KILIMANJARO CLIMBING 6 DAY: MACHAME ROUTE
Overview
The  Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing 6 Day: Machame Route  is widely regarded as one of the best and most successful ways to summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), offering exceptional scenery and an excellent acclimatization profile. Popularly known as the Whiskey Route, this Kilimanjaro trek is ideal for adventurous climbers seeking dramatic landscapes, varied ecological zones, and a higher summit success rate compared to shorter routes. The Machame Route features the proven climb high, sleep low approach, professional mountain camping, and iconic highlights such as the Barranco Wall and Lava Tower. It is a top choice for travelers searching for the best route to climb Kilimanjaro, Machame Route cost, and a reliable Kilimanjaro trekking company in Tanzania.
Tour Plan
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: ~11 km
Your Kilimanjaro journey begins at Machame Gate, following registration and briefing with your certified mountain guide and support crew. The trek ascends steadily through dense montane rainforest, where towering fig trees, giant ferns, and moss-covered trunks create a dramatic natural tunnel. Wildlife sightings may include blue monkeys and vibrant birdlife.
The trail can be muddy and humid, making trekking poles and gaiters useful. Upon reaching Machame Camp, set in the upper forest zone, you enjoy your first mountain dinner while your guide conducts a health and acclimatization check.
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
Distance: ~7 km
Leaving the rainforest, the landscape transitions into heath and moorland, offering expansive views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. The gradient is moderate, allowing your body to adapt naturally to altitude gain.
As you approach Shira Camp, the vegetation becomes sparse, and temperatures begin to cool. The afternoon is dedicated to rest, hydration, and short acclimatization walks around camp.
Overnight: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: ~10 km
This is a critical acclimatization day, following the principle of climb high, sleep low. The trek ascends gradually to Lava Tower, where lunch is served at high altitude. You may feel the effects of altitude here, which is normal and carefully monitored by your guide.
After lunch, the trail descends steeply into the scenic Barranco Valley, dominated by the imposing Barranco Wall and surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. Oxygen levels improve, aiding recovery.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~5 km
The day begins with the exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a hands-on scramble requiring balance rather than technical climbing. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the southern glaciers.
The route continues across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, a key acclimatization stop before summit night. The afternoon allows for rest and optional acclimatization walks.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: ~4 km
A shorter but important trek brings you to Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit attempt. The terrain is rocky and exposed, with increasing cold and wind.
Upon arrival, you rest, hydrate, and attend a detailed summit briefing. An early dinner is served before you sleep in preparation for the midnight ascent.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Time: 12–15 hours (summit & descent)
You wake around 11:30 PM for hot drinks and snacks before starting the most demanding part of the climb. The slow, rhythmic ascent follows switchbacks through volcanic scree toward Stella Point (5,756 m), reached at sunrise.
From Stella Point, the final push along the crater rim leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photos and celebration, you descend carefully to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp, located in the upper forest zone.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Excellent acclimatization profile with climb high, sleep low
- One of the most scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro
- High summit success rate
- Ideal for fit trekkers seeking a rewarding challenge
Note: For even higher success rates and comfort, a 7-day Machame Route is strongly recommended.
| Qty. | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7+ PAX | EXTRA DAY |
| Price | $1876 | $1775 | $1675 | $1630 | $1600 | $1500 | $ 1500 | $250 |
Included/Excluded
- Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and hut fees
- English-speaking guide and assistant guides
- Porters to carry luggage, food, and gear
- 5 nights’ accommodation (campsites and huts)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Transport to and from Kilimanjaro gate
- Summit certificate (for those who reach Stella Point or Uhuru Peak)
