6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing

5.0 Superb

Tour Type

Machame Route

Climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro celebrating at the summit with certificates of achievement after reaching Uhuru Peak in Tanzania.

TRIP OVERVIEW

The 6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb is one of the most popular and scenic trekking experiences on Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it offers excellent acclimatization, diverse landscapes, and a high summit success rate, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

This route passes through rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and finally the arctic summit zone, giving climbers a full and unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The journey begins at Machame Gate after registration at Kilimanjaro National Park. The trail enters a dense tropical rainforest filled with tall trees, vines, and rich biodiversity. The environment is humid and shaded, creating a cool and refreshing hiking atmosphere.
Trekkers enjoy a steady uphill climb through muddy forest trails while spotting monkeys, birds, and unique plant species before arriving at Machame Camp.

Altitude: 1,800 m – 2,835 m
Hiking distance: 10–11 km
Hiking time: 5–7 hours

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

This section leaves the rainforest and enters the heath and moorland zone. The landscape opens up with volcanic rock formations, giant lobelias, and wide views of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.
As altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and cooler. This is an important acclimatization stage as trekkers continue toward Shira Cave Camp.

Altitude: 2,835 m – 3,750 m
Hiking distance: 5–7 km
Hiking time: 4–6 hours

Day 3: Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

This is one of the most scenic sections of the Machame Route. The trail crosses the alpine desert with dramatic views of volcanic landscapes and open skies.
Trekkers gradually ascend and descend across the Shira Plateau before reaching Barranco Camp, located in a beautiful valley beneath the famous Barranco Wall.

Altitude: 3,750 m – 3,960 m
Hiking distance: 10–12 km
Hiking time: 5–7 hours

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

This challenging day begins with the climb of the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical section offering breathtaking views. After the climb, the route continues through ridges and valleys toward Karanga and onward to Barafu Camp.
The landscape becomes more rugged and alpine with little vegetation as climbers prepare for summit night.

Altitude: 3,960 m – 4,673 m
Hiking distance: 8–10 km
Hiking time: 6–8 hours

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Mweka Hut

The summit attempt begins at midnight under cold and challenging conditions. Climbers ascend steep volcanic slopes to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa on Mount Kilimanjaro.
After celebrating at the summit, trekkers descend to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue down to Mweka Hut for overnight recovery.

Altitude: 4,673 m – 5,895 m – 3,100 m
Hiking distance: 17–21 km
Hiking time: 12–15 hours

Day 6: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate

The final descent takes trekkers through lush rainforest back to Mweka Gate. The trail is easier and shaded, offering time to reflect on the achievement.
At the gate, climbers receive certificates of completion before transfer back to Arusha or Moshi.

Altitude: 3,100 m – 1,640 m
Hiking distance: 8–10 km
Hiking time: 3–5 hours

Hotels

We offer the following hotel options

Lindrin Lodge (Single Room) - USD 55 per night
Lindrin Lodge (Double Room) - USD 70 per night
Lindrin Lodge (Triple Room) - USD 105 per night
Keys Hotel (Single Room) - USD 69 per night
Keys Hotel (Double Room) - USD 94 per night
Keys Hotel (Triple Room) - USD 122 per night
Parkview Inn (Single Room) - USD 81 per night
Parkview Inn (Double Room) - USD 91 per night
Parkview Inn (Triple Room) - USD 170 per night
Kilimanjaro Wonders (Single Room) - USD 140 per night
Kilimanjaro Wonders (Double Room) - USD 160 per night

Note: if any hotel is booked out or is otherwise unavailable, we will book you in an alternate equivalent hotel.
If you are booking a hotel directly, please do check with us before booking, to make sure we can meet you and pick you up from the hotel.

Gear

We offer the following addons to your gear

Private Toilet - USD 150
Private Tent - USD 5 per day
Thicker sleeping mattress - USD 10 per mattress
Thermarest - USD 15 per thermarest

Note: Our packages by default include a foam sleeping mattress of 2 inch thickness, if you want a thicker alternative you can opt a 4 inch foam mattress with above mentioned extra cost.

Transfers

We offer the following transfer optionsr

Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi (one way) - USD 50 per vehicle
Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) (one way) - USD 50 per vehicle
Arusha to Moshi (one way) - USD 100 per vehicle
Moshi to Arusha (one way) - USD 100 per vehicle

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate

Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)