6 Days Machame Route

Overview

The 6 Days Machame Route is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, offering an exciting combination of scenic landscapes, challenging trails, and diverse ecological zones.

Often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is known for being more demanding than the Marangu Route, but it rewards trekkers with spectacular scenery throughout the journey. The trail passes through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the high-altitude summit zone.

Although the Machame Route can be completed in six days, trekkers should be prepared for a demanding itinerary. A good level of fitness, proper preparation, and following the guide’s recommended “pole pole” pace are important for a successful climb.

Tour Plan

Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be met by a Siafu Tanzania Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

After check-in, you will have time to relax and prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure. Your guide can also conduct a pre-trek briefing covering the route, equipment, hiking expectations, and important mountain safety guidelines.

Distance: Approximately 45 km / 28 miles
Transfer Time: Approximately 45–60 minutes
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Midrange Hotel

Day 1: Tulia Hotel to Machame Gate

After breakfast, you will drive towards Machame Gate, passing through the villages and agricultural areas located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

After completing registration and other park entry procedures, you will begin your trek through the beautiful montane rainforest. The trail gradually climbs through dense vegetation along a winding path.

The forest section can sometimes be wet, muddy, or slippery, particularly during rainy periods. Trekking poles and appropriate footwear can be useful on this section of the trail.

You will continue at a steady pace until reaching Machame Camp, where you will have dinner and spend your first night on the mountain.

Elevation: 1,830 m / 6,000 ft to 3,050 m / 9,950 ft
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind and enter the open moorland zone.

The trail becomes steeper as you climb along a rocky ridge, with the surrounding vegetation becoming shorter and more sparse. You will continue across the landscape towards the Shira Plateau, one of the most impressive areas of the Machame Route.

As you gain altitude, the views become increasingly expansive, offering an opportunity to appreciate the dramatic slopes of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding scenery.

You will arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, allowing time to rest and prepare for the following day’s trek.

Elevation: 3,050 m / 9,950 ft to 3,850 m / 12,600 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

After breakfast, you continue eastward across the Shira Plateau before gradually approaching the higher slopes of Kilimanjaro.

The trail takes you towards the Lava Tower, which stands at approximately 4,650 m / 15,250 ft. This section is an important part of your acclimatization because you climb to a higher altitude before descending to sleep at a lower elevation.

After spending some time around the Lava Tower area, you continue towards Barranco through the striking alpine desert landscape. The trail eventually descends to Barranco Camp, surrounded by impressive volcanic formations and the dramatic Barranco Wall.

Although today’s hike involves significant altitude gain, you finish the day at roughly the same elevation range as where you started, giving your body an opportunity to adapt to the changing altitude.

Elevation: 3,850 m / 12,600 ft to approximately 4,000 m / 13,000 ft
Maximum Elevation: Approximately 4,650 m / 15,250 ft at Lava Tower
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you begin the day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall.

The climb requires careful footing as you make your way over the rocky sections with assistance from your experienced guides. Once above the wall, the trail continues through the Karanga Valley before joining the route towards Barafu.

You will continue climbing through the alpine desert until reaching Barafu Camp, the final camp before your summit attempt.

By arriving at Barafu, you will have completed the Southern Circuit section of the route. After dinner, you will rest and prepare your equipment because the summit attempt will begin during the night.

Elevation: 4,000 m / 13,000 ft to 4,700 m / 15,350 ft
Distance: 9 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camp

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

This is the most demanding and rewarding day of the trek.

You will wake around midnight and begin your ascent towards the summit. The trail is steep and rocky, and the high altitude makes the climb physically and mentally challenging.

You will gradually make your way towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Depending on weather conditions, reaching this point around sunrise can provide spectacular views across the surrounding landscape.

From Stella Point, you continue along the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 m / 19,340 ft above sea level. Reaching Uhuru Peak marks the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent.

After celebrating your summit achievement and taking photographs, you begin the descent towards Mweka Camp. A break and lunch will be taken along the way before continuing down to camp.

The descent can be challenging on loose volcanic gravel, so trekking poles and suitable footwear can be particularly helpful.

Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,350 ft to 5,895 m / 19,340 ft
Descent: Down to approximately 3,090 m / 10,150 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles uphill + 13 km / 8 miles downhill
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours ascent / 5–6 hours descent
Habitat: Stone Scree, Alpine Desert and Summit Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camp

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After breakfast, you begin the final descent through the lush forest towards Mweka Gate.

The trail becomes increasingly green as you lose altitude, providing a refreshing change after several days in the high-altitude environment.

At Mweka Gate, you will complete the necessary park exit procedures and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate in recognition of your achievement.

Your Siafu Tanzania Safaris vehicle will then meet you at the gate and transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax after completing your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Elevation: 3,090 m / 10,150 ft to 1,680 m / 5,500 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Airport pick-up and drop-off
Transfers to and from the mountain
Hotel accommodation before and after the trek as specified in the itinerary
Professional and experienced mountain guides
Experienced porters and mountain support crew
All applicable Kilimanjaro National Park fees
Rescue and camping fees
All meals during the mountain trek
Quality mountain tents
Camping equipment including tables and chairs
Fresh, healthy, and nutritious meals
Clean and purified drinking water during the trek
Guide, porter, and cook services
Summit certificate upon successful completion of the climb

Tanzania visa fees
Personal travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for guides, porters, and other mountain crew
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal trekking equipment and gear
Optional tours and activities
Any services not specifically mentioned under the inclusions