6 Days Machame Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Starting From $1648 per person

Overview

The 6 Days Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is famous for its beautiful landscapes, higher summit success rates, and diverse ecosystems.

This route starts from the southern Machame gate and passes through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone. Over 6 days, climbers have more time to acclimatize, increasing the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

The Machame Route is ideal for adventurous climbers seeking a balance between challenge and comfort.

Why Choose the Machame Route?

The Machame Route is preferred for several reasons:

High summit success rate due to gradual ascent
Stunning and varied scenery across all vegetation zones
Less crowded than the Marangu Route
Offers both adventure and manageable difficulty
Accommodation is mostly tented camps, giving a more immersive climbing experience

While more challenging than the Marangu Route, Machame rewards climbers with breathtaking views and a sense of achievement.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Start Altitude: 1,800 m
End Altitude: 3,000 m
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Climbers begin at Machame Gate, complete registration, and meet their guides and porters. The trail passes through dense rainforest, home to:

Blue monkeys
Colobus monkeys
Various bird species

Camp: Machame Camp (tented)
Activities: Dinner, rest, and initial acclimatization

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Start Altitude: 3,000 m
End Altitude: 3,840 m
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

The trek continues through rainforest before emerging into moorland, featuring giant lobelias, heathers, and wide open landscapes. Climbers enjoy a moderate ascent and panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Camp: Shira Camp
Activities: Dinner, rest, and acclimatization

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Start Altitude: 3,840 m
End Altitude: 3,950 m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Climbers cross the Shira Plateau, an expansive moorland with breathtaking scenery. The trail then descends slightly to Barranco Camp, located at the base of the famous Barranco Wall.

Camp: Barranco Camp
Activities: Dinner, sunset viewing, rest

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Start Altitude: 3,950 m
End Altitude: 4,035 m
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Climbers ascend the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable rock face, then continue to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day designed for rest and acclimatization before the summit attempt.

Camp: Karanga Camp
Activities: Dinner and rest

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp

Start Altitude: 4,035 m
Barafu Camp: 4,600 m (rest before summit)
Summit: Uhuru Peak 5,895 m
Descent: Mweka Camp 3,100 m
Distance: ~15 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours

The summit day begins around midnight from Karanga Camp. Climbers reach Barafu Camp for rest, then continue to the summit:

Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim
Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Africa’s highest point

After sunrise and photos at the summit, climbers descend back to Barafu Camp, rest briefly, and continue to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi/Arusha

Start Altitude: 3,100 m
End Altitude: 1,640 m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours

The final day is a descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Climbers receive their Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate before transfer to Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of the climb.

Best Time to Climb Machame Route

January – March: Cool temperatures, fewer climbers
June – October: Dry season, clear skies, and optimal summit conditions

Accommodation

Tented Camps: Machame, Shira, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu, Mweka
Facilities: Sleeping mats, meals, basic toilet facilities

Book This Tour

Price Inclusions:

✔ Accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary.
✔ Professional English-speaking guide or tour leader.
✔ All applicable park, conservation, or activity entrance fees.
✔ Comfortable transportation during the tour or transfers as required.
✔ Meals as specified in the itinerary.
✔ Mineral drinking water during activities or excursions.
✔ All government taxes and applicable service charges.
✔ Selected activities and experiences as outlined in the itinerary.
✔ Safety equipment and guidance where required for the activity.
✔ Personalized assistance and support throughout the tour.

Price Exclusions:

✖ International and domestic flights.
✖ Visa fees and travel insurance.
✖ Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
✖ Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.).
✖ Alcoholic and soft drinks unless specified.
✖ Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
✖ Accommodation before or after the tour unless requested.
✖ Airport transfers unless arranged in advance.
✖ Any additional services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.