6 Days Machame Route

The Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers an exhilarating and diverse journey for climbers seeking a challenging yet rewarding ascent to the highest point in Africa. This renowned trek, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” spans approximately 6 to 7 days, allowing participants to acclimatize effectively and enhance their chances of summit success. The adventure begins at Machame Gate, where climbers delve into the lush rainforest. As the trek progresses, the landscape transforms, traversing heath and moorland zones, eventually reaching the expansive Shira Plateau. Notable features along the way include the imposing Barranco Wall and the strategic acclimatization stops at Barranco and Karanga Camps. The ascent to Barafu Camp sets the stage for the summit attempt, launching climbers toward Uhuru Peak during the night. This final push provides breathtaking panoramic views at sunrise before the descent through Mweka Camp. The Machame Route captivates adventurers with its ever-changing ecosystems, providing an unforgettable experience culminating in the achievement of standing atop the iconic Kilimanjaro.

As climbers progress, they reach the Shira Plateau, a vast and striking landscape surrounded by the towering peaks of the mountain. The ascent continues, navigating the imposing Barranco Wall, a dramatic rock face that adds a touch of adventure to the route. Strategic acclimatization stops at Barranco and Karanga Camps ensure that climbers are well-prepared for the challenges of higher altitudes.

• Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

  • Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
  • Distance: 11 km/7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  
  
  • The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Cam
• Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

  • Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
  • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Heath
  • We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
• Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower

  • Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
  • Distance: 7 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
  • Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
  • Distance: 3 km/2 miles
  • Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
• Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
  • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
• Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
  • Distance: 4 km/2 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
• Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

  • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
  • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic
  • Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
  • Distance: 12 km/7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  • Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
  • From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep
• Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • Distance: 10 km/6 miles
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  • On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Included

• Transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport (Tanzania) / hotel / Kilimanjaro Airport
• 4×4 vehicle with a capacity for 5 people, especially prepared for Safari
• English-speaking driver/guide
• National park entry fees
• Full board throughout the safari (excluding drinks), bed and breakfast in the city of Arusha
• Bottled mineral water during the safari
• Private Safari

Excluded

• International flight
• National and international airport taxes
• Tanzania visa
• Kenya visa (in case of flying to Nairobi)
• Drinks (of any kind)
• When visiting the Masai village, the price must be negotiated on-site (optional activity)
• Tips and personal extras
• Travel insurance, transportation expenses in case of emergency, personal medical kit
• In general, any service not specified as included