6 Days Machame Route - Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour

Tour Overview

Known as the “Whiskey Route,” the Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular paths to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This 6-day itinerary offers a challenging yet rewarding climb with excellent acclimatization through the “climb high, sleep low” principle, resulting in higher summit success rates compared to shorter routes.

Starting from the southwest, the route traverses diverse landscapes: lush rainforest, open moorland, alpine desert, and dramatic glacial valleys, providing breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and the Southern Icefields.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Moshi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania

DEPARTURE TIME

Morning briefing and transfer to the gate after hotel pickup

INCLUDED

Airport transfers	Camping accommodation (tents)
All park fees & rescue fees	Professional guides & porters
3 meals per day on trek	Portable oxygen & comprehensive first aid

NOT INCLUDED

International flights	Crew tips (recommended)
Personal climbing equipment rental	Travel insurance & Tanzanian visa

With full camping setup including private toilet tents, comfortable sleeping mats, and mess tents for meals, the Machame Route delivers an authentic wilderness experience while maximizing your chances of standing on the Roof of Africa.

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,010m)

Drive to Machame Gate, register, and begin trekking through dense rainforest teeming with wildlife.

Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Distance: 11 km
Elevation gain: 1,210 m
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2: Machame Camp (3,010m) to Shira Camp (3,845m)

Steep ascent out of the forest into heath and moorland with first views of Kibo peak across the Shira Plateau.

Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Distance: 5 km
Elevation gain: 835 m
Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,845m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Climb to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend into the Great Barranco Valley with dramatic views of the Breach Wall.

Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain/loss: 785 m up, 670 m down
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Scramble up the Barranco Wall, traverse valleys, and ascend to base camp for summit preparation.

Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 9 km
Elevation gain: 680 m
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Midnight summit push to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak for sunrise, followed by long descent to Mweka.

Hiking time: 7–8 hours ascent, 5–7 hours descent
Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent
Elevation gain/loss: 1,255 m up, 2,795 m down

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi.

Hiking time: 3–5 hours
Distance: 10 km
Elevation loss: 1,460 m

1 review for 6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb

physcode – January 24, 2017 :

The scenery on Machame is unbeatable — Barranco Wall and the sunrise from the summit were life-changing!

6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour