Machame Route

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6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via the Machame Route.

Also called Whiskey route– is the classic Kilimanjaro climbing route, amazing views, good acclimatization profile. Second in popularity. Sleeping accommodation is tents-only.

Climbing Kilimanjaro Machame route 6 days is an option as others can opt for 7 or 8 days, 6 days is for energetic people as it means skip some camps on the way. We offer special and affordable prices for people who want to attempt Mt Kilimanjaro in 7 days on this route.

Is one of the most scenic and popular trekking routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. It is well-loved for its rich variety of landscapes, better opportunities for acclimatization, and a high success rate.

The route follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, especially around Lava Tower and Barranco Camp, which enhances acclimatization. This strategy improves the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak without experiencing serious altitude sickness.

Elisha James Lead Guide&Founder

The Detailed Itinerary

  • Arrival

    We meet you at your lodge/hotel in Arusha or Moshi a day before for detailed briefing & gear checking. Please let us know if you will need transfers & accommodation in Arusha before and after trekking to be included in your prices.

  • Day 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp

    Hiking time: 5 - 6 Hourss
    Distance: 11km/8miles
    Vegetation type: Rainforest & moorland

    After breakfast, you will be pick up from Moshi to Machame gate 1800m/5905ft as per instruction. By reaching the Kilimanjaro gate office, the registration formalities will be completed by Kilimanjaro Park officials. Begin your journey at Machame Gate, Trek through the lush rainforest, encountering diverse flora and fauna, before arriving at Machame Camp 3000/9842ft for your first night on the mountain.

  • Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

    Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
    Distance: Approx. 5km/3.5miles
    Vegetation type: Moorland

    Once your breakfast is done at Machame camp, then move towards the top of the forest through moorland zone, The trail becomes steeper as you ascend through the heath and moorland zones. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo (Kilimanjaro's main peak). After a rest, move towards a rocky ridge which is located in Shira plateau. Now, after a small trek, you reach Shira Campsite 3840m/12,598ft and Overnight, distance 5km/3miles, Shira Camp offers stunning sunset views.

  • Day 3: Shira Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp

    Hiking time: 5 -6 hours
    Distance: Approx. 10km / 6 Miles
    Vegetation type: Semi - Desert

    After breakfast you will have a path through the rocky landscape. This day is crucial for acclimatization. You'll hike to Lava Tower 4550m/14927ft, a prominent volcanic rock formation, before descending to Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy helps your body adapt to the altitude.

    Once the lunch is over, go down to Barranco camping area at Lava Tower. During this hike, you will be having great views to make photographs.

  • Day 4: Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

    Hiking time: 5 -6 hours
    Distance: Approx. 10km / 6 Miles
    Vegetation type: Semi - Desert

    After your night is well spent in Great Barranco Wall, you need to make your way towards below Heim Glacier. Now, you will be heading towards Karanga Valley and then connected to Mweka route. When it comes to summit, it is said to be one of the most preferable routes. Then, move to Barafu Hut 4600m/15,091 where the last stop is at Karranga valley. After that, you will be having your final ascent at night. Before that, make sure to prepare for the requirements to carry with thermal clothing.

  • Day 5: Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp

    Hiking time:7-12 hours up, 5-6 hours down
    Distance: 5km ascent, 12km descent
    Vegetation type: Arctic

    A pre-dawn start takes you on a challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak. Witness a breathtaking sunrise from the summit, a truly unforgettable experience; now ascend towards Stella point 5735m/18815ft which is at the crater rim. Here, you can take a short rest and take your way to Uhuru Peak 5895m/19,340ft. After celebrating your achievement, descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest, the camp is mainly located over the upper forest where you can get your dinner and water.

  • Day 6:Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate Kilimanjaro

    Hiking time:3 - 4 hours
    Distance: Approx. 10 km
    Vegetation type: Rainforest.

    After your breakfast, you can have loads of celebrations with guides. Now, get back to Mweka Gate 1650m/5413ft and receive the summit certificates.

    The final day is a descent through the rainforest back to the Mweka Gate. This is a relatively easy hike, but it’s important to take your time and enjoy the views.

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Itinerary Prices

Starts From 1 Person at: $1,850

Per person for 2 people: $1,760

Per person for 3 - 5 people: $1,721

Basic Information:

Is one of the most scenic and popular routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It starts on the southwestern side of the mountain and descends via the Mweka Route.

  • Duration


    6 Days 5 Nights

  • Included


    Return transfer to & from the Mountain, 6 Overnight stays in mountain Huts, Professional & well experienced Mountain guides chef & porters, All Park fees,Rescue fees, All meals while on the Mountain, Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees, Quality Mess tents with table and chairs, Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food, Clean, purified drinking water, Crisis management and safety procedures, Fair and ethical treatment of porters.


  • Not Included


    Arrival transfer, Accommodation in Arusha, Flight tickets,Tanzania Visa, Sleeping bag, please bring your own sleeping bag or can be rent in Arusha at reasonable price, Gratuity for Kilimanjaro climbing Crew (please tip separately), Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages etc), Meals not listed above, Travel insurance if applicable

  • Rating


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