For those who only have six days to climb Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile. Compared to other six-day routes, the Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker (day three) which kickstarts the body’s adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires that a person be in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses.
Tour Highlights
- Trek the scenic Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route.”
- Experience breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes.
- Enjoy the climb-high, sleep-low approach to support acclimatization.
- Explore lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and volcanic terrain.
- Conquer the famous Barranco Wall.
- Witness a spectacular sunrise from Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
- Enjoy the guidance and support of experienced mountain guides and crew.
- Complete an unforgettable six-day adventure to the Roof of Africa.
What's Included
Included
Porterage
Rescue fee
Park fees
(For non-residents)
All activities
(Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation
(Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation
(Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Meals
(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water
(On all days)
Not Included
Climbing gear
International flights
(From/to home)
Roundtrip airport transfer
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips
(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items
(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Photos
6-Day Itinerary
Budget camping
machame gate
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 120 km
Approx. 5–6 hours
machame gate
01
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
You will be picked from your own booked hotel in Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
You will leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. You will continue a short distance until you reach the Machame Camp.
Lunch
Dinner
Activities
Register at Machame Gate and meet mountain guides and porters
Begin rainforest hike through dense montane forest
Arrive at Machame Camp and settle into tents
Evening briefing, dinner, and overnight stay at camp
Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and rain gear. Trekking poles are highly recommended. Non-alcoholic drinks only at camp. Keep your passport and permits handy.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
machame
Approx. 120 km
Approx. 2–3 hours
mount kilimanjaro
02
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast in your hotel in Arusha, you will leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and an overnight stay at the Shira Campsite.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Leave the rainforest and hike along a steep rocky ridge
Cross the scenic river gorge towards the west
Arrive at Shira Campsite and enjoy the views
Rest, dinner, and overnight stay at Shira Camp
Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and proper layers for changing weather. Non-alcoholic drinks only at camp. Stay hydrated and pace yourself as you gain altitude.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 120 km
Approx. 5–6 hours
mount kilimanjaro
03
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, you will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, your direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, you will come to the second junction which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. You will now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here you will rest, enjoy dinner, and have an overnight stay. Although you will end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Trek across the Shira Plateau toward Lava Tower.
Enjoy scenic views of volcanic formations and alpine desert landscapes.
Have lunch at Lava Tower for acclimatization.
Descend to Barranco Camp for dinner and overnight camping.
Hiking time: 6–8 hours.
Distance: approximately 10 km.
Lava Tower reaches 4,630 m, so altitude symptoms may occurr
Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and follow your guide’s instructions.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 190 km
Approx. 5–6 hours
mount kilimanjaro
04
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
•Distance: 9km
•Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
•Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, you will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You will continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, you will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Climb the famous Barranco Wall.
Trek through Karanga Valley and across alpine desert terrain.
Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Arrive at Barafu Camp, have dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt.
Hiking time: approximately 8–10 hours.
Distance: approximately 9 km.
The route includes steep sections and several ascents and descents.
Rest well and prepare warm clothing and a headlamp for summit night.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 190 km
Approx. 4–5 hours
mount kilimanjaro
05
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
In the morning (midnight to 2:00 a.m.), you will continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You'll 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 (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you'll ever see (if the weather permits). From Stella Point, you'll encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, you'll now make your descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Begin the midnight ascent toward Stella Point.
Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
Enjoy sunrise views and take summit photographs.
Descend to Barafu Camp for a rest and lunch.
Continue to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight camping.
This is the most physically demanding day of the trek.
Expect cold temperatures, high altitude, and loose volcanic screen
Carry a headlamp, warm layers, gloves, and trekking poles.
Follow your guide’s instructions and report any symptoms of altitude sickness immediately.
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 120 km
Approx. 2–3 hours
moshi /arusha
06
Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you'll 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). Lunch will be provided at Machame Gate
After lunch, from the gate, you'll continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to Arusha. On this day we can help you to arrange accommodation or if you have any flight schedule you will be dropped to the airport.
Breakfast
lunch
no accomodation
Activities
Enjoy breakfast at camp.
Descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Receive your summit certificate.
Celebrate your achievement with your mountain crew.
Enjoy lunch before transferring to Arusha or the airport.
Hiking time: approximately 3–4 hours.
Distance: approximately 10 km.
Trails may be muddy or slippery, so wear suitable hiking boots.
Keep rain gear handy and use trekking poles if available.
