Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Safari summary

The 6-day Machame Route is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m), offering a perfect balance of adventure, acclimatization, and breathtaking landscapes. Known as the “Whiskey Route” due to its more challenging terrain compared to the Marangu Route, this trek takes you through Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems, from the lush rainforest at the base to the alpine desert and icy glaciers near the summit. The 6-day itinerary is designed for trekkers who are physically fit and can adapt to the faster ascent, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a shorter yet exhilarating climb.

This route follows a climb-high, sleep-low strategy to improve acclimatization while navigating steep ridges, rocky landscapes, and the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling yet manageable scramble. The highlight of the journey is the midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak, where you’ll witness a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise from the highest point in Africa. Throughout the trek, you will be guided by an experienced team of professional guides, porters, and cooks, ensuring safety, comfort, and a truly unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your adventure begins at Machame Gate, where you’ll complete registration and meet your experienced guides and porters. The trek starts with a scenic hike through lush rainforest, home to diverse wildlife and towering trees draped in moss. The trail is well-defined but can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. As you ascend, the dense forest gradually gives way to giant heathers and ferns before arriving at Machame Camp, your first overnight stop.

Meals: Full Board
Accommodation:
Machame Camp

Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Leaving the rainforest behind, today’s climb is steeper and takes you into the heath and moorland zone. The trail winds up through rocky ridges and open terrain, providing stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. The air gets thinner as you approach Shira Camp, located on a volcanic plateau with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak. This is a shorter trekking day, allowing for acclimatization and rest before the more challenging days ahead.

Meals: Full Board
Accommodation:
Shira Cave Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today is an important acclimatization day as you ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), where you’ll have lunch and spend time adapting to the altitude. The terrain becomes barren and rocky, resembling a lunar landscape. After reaching Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley, where the oxygen levels are higher. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy significantly improves acclimatization. You’ll camp at Barranco Camp, famous for its spectacular views and the towering Barranco Wall, which you will conquer the next day.

Meals: Fullboard
Accommodation:
Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Your day starts with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical ascent requiring some scrambling. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of glaciers and the valleys below. Unlike the 7-day route, which stops at Karanga Camp, you’ll continue directly to Barafu Camp, making this a longer and more demanding trekking day. The terrain becomes rocky and windswept, with little vegetation. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, preparing for the midnight summit attempt.

Meals: Fullboard
Accommodation:
Barafu Camp

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 17 km (5 km to summit, 12 km descent)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Around midnight, you’ll begin your summit push, trekking in the darkness with headlamps guiding the way. The steep, zigzagging trail leads you to Stella Point (5,739m), where you’ll witness an unforgettable sunrise over the African plains. A final push takes you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, where you’ll celebrate your achievement. After taking in the breathtaking views, you’ll begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp, rest briefly, then continue down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend your last night on the mountain.

Meals: Fullboard
Accommodation:
Mweka Camp

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The final day is a gentle descent through the lush rainforest, where you’ll hear birdsong and may spot monkeys along the way. The trail is easier but can be muddy, so trekking poles are helpful.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Hiking | trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• All drinks
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas