6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route
6 Days, 5 Night
Price from $1600
6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route Tour Overview
The Machame (Whiskey) Route is Kilimanjaro’s most popular camping area. It is a rugged combination of routes that begins in the rainforest at Machame village on the mountain’s southwest side, ascends to the edge of the Shira Plateau in six days, descends into the beautiful Great Barranco Valley, and then circles the Kibo Massif counterclockwise through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp. The summit is reached by night via the crater rim on the steep scree slopes of the Mweka Road, which runs east-southeast. The trail winds through stunning scenery that changes dramatically every day. Most people find the six-day trek physically challenging. Because of the high altitude and the limited rest time before the night summit attempt, the final two days (the trek from Barranco to Barafu and then the night trek to the summit) require a high level of mental and physical stamina. There are no huts along this route; instead, you’ll stay in mountain tents and eat at our tented restaurants.
Tour Summary
Day 1
MACHAME GATE (5 950 ft. / 1 815 mt.) ~ MACHAME CAMP (9 850 ft. / 3 000 m)
Accommodation: Machame camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
MACHAME CAMP ~ SHIRA CAMP (12,600 ft./ 3,840 m)
Accommodation: Shira camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
SHIRA CAMP ~ BARRANCO CAMP (12 950 ft./3 950 m)
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
BARRANCO CAMP ~ BARAFU CAMP (15 200 ft./ 4 630 m)
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
BARAFU CAMP ~ UHURU PEAK (19,340 ft./5,895 mt.) ~ MWEKA CAMP (10,200 ft./3,110 m)
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
MWEKA CAMP ~ MWEKA GATE (1,830 m / 6,000 ft.)
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Day by day
Day 1: Machame Gate (5950ft./1815mt) - Machame Camp (9850ft./3000mt)
Depart Arusha/Moshi around 9:00 a.m. for Machame Gate, which is about a 1.5-hour drive. After completing the entry formalities, you will begin walking through the forest on a 4 x 4 track for approximately an hour. The trail ends, and the path leads up through the green, dripping forest. Hikers are likely to hear exotic birds in the canopy above, and many will see black and white colobus and sykes monkeys while walking on the forest floor. The trek is quite long (12 miles / 20 kilometers), but not particularly steep, and takes between 5 and 7 hours to reach the first camp. Machame camp is located just above the forest, in the heath area. When the weather is clear, Shira’s jagged ridge and summit are visible.
Day 2: MACHAME CAMP - SHIRA CAMP (12,600 ft./ 3,840 m)
Wake up early with a hot cup of tea or coffee served in your tent, then begin climbing the steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, giant heather, and erica trees. The clouds should clear, revealing a magnificent view of the western rift and the glaciers that support Uhuru Peak. You pass through the large rocks as you enter the moorland area, which is distinguished by bizarre lobelias and Senecio, as well as volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards that protect the alpine wildflowers growing at their base. After approximately 4-5 hours of trekking, you will arrive at the camp after descending a small valley, crossing a stream, and ascending the Shira Ridge.
Day 3: SHIRA CAMP - BARRANCO CAMP (12 950 ft./3 950 m)
Continue climbing steadily over long ridgelines in the high desert for about 4 hours, stopping for lunch at 14,500 feet (4,420 meters). After lunch, head to Lava Tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic plug that marks an exposed pass at 15,000 feet (4,600 meters). In the afternoon, we will descend the steep trail into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco camp is located on a pass (flat area) surrounded on three sides by steep valley walls and the Kibo massif itself. The landscape includes hanging glaciers, giant ragwort (Senecio Kilimanjaro), and giant lobelia, a unique endemic plant.
The trekking time is about 6-7 hours.
Day 4: BARRANCO CAMP - BARAFU CAMP (15 200 ft./ 4 630 m)
The day begins with a climb up the steep ‘Barranco Wall’, followed by a 3-4 hour walk to Karanga Valley for a hot lunch. In the afternoon, the trail climbs steadily. As we approach Barafu camp, the temperature drops and the landscape becomes more sparse. Barafu Camp is situated on a small flat exposed area of a ridge and serves as a base camp from which you will attempt to reach the summit tonight at midnight. Eat and drink as much as you can before retiring to your tent to rest and sleep.
Day 5: BARAFU CAMP - UHURU PEAK (19,340 ft./5,895 mt.) - MWEKA CAMP (10,200 ft./3,110 m)
On this special day, a hot, steaming drink will arrive early. A midnight wake-up call signals the beginning of a real juggling act (12-17 hours of trekking). You begin the trek between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. At the summit, temperatures range from just below zero at midnight to -10 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 degrees Celsius) just before dawn. At dawn, the winding trail with its endless twists and turns will take shape in the shadow of the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers, with the spires of Mawenzi visible in the red glow of the sun beneath the clouds behind you. After about 6 hours of walking, you will arrive at Stella Point, at 19,000 feet (5,790 meters), which marks the end of the steep trail. From here, it’s a gentle climb up for about an hour to Uhuru Peak. After a brief stop at the summit, descend the steep scree path to Barafu Camp for a rest before regaining your strength for another descent to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 6 : MWEKA CAMP - MWEKA GATE (1,830 m / 6,000 ft.)
Descend directly to the gate (2-3 hours), where you will enjoy lunch and receive climbing certificates. You will have lunch at the gate before being transferred to Arusha for a de-briefing of the climb.
This marks the end of your 6-day Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route.
Price
| PAX | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX |
| Price | $1937 | $1937 | $1937 | $1766 | $1766 | $1693 |
Inclusions
- Safety Equipment:
- Professional Mountain Guides, all head guides (at least 1 per trip) currently certified by NOLS USA as WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
- Park Fees
- Campsite fees
- Emergency Rescue Fees
- Camping equipment and other gears:
- Mountain Meals
- Transfer from the hotel to the starting point
- Transfer from the last point to the hotel
Exclusions
- Accommodation upon arrival and last day
- Tips for a mountain guide, recommended 15-20 per group per day
- Porters 5 – 10$ per porter per group per day
- Personal expenses
- Personal items
- Personal insurance/travel insurance
- Personal medicines/first aid kit
- Personal trekking gears
- Sleeping bag
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, with proper preparation. The route is steeper than Marangu but provides good acclimatization, making it achievable for fit beginners who are ready for a more challenging climb.
Yes. Professional guides, porters, and cooks accompany trekkers throughout, ensuring safety, providing meals, and assisting with luggage.
Yes. The 6-day Machame trek can be adjusted for extra acclimatization days, combined with safari trips, or tailored to match your pace and preferences.
Essential items include layered clothing, trekking boots, gloves, hat, sunscreen, trekking poles, headlamp, daypack, and water bottles. Layering is important for adjusting to varying temperatures along the route.
Machame is a camping route, with comfortable tents at each campsite. Meals are prepared by professional cooks, and porters assist with luggage and camp setup.