6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek | the Whiskey Route
Safari Duration
- 6 Days
- 5 Nights
Tour Type
- Mid Range Kilimanjaro
- price start from $1800
Price per Person - Based on 11 + persons
Overview
The 6-day Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is a popular and scenic path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). It is known for its stunning landscapes, including lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and glacial peaks. Though more challenging than the Marangu Route, it offers a better acclimatization profile due to its “climb high, sleep low” approach. The trek begins at Machame Gate (1,800m) with a hike through dense rainforests to Machame Camp (3,000m). On day two, climbers ascend to the Shira Plateau (3,840m), enjoying breathtaking views. Day three involves a steep climb to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp (3,950m). On day four, trekkers tackle the iconic Barranco Wall and continue to Barafu Camp (4,673m), the base for the summit push. The summit attempt begins at midnight on day five, with a strenuous climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), followed by a descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m). The final day involves trekking down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m), where climbers receive their summit certificates. The 6-day version of Machame is more demanding than the 7-day route due to its shorter acclimatization period, making proper physical preparation essential. The best times to climb are January–March and June–October, ensuring optimal weather conditions.
PRICE PER PERSON
1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-10 persons | 11+ persons |
USD 2150 | USD 1950 | USD 1880 | USD 1800 |
Per person | Per person | Per person | Per person |
trek itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Moshi.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer to BnB Hotel in Moshi town
Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a delicious meal as you relax and recover from your journey. Later, our experienced mountain guide will provide a pre-trek briefing covering essential information about your climb, along with a full equipment check to ensure you are fully prepared.
If any gear is missing, it can be rented locally at affordable prices and good quality. For late-night arrivals, the briefing and equipment check will be conducted the following morning before the climb begins.
Overnight Stay at BnB Hotel preparing for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m (5,905ft) to 3,000m (9,843ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11km (7mi)
Terrain: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After enjoying a hearty breakfast and receiving a briefing at your hotel, you’ll embark on a scenic 45-minute drive from Moshi to Machame Park Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process and receive your packed lunch. The adventure begins as you enter the lush rainforest, where you may encounter muddy and slippery conditions if it has rained recently. The trail to Machame Camp is approximately 11 km and typically takes about 6 hours to complete.
In the evening, porters will provide boiled drinking and washing water and give you a hot water bottle to help you regain body heat in the chilly night. The cook will prepare a delicious dinner
for you. With temperatures potentially dropping to freezing, you’ll retire to your tent for a chilly but rewarding night.
Overnight at Machame Camp.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 3,000m (9,843ft) to 3,850m (12,631ft)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5km (3mi)
Terrain: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After a hearty breakfast at Machame Camp, you’ll begin your trek towards Shira Camp. This day’s journey covers approximately 5 km and usually takes around 4 to 6 hours. The trail initially leads you through a steep ascent into the moorland zone, presenting you with stunning vistas as you climb higher.
As you approach Shira Camp, you’ll be walking along a ridge that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival, our porters will set up the tents and prepare a satisfying lunch. You’ll have the afternoon to relax, acclimate to the higher altitude, and take in the beautiful surroundings.
In the evening, enjoy a warm and delicious dinner prepared by our cook. Afterwards, your guide will provide a briefing on the next day’s trek, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead.
Overnight at Shira Camp.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Lava Tower, then to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,850m (12,631ft) to 4,630m (15,190ft) then down to 3,950m (12,959ft)
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 10km (6mi)
Terrain: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Shira Camp, you’ll embark on a challenging trek to Lava Tower, which stands at an impressive 4,630 meters. This 11 km hike typically takes between 6 to 8 hours and features rocky, semi-desert terrain. Upon reaching Lava Tower, you can take a break and enjoy your lunch while soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Following lunch, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, situated at 3,960 meters. This descent, lasting about 2 hours, provides stunning vistas of the Western Breach, one of Kilimanjaro’s most dramatic features. Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, our team will set up your tents and prepare a delicious dinner.
In the evening, your guide will brief you on the plans for the next day’s trek, ensuring you are well-prepared for the adventures ahead.
Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp and Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,960 m – 4,640 m
Hiking Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 8-9 hours
Terrain: Rocky and varied
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After an early breakfast, you’ll start by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding ascent with spectacular views. At the top, you’ll descend into the lush Karanga Valley for lunch at Karanga Camp. After a short rest, continue your trek through varied terrain toward Barafu Camp. Upon arrival, porters will set up camp while you rest and enjoy dinner prepared by the chef. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the upcoming summit attempt, which starts later in the night.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit and Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640 m – 5,895 m – 3,090 m
Hiking Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 15+ hours
Terrain: Scree and snow-covered paths
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
You’ll wake up around 11:30 PM and have some tea and biscuits before starting the ascent. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5,685 m) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. From there, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so don’t linger too long due to the cold and fatigue. The descent to Barafu takes about 3 hours for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,100m (10,171ft) to 1,640m (5,381ft)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 10km (6mi)
Terrain: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll begin your descent through the lush rainforest. This final stretch of your journey takes you back through the vibrant vegetation and diverse ecosystems of Mount Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. As you trek down, you’ll witness the forest coming alive with various sounds and sights—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and maybe even the occasional glimpse of wildlife.
The path will be damp and sometimes slippery, so take your time and appreciate the rich environment around you. Your guides will ensure a safe and steady pace as you make your way down. The journey from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate typically takes around 4-6 hours, offering ample time to savor the final moments of this incredible adventure.
Upon reaching the gate, our team will be there waiting for you with a medal. You’ll be presented with your well-earned summit certificate as a testament to your achievement. We will continue celebrating and take photos with the Great Time Experience (GTE) team. From there, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi, where a hot meal, a refreshing shower, and a comfortable bed await.
After taking a short rest, join us in the evening for a brief celebration where we’ll present you with an award from our company to commemorate your achievement and say our goodbyes. If you’re interested in extending your adventure, you can meet with our safari coordinator to explore options like a thrilling wildlife safari or a relaxing beach getaway in Zanzibar. Additionally, we offer various day trips to nearby attractions, allowing you to further immerse yourself in the local culture and natural beauty of the region.
Overnight: Rest at BnB Hotel and get a good night’s sleep before your departure.
Day 8: Departure from Moshi
Activity: Relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, explore Moshi town or visit local markets before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure
Kindly note: If you wish to extend your adventure, consider adding a day trip to your itinerary. You can explore nearby attractions or immerse yourself in local culture for a truly enriching experience. For more details, we invite you to visit our Day Trip page.
Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches or wish to delve into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Discover the perfect package for your next excursion by exploring our Zanzibar page.
If you’re interested in adding a safari experience, please visit our Safari page. Here you will find detailed information on our exciting safari options, allowing you to further extend your adventure with a thrilling wildlife experience.
Additionally, our team is always available to help customize your extended itinerary, ensuring you have the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible.
Price Included:
Return airport transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and your accommodation
All Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, conservation, and rescue fees
Two nights’ accommodation at BnB Hotel in Moshi
Daily breakfast at BnB Hotel
Transportation to and from the national park gates
Professional, English-speaking mountain guides certified in Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Experienced mountain crew, including guides, cooks, and porters
Fair staff wages and all operational costs
Lunch box provided on the first day of the trek
Three freshly prepared, nutritious meals per day during the climb
Safe drinking water throughout the trek, including 3 liters of bottled water on Day 1 and boiled and filtered mountain water on subsequent days
Warm water for washing provided each morning and evening
Hot water bottle provided for added warmth and comfort during cold nights
Comprehensive first aid kit and pulse oximeter for daily health monitoring
Emergency oxygen cylinder (for emergency use only)
Reliable emergency communication between your guides and our operations team in Moshi
A portable private toilet is available upon request, providing enhanced comfort, privacy, and hygiene throughout the climb.
Not Excluded:
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzanian visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (including high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation coverage)
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Sleeping bag and trekking gear rentals (available upon request)
- Lunch and dinner in Moshi before and after the trek (unless otherwise stated)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses, including laundry, souvenirs, snacks, and telephone charges
- Tips and gratuities for guides, cooks, and porters
- Optional activities or excursions not specified in the itinerary
Request Your 6-Day MACHAME Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Request your 6-day Machame Route Kilimanjaro climb with expert local guides, full mountain support, and a well-planned itinerary designed for safe acclimatization and a successful summit to Uhuru Peak.
Where to Stay
When planning your safari, there are plenty of great places to stay from lodges and camps to hotels. Each option offers a comfortable and unique way to experience the beauty of nature. Discover the perfect spot to relax after a day of adventure for this tour.
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