6 Days Machame Route

A Classic Kilimanjaro Climb

Trek Overview

The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is a popular choice for climbers seeking a challenging and rewarding ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts.

Starting at Machame Gate, you'll embark on a journey that gradually increases in altitude, allowing for optimal acclimatization. The route converges with the Lemosho and Umbwe Trails at Barranco Camp, providing opportunities to meet fellow climbers.

Itinerary

Arrive in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Your guide will brief you about the trek and perform an equipment check to ensure you have all necessary gear. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (2,835m)

Distance covered: 11 km

Approximate time taken: 7 hours

Habitat: Montane forest

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from the hotel around 8:00 am and transferred to Machame Gate. Along the way, you’ll see coffee and banana plantations grown by the Chagga people. After completing park formalities at the gate, the trek begins through a tropical rainforest to Machame Camp. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the route. Overnight at Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835m) to Shira Cave Camp (3,750m)

Distance covered: 5 km

Approximate time taken: 3 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Start hiking around 8:00 am, climbing an hour to the top of the forest and then through the moorland zone. After a short snack break, continue up a rocky ridge to the Shira Plateau. From here, you’ll have views of the western breach with its stunning glacier. Overnight at Shira Campsite.

Day 3: Shira Cave Camp (3,750m) to Barranco Camp (3,900m)

Distance: 10 km

Duration: 6 hours

Environment: Alpine Desert

To acclimatize, you'll ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Barranco Camp. This day provides incredible views of the Western Breach and the Barranco Wall.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,900m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Distance covered: 10 km

Approximate time taken: 7 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, climb the Barranco Wall (4200m) and continue to Karanga Camp for a hot lunch. After lunch, head to Barafu Camp. Dinner will be early to allow for rest before the midnight summit climb. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Millennium Camp (3,950m)

Distance: 15 km

Duration: 12-15 hours

Environment: Glacier/Moorland

This is the most challenging day, but the rewards are immense. You'll embark on a nighttime ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After witnessing a breathtaking sunrise, you'll descend to Millennium Camp.

Day 6: Millennium Camp (3,950m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m)

Distance: 14 km

Approximate Time: 5 hours

Habitat: Montane Rainforest

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

The final leg of your journey takes you through the lush rainforest from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll sign out with park authorities and receive your official climbing certificate. Climbers who reached Gilman’s Point receive a green certificate, while those who summited Uhuru Peak earn a gold certificate.

Package Pricing

1 Person	2 - 4 People	5 - 9 People	10+ People
$2,100 Per Person	$1,950 Per Person	$1,900 Per Person	$1,850 Per Person

What's Included:

Accommodation at The Mountain Bikes House in Moshi
Transportation to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Experienced mountain guide
National park fees
All meals during the trek
Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat)
Porterage for personal gear
First-aid kit
Treated drinking water

What's Not Included:

International flights
Visa fees
Tips for guides and porters
Personal items (e.g., clothing, toiletries)
Travel insurance