Quick facts
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Location
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Summit
- Not guaranteed
Overview
6 Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route climb is one of the most popular climbing itinerary offered by Operation Kilimanjaro. We also recommend 7 Days Climb for acclimatization purpose.
The Kilimanjaro Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accommodations found on the Marangu Route, climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents. The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days on the mountain.
However, it is most often tackled over seven days, for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. This Kilimanjaro trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rain forest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Machame Gate – Machame Camp
10.75K /7MI | 5-6 HRS | RAINFOREST. Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft (altitude gained: 1210m). Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Day 2
Machame Camp – Shira Camp
5.3KM/3MI | 4-5HRS | MOORLAND. Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft (altitude gained: 818m). After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from 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. Temperatures begin to drop.
Accommodation: Shira Camp
Day 3
Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
10.75KM/6MI | 5-6HRS | SEMI-DESERT. Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft (altitude gained: 147m). Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 4
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
8.5KM/5MI | 6-8HRS | ALPINE DESERT. Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft (altitude gained: 676m). After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 5
Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp
4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 13KM /8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT. Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft (altitude gained: 1233m). Descent to 3106m/10,190ft (altitude lost: 2789m). Early start between midnight and 2 a.m. Ascend between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers through heavy scree towards Stella Point, then continue about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak. After photos and celebrations, steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Overnight Mweka Camp.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 6
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
9.1KM/6MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST. Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft (altitude lost: 1473m). After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation with your crew, continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Overnight Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4 stars B&B.
Included
- Park fees, camping fees, Hut fees & rescue fees
- Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope with basic first kit
- Oxygen Cylinder
- Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
- 18% Value Added Tax on tour fees & services
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals) and 3 Season mountain tents
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Medically qualified mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
- Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing.
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi. Bed & Breakfast Basis with storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) , Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- 4-5 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
- Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.
Excluded
- Flights ( International)
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
Need a custom itinerary?
Tell us your travel dates, group size and interests, and our Moshi team can help plan a tailored Kilimanjaro and/or safari itinerary.
- Standard trip: choose a published itinerary, request it, confirm the details with the team, then pay the confirmed deposit.
- Custom trip: share dates, group size and interests. The team plans the itinerary, sends a quotation, and confirms it before any deposit.
