6 Day Kilimanjaro climbing Machame route.

Overview

The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered hard, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Day to Day Itinerary

On arrival in Tanzania.

Arrival Location: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight. A pre-climb briefing and gear check will be conducted in the evening to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

DAY 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp

Distance: 10.75 km / 7 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Elevation: 1811m / 5942ft to 3021m / 9911ft
Altitude Gained: 1210m

Departing from Moshi, a 45-minute drive takes you through the village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While permits are being issued, you'll observe the vibrant atmosphere as numerous crews prepare for the journey ahead.

Begin your trek through the lush rainforest on narrow, winding trails. Your guide will point out local flora, fauna, and unique wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended. Overnight at Machame Camp.

DAY 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

Distance: 5.3 km / 3 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Zone: Moorland
Elevation: 3021m / 9911ft to 3839m / 12,595ft
Altitude Gained: 818m

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, the trail ascends steeply through moorland, crossing a valley along a rocky ridge. The route turns westward into a river gorge before reaching Shira Camp. You’ll begin to feel the elevation as temperatures drop. Overnight at Shira Camp.

DAY 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Distance: 10.75 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Zone: Semi-Desert
Elevation: 3839m / 12,595ft to 3986m / 13,077ft
Altitude Gained: 147m

Although your net elevation gain is minimal today, this is a critical acclimatization day. Hike east across the Shira Plateau up a ridge toward Lava Tower (4650m / 15,250ft), a volcanic rock formation known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” After a brief rest and lunch, descend to Barranco Camp for the night.

This up-and-down hike helps your body adjust to the altitude and prepares you for the summit ahead.

DAY 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Distance: 8.5 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m / 13,077ft to 4034m / 13,235ft to 4662m / 15,295ft
Altitude Gained: 676m

Start the day with a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, then trek across ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp. Continue the ascent to Barafu Camp, where you will complete the Southern Circuit — known for offering incredible views of the summit from different angles.

Eat an early dinner and get plenty of rest in preparation for your midnight summit attempt. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

DAY 5: Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp

Ascent Distance: 4.86 km / 3 mi
Ascent Time: 5–7 hours
Descent Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
Descent Time: 5–6 hours
Zones: Glaciers, Arctic, Moorland
Elevation: 4662m / 15,295ft to 5895m / 19,341ft (Uhuru Peak)
Descent to: 3106m / 10,190ft
Altitude Gained: 1233m
Altitude Lost: 2789m

Summit night begins between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the climb. Ascend between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers using a switchback route through scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim.

Pause briefly at Stella Point (5739m) to catch your breath and witness an unforgettable sunrise. Continue your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Celebrate with photos and reflection before beginning your descent back to Barafu for a quick rest and lunch. Continue the descent through volcanic scree to Mweka Camp for your final overnight on the mountain.

DAY 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

Distance: 9.1 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m / 10,190ft to 1633m / 5358ft
Altitude Lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a heartfelt farewell ceremony with your crew, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates.

The trail can be wet and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. From Mweka Gate, a short 30-minute drive takes you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and well-deserved rest.

Inclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

 
 

Exclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).