 hours, offering perfect acclimatization terrain. You reach Shira Camp at 3,750 m, where wide panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Shira Ridge dominate the landscape.
Day 3, 6-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route.
This important acclimatization day begins with a gradual ascent toward the iconic Lava Tower at 4,630 m, a key altitude adjustment point. The trail spans 7 km to Lava Tower, taking 4–5 hours. After lunch at the tower, you descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley, completing a total of 10 km for the day with 6–8 hours of trekking. You arrive at Barranco Camp at 3,960 m, surrounded by the impressive giant senecio plants and the towering Barranco Wall.
Day 4, 6-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route.
Your day starts with the famous climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble offering some of the best views on Kilimanjaro. After reaching the top, the path continues across ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp at 4,035 m. The total distance is 5–6 km, taking 4–5 hours of hiking. This shorter day is vital for acclimatization and gives you the afternoon to hydrate and rest before the summit push preparation.
Day 5, 6-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route.
You leave Karanga Camp and begin a steady ascent to Barafu Camp at 4,640 m, which serves as your base camp for the summit night. The landscape turns into high alpine desert with cold, dry air and incredible clarity. The journey covers 4 km and lasts 3–4 hours. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you have an early dinner and rest, preparing for the challenging midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 6, 6-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route.
Your summit attempt begins around midnight under a sky full of stars. The climb from Barafu Camp to the summit ridge is slow and demanding, covering 4–5 km to reach Stella Point at 5,756 m after 5–7 hours of effort. From Stella Point, you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest peak in Africa, reached after an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour of hiking.
After celebrating at the summit, you begin your descent back to Barafu Camp, a 4 km, 3-hour descent for rest and refreshments. You continue further down to Mweka Camp at 3,080 m, covering 7–8 km in 4–5 hours. This long and rewarding day concludes with dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp. The next morning, you descend the final 10 km through lush forest to Mweka Gate at 1,640 m, where certificates are issued before your transfer back to Moshi or Arusha.
Inclusions, 6-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route.
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Quality Mess tents Day 1
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Clean, purified drinking water
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Exclusions, 6-days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route.
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Tanzania Visa
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages