Machame Route 6 Days
Tour Duration
6 Days
Tour Type
Private
Tour Starts / Ends
Moshi/arusha
Group Size
Unlimited
Machame Route 6 Days Overview
The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain.
However, it is most often tackled over seven days (six nights), for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.
Tour Itinerary
Day 0: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Meals: No Meals Included
Day 1: Machame Gate (1800m) to Machame Camp (2750m)
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
Distance : 12 km
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Machame Camp (2750m) to Shira Camp (3750m)
Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.
Distance : 5 km
Approx. time taken: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Shira Cave (3750m) to Barranco Camp (3900m)
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.
Distance : 10 km
Approx. time taken: 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3900m) to Karanga Camp (3995m)
Our day starts by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp.
Distance : 10 km
Approx. time taken: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4673m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3750m)
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5756m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Distance : 14 km
Approx. time taken: 12 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Trek Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1800m)
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
Distance : 10 km
Approx. time taken: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day of Depart Tanzania
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Book this Tour
Tour include
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
- Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
- Park entry fees
- Camping fees
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- 4 Season mountain tents
- 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Government taxes
- Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
- Emergency first-aid kit
Tour Exclude
- Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb
- Travel insurance
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 70 for the entire trek
- Park entry fees
- Flights
- Laundry (Available at hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters and cook
Why Choose Us
Local Expertise
We are proudly Tanzanian, with deep roots and unmatched knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro, national parks, and hidden gems.
Safety First
Your well-being is our top priority. We provide top-quality equipment, thorough briefings, and continuous support throughout your trip
Experienced Guides
Our certified guides are trained in safety, hospitality, and mountain navigation ensuring an inspiring, safe journey
Tailored Adventures
Custom itineraries to suit your style, pace, and goals—from solo climbs to luxury safaris.
