6 Days Machame Route

About This Tour

A 6-day climb of the Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular and rewarding trek that allows for better acclimatization compared to shorter itineraries. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, offering climbers a memorable journey to the summit. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a 6-day climb of the Machame Route:

Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Start at the Machame Gate (1,800 meters/5,905 feet), where you’ll register with park authorities and begin your ascent.
• Hike through lush rainforest, crossing streams and enjoying views of the surrounding vegetation.
• Arrive at Machame Camp (3,000 meters/9,842 feet), your first overnight stop. Set up camp, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Continue ascending through the rainforest, emerging into the heath and moorland zone.
• Traverse rocky terrain and cross the Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Arrive at Shira Camp (3,840 meters/12,598 feet), where you’ll spend the night. Take in the stunning sunset views and prepare for the next day’s trek.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

• Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 meters/15,190 feet), a prominent volcanic formation, for acclimatization purposes.
• Descend to Barranco Camp (3,950 meters/12,960 feet), passing through the scenic Barranco Valley and its iconic “Breakfast Wall.”
• Arrive at Barranco Camp, your overnight stop. Rest and enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Tackle the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep scramble that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
• Traverse through alpine desert terrain, ascending and descending several ridges.
• Arrive at Karanga Camp (3,995 meters/13,107 feet), situated on a rocky ridge with panoramic vistas. Rest and prepare for the next day’s ascent.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Ascend through rocky and barren terrain, approaching the high camp at Barafu.
• Arrive at Barafu Camp (4,600 meters/15,091 feet), your basecamp for the summit push. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the challenging ascent ahead.

Day 6: Summit Day (Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp)

• Begin the summit attempt in the early hours of the morning, usually around midnight.
• Trek up steep and challenging switchbacks on the rocky scree slope, ascending to Stella Point (5,756 meters/18,885 feet) on the crater rim.
• Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa.
• Descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and meal, then continue descending to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters/10,171 feet) for the night.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Descend through the rainforest, enjoying the lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.
• Arrive at Mweka Gate (1,640 meters/5,380 feet), where you’ll receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement.
• Transfer back to your accommodations in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro climb.

Price

• High Season: $1,900
• Mid Season: $1,750
• Low Season: $1,600

Included

• Camping fees and equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
• All meals on the mountain
• Park fees and rescue services
• Transport to/from gate
• Certified guide, porters, cook
• Drinking water, first-aid kit
• Government VAT

Excluded

• Flights
• Tips (approx. $250–$300)
• Travel insurance
• Rental gear
• Pre/post climb accommodation