Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route - 6 Days
Tour Overview
Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route – 6 Days
The Machame Route is the most popular and visually stunning trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route”, it offers a challenging yet rewarding trek with diverse landscapes — from lush rainforest to alpine desert and glaciers near the summit. It is renowned for its excellent acclimatization profile due to the “climb high, sleep low” approach, which gives climbers the best chance of reaching the summit.
Over 7 days, you’ll hike through lush rainforest, sweeping alpine plains, and barren volcanic ridges, finishing your adventure at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
This trail is perfect for first-time high-altitude hikers who are ready for a challenge — and a reward. With a route designed to maximize your body’s ability to adjust to the elevation, the Machame Route has one of the highest summit success rates.
Safari Highlights
Dramatic Landscapes: Rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, glaciers
Acclimatization-Friendly: Gradual elevation gain.
High Success Rate: Excellent summit success for fit climbers.
Unique Experiences: Scramble the famous Barranco Wall.
Summit at Sunrise: Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at dawn.
Professional Team: Experienced guides, certified by KINAPA, and a full mountain support crew.
Route Name: Machame Route (a.k.a. “Whiskey Route”)
Trek Duration: 6 Days on the Mountain / 5 Nights Camping.
Accommodation: Mountain Camping + Hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best For: First-time climbers, adventurers seeking scenic beauty and higher summit success rates
Maximum Elevation: 5,895 meters / 19,341 feet (Uhuru Peak)
Route Start: Machame Gate
Route End: Mweka Gate
Price - Based on2 Pax $2,240 Per Person
Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Welcome to Kilimanjaro
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), you’ll be warmly greeted by a representative from Travencia Safaris. After a friendly welcome and short briefing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
As you drive through the foothills of Kilimanjaro, keep an eye on the horizon, on clear days, the mountain may reveal itself briefly before retreating behind clouds. This first glimpse of Africa’s tallest peak often stirs a mix of excitement and awe.
- Accomodation: Planet Lodge.
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast.
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (3,010m)
Your trek begins with a short drive from your hotel to Machame Gate, where you’ll meet your friendly guides and mountain crew. After park registration and lunch, the adventure begins. The trail winds through the lush montane rainforest, home to towering trees, colorful birds, and playful colobus monkeys.
You’ll hike steadily uphill through shaded jungle paths, eventually arriving at Machame Camp, nestled in the moorland zone. The air is crisp, the stars are bright, and your tent will be waiting.
Meals Included Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Day 3: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (3,840m)
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll continue climbing, leaving the forest behind and entering heather-covered moorlands. The path ascends over rocky ridges with jaw-dropping views across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world.
As the vegetation thins out, the mountain’s scale begins to set in. You’ll arrive at Shira Camp in the early afternoon with time to rest and soak in views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru far to the west. Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Day 4: Shira Camp → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Today’s hike is all about acclimatization. You’ll climb up to the Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic formation where you’ll stop for lunch. Don’t be surprised if you feel the altitude — that’s the point. This “climb high, sleep low” technique helps your body adjust.
From Lava Tower, you’ll descend to the lush Barranco Valley, passing beneath towering cliffs and strange-looking giant groundsels. Tonight’s campsite, Barranco Camp, sits right below the impressive Barranco Wall, which you’ll tackle tomorrow. Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) → Karanga Camp (4,035m) → Barafu Camp (4,640m).
Your day begins with the challenging yet rewarding Barranco Wall climb — a steep scramble that looks intimidating but is not technical. Once atop the wall, you’re treated to sweeping views of the Karanga Valley and the southern glaciers of Kibo.
After descending into Karanga Valley, you’ll climb back out to reach Karanga Camp — a good spot to rest and have lunch. This is where the 7-day itinerary adds an overnight stay for acclimatization. In the 6-day itinerary, you continue onward to Barafu Camp in the afternoon.
The trail from Karanga to Barafu is a steady uphill through barren volcanic terrain. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp in time for an early dinner and rest before your midnight summit push.
- Distance: ~9 km
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Day 6: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
A long and hard day! Leaving your camp site between midnight and 1:00am, the climb from Barafu to Stella Point is fairly steep. The trail head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m). You will reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet, around 8 a.m. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, we have spectacular and stunning views of Africa in all directions taking pictures and cheers for few minutes. The hiking time is 7 to 8 hours.
You then head back down, via the Mweka route. The section from Uhuru down to Barafu (4 hours) is scree (as on the way up). Then at Barafu camp you will have 1-2hours rest then you will be awakened for lunch and hot water. Then after lunch you head down through the various vegetation zones, on a continual downhill, into Mweka camp which is located on the edge of the rainforest area (3-4 hours from Barafu Camp). It is a long descent and trekking poles are highly recommended. Congratulations, you made it to the Roof of Africa! Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Distance: ~6 km ascent + 10 km descent
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Day 7: Mweka Camp - Arusha town.
After a fantastic breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mt. Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate, our last hike will be 3 to 4 hours. The hike is steep in some places and may be slippery if wet so
again, we recommend that you use trekking poles. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the Mweka gate and enjoy a celebratory picnic lunch. After heartfelt goodbyes with your crew, you’ll head back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
tance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours.
- Accommodation: Planet Lodge.
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast.
PRICING INCLUDES
- All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping / hut fees and climbing permits
- Transfers from Moshi//Arusha to Machame gate and Mweka gate to Moshi/Arusha.
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
- Emergency oxygen cylinder carried on the trek for safety purposes
- Pulse oximeter monitoring (daily health checks)
- Qualified and well-trained mountain guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Salaries for mountain support crew, as per required KINAPA minimum payments
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent)
- Warm water for washing up daily
- Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 19kg from one camp to the next camp
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit
PRICING EXCLUDES
- International airfare to and from Tanzania.
- Tanzania entry visa fees.
- Travel insurance (mandatory and must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation).
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended guidelines will be provided).
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, etc.).
- Lunch and dinner in Arusha (except breakfast at the hotel).
- Additional hotel nights beyond those included in the itinerary (if required).
- Personal expenses (such as souvenirs, snacks, and laundry).
- Beverages other than those served with meals (soft drinks, alcohol).
- Optional activities or excursions before or after your trek.
- Half-day room use if your departure flight is late and you wish to rest after check-out (available at extra cost).
- Portable power banks or solar chargers for electronic devices.
Inquire This Tour
Acclimatization Considerations – Machame Route 6 Days.
The 6-day Machame Route is a shorter, faster-paced version of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic trail. While it shares the same overall path as the 7-day itinerary, it skips the extra acclimatization night at Karanga Camp, making it more physically demanding and less forgiving for altitude adjustment. Proper pacing, hydration, and awareness of altitude symptoms are critical for a safe and successful summit.
Limited “Climb High, Sleep Low” Opportunities:
You’ll still benefit from the key acclimatization feature of the Machame Route — ascending to Lava Tower (4,600m) on Day 3 and descending to Barranco Camp (3,960m) — but without the additional night at Karanga Camp, your body has less time to recover before summit night.
Faster Elevation Gain:
In the 6-day itinerary, the distance from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp is covered in one long day. This compresses the altitude gain and reduces the number of rest days, which can increase the likelihood of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), especially for first-time high-altitude trekkers.
Increased Physical Demand:
Without the “buffer day,” your legs and lungs are pushed harder. The trek from Barranco to Barafu, followed by a summit attempt just hours later, requires strong stamina and good cardiovascular fitness.
Hydration, Food & Pacing Are Still Crucial:
Even with a strong acclimatization profile, trekkers must stay hydrated, eat nutrient-rich meals, and move at a slow, steady pace. Proper self-care supports the body’s adaptation process throughout the climb.
Ideal for Physically Prepared First-Timers:
Machame Route is best suited for:
- First-time high-altitude hikers who want more time to acclimate
- Trekkers with moderate to strong fitness levels
- Climbers who prefer a more scenic and varied trail
- Anyone prioritizing summit success with built-in acclimatization support
Altitude Medication (Optional):
While the itinerary allows for natural acclimatization, trekkers may still choose to use Diamox or other altitude medications (consult your doctor beforehand). It’s also essential to know the symptoms of AMS (headache, nausea, fatigue) and report any discomfort to your guide promptly.
Experience & Support
- Led by expert Travencia Safaris Mountain guides, certified in Wilderness First Response (WFR)
- Supported by a full mountain crew (guides, cooks, porters)
- Emergency protocols in place, including oxygen, oximeters, and park rescue access
- All camping equipment and hot meals included.
Frequently Asked Questions – Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek
Why is it called the “Whiskey Route”?
The term “Whiskey Route” is a nickname used to contrast it with the easier Marangu Route, which is called the “Coca-Cola Route.”
- “Whiskey” implies something stronger and more adventurous.
- It requires more physical effort, camping outdoors, and greater endurance.
- But it’s also more scenic, with diverse landscapes that include cloud forest, high desert, glaciers, and summit ice fields.
How many days does the Machame Route take?
- Standard: 7 Days on the mountain
- 6 days trekking + 1 day summit
- Optional: 6-Day version
- Less acclimatization time and lower summit success rate
- Recommendation: Always choose 7 days for a safer, more successful experience. The extra day allows better altitude adjustment.
Is it the best route for beginners?
Yes – for fit beginners who can handle camping and long hiking days.
- Compared to other routes like Rongai (quieter) or Marangu (easier lodging), Machame offers:
- Higher success rates
- Better scenery
- Gradual elevation gain
How difficult is the Machame Route?
It’s classified as moderate to challenging.
- Terrain: Forest trails, rocky paths, alpine scree, and snowfields near the summit
- Elevation: From 1,800m to 5,895m
- Challenge: Not technical (no ropes or climbing), but the summit night is very tough due to cold, altitude, and darkness
- Main factors: Altitude sickness, fatigue, and weather conditions
📍 Example: You may hike from midnight to 8 a.m. on summit day in freezing temperatures — mental strength matters as much as fitness.
What is the acclimatization strategy on this route?
The Machame Route follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle. You’ll trek up to Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Barranco Camp (3,960m) — a key acclimatization day. With gradual altitude gain and an extra night at Karanga Camp, the route allows your body to adapt naturally, increasing your chances of a safe and successful summit.
What’s the summit success rate for the Machame Route?
Machame Route has a high success rate, often around 85–90%, especially when climbers take their time and follow their guides’ advice. The day for acclimatization plays a big role in helping trekkers reach Uhuru Peak safely. Staying hydrated, going slowly (“pole pole”), and listening to your body are all critical.
What does a typical day on the mountain look like?
- Wake-up: 6:30–7:00am
- Breakfast: Hot drinks, porridge, eggs, toast
- Start hike: 8:00am, carrying only your daypack (water, snacks, jacket, camera)
- Lunch: Hot meal or packed lunch
- Arrive camp: 3:00–4:00pm
- Dinner: 6:00–7:00pm in mess tent
- Lights out: 8:00–9:00pm
Porters carry your main duffel. You hike light, and everything is set up when you arrive.
What is summit night like?
Essential items:
- Waterproof hiking boots (broken-in)
- Thermal base layers
- Insulated down jacket
- Waterproof outer shell
- Hat, gloves, balaclava
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag rated to -10°C or lower
- You’ll carry a daypack (20–30L) and porters carry your duffel (max 15–19kg).
- Gear rental (boots, bags, jackets, poles) is available in Moshi if you prefer not to bring everything.
What are the camps like?
- Campsites are designated by the park
- Your crew sets up 4-season tents, a mess tent, and usually a private toilet tent
- You get hot meals, warm wash water, and supportive porters and guides
- No permanent buildings — it’s all wilderness camping
🏕️ Expect rocks, and stunning mountain views from your tent door.
Is food safe and included?
- Yes. Meals are:
- Freshly cooked by your camp chef
- Include carbs, protein, veggies, soups, and fruits
- Hot drinks (tea, coffee, cocoa) always available
- Clean, boiled water for drinking provided daily
- Special diets (vegetarian, gluten-free) can be accommodated with advance notice.
What happens if I get sick or can’t continue?
- Daily health checks (with pulse oximeter) by trained guides
- Oxygen is available in emergencies
- If you show signs of AMS or fatigue, you may be advised to descend with an assistant
- Evacuation (on foot or by helicopter if insured) is arranged based on condition
Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and evacuation is mandatory.
What’s the weather like on Kilimanjaro?
- Daytime (lower altitudes): 15°C–25°C
- High camp and summit: -10°C to -20°C at night
- Rain possible in forest zone or rainy seasons
- Sun exposure is intense at high altitudes – wear sunscreen and sunglasses
- You need to pack for hot, cold, wet, and dry conditions – all in one trip.
- Daytime (lower altitudes): 15°C–25°C
- High camp and summit: -10°C to -20°C at night
- Rain possible in forest zone or rainy seasons
- Sun exposure is intense at high altitudes – wear sunscreen and sunglasses
- You need to pack for hot, cold, wet, and dry conditions – all in one trip.
How do I charge my phone or camera?
- There is no electricity on the mountain
- Bring power banks or solar chargers
- Signal is spotty, but you may get reception at high-altitude camps like Barafu or Stella Point
📸 Use airplane mode and preserve battery for summit photos!
How much should I tip the crew?
Tipping is expected and highly appreciated, typically in cash at the end of the trek.
Recommended per trekker per day:
- Guide: $20 per day.
- Assistant Guide: $15 per day.
- Cook: $10 per day.
- Porters: $6–10 each (you’ll have 2–3 per person) per day.
Tips are usually collected by the group and distributed through the head guide at Mweka Gate.
Will I get a summit certificate?
Yes! Certificates are issued at Mweka Gate.
