6 Days Machame Route

Daily Tour 6 Days
Moshi Urban, Tanzania MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Nicknamed the “Whiskey” route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than Marangu route. On an overall comparison of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take, both in terms of acclimatization and cost.

The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendor. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.

In certain sections this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding but is easier overall.

  • Great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities.
  • Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones.
  • Good opportunity to split pre-summit day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting.
  • Very popular trail.

INCLUDED
  • Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations.
  • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate.
  • Park entry fees.
  • Camping fees.
  • Sleeping Mats
  • Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters.
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew.
  • 2 nights of accommodations in Moshi.
  • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
  • Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
  • Hot water for washing.
  • Government taxes.
  • Emergency first-aid kit
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services.
  • Mountain tents.

NOT INCLUDED
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 80 for the entire trek.
  • Flights.
  • Laundry (Available at hotel).
  • Personal items and toiletries.
  • Tips for guides, porters and cook.

 Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania 

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

 Day 2: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m) 

One hour’s drive from Moshi lies the gate to the Machame Route, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.

Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi

Approx. time taken: 6 hours

 Day 3: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m) 

Our route continues up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.

Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi

Approx. time taken: 5 hours

 Day 4: Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m) 

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach the camp. The day has been spent at an altitude up to 4600m, but we follow the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid our body’s acclimatization to altitude.

Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi

Approx. time taken: 8 hrs

 Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m) 

Our day starts by descending into the entrance of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technically demanding but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten Glaciers, we head towards the Karanga Valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga Valley to our night’s camp at Karanga Camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.

Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi

Approx. time taken: 8 hours

 Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m) 

We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi

Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours

 Day 7: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m) 

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in  Arusha, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.

Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi

Approx. time taken: 6 hours

 Day 8: Depart Tanzania 

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some gifts (shop) before heading to the airport.

*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

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