6-Day Machame Route - Kilimanjaro Climb

Book This Climb

Overview

The Machame Route, often called “The Whiskey Route,” is one of Kilimanjaro’s most iconic and visually stunning trails. Known for its dramatic landscapes, varied ecosystems, and rewarding acclimatization profile, it is a favorite among adventurous trekkers seeking a challenging yet highly scenic ascent.

This 6-day itinerary takes you through lush rainforest, sweeping heather moorlands, and the awe-inspiring Barranco Valley, before ascending the southern slopes toward Barafu Camp for your summit push. Although more demanding than the Marangu and Rongai routes, the Machame Route offers some of the best panoramic views on the mountain and a strong chance of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

For climbers looking for a true adventure, iconic landscapes, and a route that balances challenge with beauty, the 6-Day Machame Route is an unforgettable way to stand on the Roof of Africa.

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)

One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, 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 in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.

  • Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
  • Approx. time taken: 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Our route continues on 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
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

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 camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.

  • Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi 
  • Approx. time taken: 8 hrs
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

  • Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi 
  • Approx. time taken: 3 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

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
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest 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 Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.

  • Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi 
  • Approx. time taken: 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Inclusions & Exclusion

  • Porterage
  • 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)
  • Rescue fee
  • Climbing gear
  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips for crew members
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

6-Day Machame Route - Kilimanjaro Climb

Budget

2 pax

$2,182 USD*

4 pax

$1,582USD*

6 pax

$1,582USD*

Mid-Range

2 pax

$2,288 USD*

4 pax

$1,780 USD*

6 pax

$1,550 USD*

Ready to Book Your Kilimanjaro Climb?

Reserve your spot today or let us tailor the experience to your travel dates and preferences.

Book This Climb

Frequently Ask Questions

What currency should I bring?

We would recommend bringing USD (United States Dollars) with you and withdrawing some Tanzanian Shillings once you arrive. There are ATMs in Arusha/JRO Airport. Most places that you will visit accept USD but it’s always good idea to have local currency.

You will require vaccinations for your trip. All travellers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic about 3 months before departure. Ask your doctor about vaccinations recommended by your government before travelling to Tanzania. Yellow Fever Vaccination is compulsory and to be taken at least 10 days before arriving in Tanzania. The other recommended vaccinations are Tetanus, Polio and, Malaria (prophylaxis).

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 60km (60 min) from Arusha city centre. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest International Airport to Arusha.

Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of Arusha but only operates domestic flights (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti).

Other options include flying to Dar es Salaam and then catching a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro or Arusha. You can also fly to Nairobi (Kenya). International flights to this destination are often cheaper. You can then fly from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro or take a bus from Nairobi Airport to Arusha (approximately 7 hours).

A 30% to 50% deposit will already be taken to reserve your slot. The remaining balance can be paid by using one of the below methods:
  • Cash in USD before the tour start.
  • Pay by card before the tour starts with a 5% card processing fee. (Applicable throughout Tanzania)
  • Pay by bank transfer at least 4 weeks in advance.

Waterproof, windproof, breathable pants and jacket with hood Goretex is excellent. packs (like Camelbaks) also work well, although the hose can freeze on the summit climb. Headlamp with extra batteries You might also consider a backup flashlight in case your headlamp fails.

Kilimanjaro and Safaris Packing List You can hire the required gear on the spot when you arrive in Tanzania.

Should I bring a First aid kit?

There will be basic First Aid Kit in the Safari Vehicle, also we have it for the Kilimanjaro climbing, but still we recommend bringing a personal First Aid Kit. This is a suggested list of supplies: Sun Screen, Antihistamine cream & tablets,

The weather varies greatly, depending on where you are. Whatever time of year you come, please bring some warm clothes! It gets really cold in some places because of the high altitude, especially in June, July and August. It can also get very hot during afternoon. We advise dressing in layers. Typically, the long rains are March, April, and May. The short rains are in November / early December.

It is possible to visit one of several Maasai villages during your safari. However, these villages are close to the main roads and whilst you will meet many Maasai, have a tour around their village and have an opportunity to learn about their culture, some clients have given the feedback that the experience felt a little uncomfortable. It costs $25 per person and during the visit, you will be encouraged to buy some of their jewellery/craft (this is by no means compulsory). It is inevitable that over time, the experience has become less authentic and we are in the process of sourcing alternative options for our clients. You are very welcome to visit, but we wanted to be open and transparent about the kind of experience you can currently expect.

Tipping is highly expected in Tanzania. There is a well- established culture of tipping.

Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 10-15 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.

Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in Reception. We would recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).

The crews for one person for Kilimanjaro climbing include:
=> 1 Guide 
=> 1 Chef Cook
=> 1 Waiter
=> 1 Toilet Porters 
=> 4 Supporting Porters