6 days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trekking
Duration
Explore Tours
Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” for its challenging nature and higher cost compared to Marangu, the Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic ways to climb Kilimanjaro. It approaches the summit from the southwest and descends via the Mweka Route, offering breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and the Great Barranco Wall. Trekkers pass through five diverse climatic zones, each showcasing the mountain’s natural beauty.
Although more demanding and steeper in parts than Marangu or Rongai, Machame is excellent for acclimatization with several “walk high, sleep low” opportunities. The route is ideal for adventurous climbers with some hiking experience, providing a well-paced itinerary that allows rest before the final ascent. Despite its popularity, Machame remains one of the most rewarding routes for a successful and unforgettable summit.
Included/Exclude
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Sleeping Mattress
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Tanzania Visa
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tour Plan
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Kilimanjaro Signature vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
