6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route

Overview

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular trails, celebrated for its stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, and high summit success rates. This 6-day trek approaches the mountain from the southwest, winding through lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and finally the arctic summit zone.

The trail offers dramatic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, along with beautiful waterfalls, volcanic formations, and rare wildlife. Its gradual ascent ensures good acclimatization, while the variety of landscapes makes it ideal for adventurous trekkers who want both challenge and breathtaking scenery.

Summit day culminates at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) with a spectacular sunrise. Descending via the Mweka Route, trekkers pass through heathland and rainforest before returning to Arusha or Moshi, completing a journey that balances adventure, comfort, and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Approaches Kilimanjaro from the southwest Machame Gate
  • Popular and scenic with excellent photographic opportunities
  • Gradual ascent with good acclimatization profile
  • Diverse ecosystems: rainforest → moorland → alpine desert → arctic summit
  • Waterfalls, lava flows, and panoramic views along the trail
  • Spectacular camps at Machame, Shira, Barranco, Barafu
  • Summit ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
  • Descent via Mweka Route
  • High summit success rates

Start Date

Can start any day a Client Chooses

Duration

6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek

Comfort Level

High Challenge Adventure

Tour Type

Private or Group Tour

language

Language

English, Chinese, Spanish, French

Meals

Lunch, Snacks, Water and Soda

What’s Included

  • Certified Kilimanjaro guides, assistant guides, porters, and cooks
  • Park entrance, camping, rescue, and conservation fees
  • Mountain tents, dining tents, and sleeping mats
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Safe drinking water (filtered and boiled daily)
  • Daily health and safety checks
  • Hotel accommodation before and after the climb
  • Fair wages for porters and staff
  • Emergency evacuation support (park rescue services)
  • Summit certificates
  • Government taxes and service charges

What’s Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa and travel insurance
  • Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bags, jackets, walking poles)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
  • Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
  • Optional equipment rental (oxygen, extra gear)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Any items not mentioned under What’s Included

Day to Day Itinerary

Arrival in Moshi – Welcome to Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our driver will meet and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and gear inspection. Spend the evening preparing for the adventure ahead.

Panama Hotel Moshi

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities. Located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport. Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is ideally located for all those that visit Moshi Town for adventure seeking or for business travel. Click here to learn more

Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities. Located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport. Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is ideally located for all those that visit Moshi Town for adventure seeking or for business travel. Click here to learn more

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities. Located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport. Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is ideally located for all those that visit Moshi Town for adventure seeking or for business travel. Click here to learn more

  • Altitude: 1,800 m to 3,000 m
  • Distance: 11 km
  • Time: 5–7 hours

Begin your journey through lush rainforest filled with exotic birds and playful monkeys. The trail is shaded and can be muddy, but the gradual ascent helps you warm up for the climb ahead. Arrive at Machame Camp for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Camping

  • Altitude: 3,000 m to 3,750 m
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Time: 4–6 hours

Climb out of the forest and into the moorland zone with stunning views of Shira Ridge and Mount Meru in the distance. The path becomes steeper, but the spectacular landscape keeps spirits high. Arrive at Shira Camp for rest and acclimatization.

Accommodation: Camping

  • Altitude: 3,750 m to 4,600 m (up) | 3,900 m (down)
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Time: 6–8 hours

Trek toward Lava Tower for acclimatization and lunch at high altitude before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” method helps your body adapt to thinner air. The scenery transitions from desert-like terrain to the lush valley below the Barranco Wall.

Accommodation: Camping

  • Altitude: 3,960 m to 4,673 m
  • Distance: 8 km | Time: 7–9 hours

Begin your day with a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, a highlight of the route offering breathtaking views of the valley below. Continue through alpine desert toward Barafu Camp, your base for the summit push. Enjoy an early dinner and rest before the final ascent.

Accommodation: Camping

  • Altitude: 4,673 m to 5,895 m (up) | 3,100 m (down)
  • Distance: 16 km | Time: 10–14 hours

Start your climb around midnight under the stars. Reach Stella Point (5,756 m) and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement and take photos before descending to Barafu for a meal, then continue to Mweka Camp for overnight.

Accommodation: Camping

  • Altitude: 3,100 m to 1,640 m
  • Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hours

Descend through the rainforest with lush greenery and birdlife along the way. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, collect your summit certificate and meet your driver for the transfer back to Moshi. Celebrate your success with a hot shower and dinner.

Accommodation: Moshi Hotel or Similar

Panama Hotel Moshi

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities. Located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport. Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is ideally located for all those that visit Moshi Town for adventure seeking or for business travel. Click here to learn more

Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities. Located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport. Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is ideally located for all those that visit Moshi Town for adventure seeking or for business travel. Click here to learn more

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities. Located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport. Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel is ideally located for all those that visit Moshi Town for adventure seeking or for business travel. Click here to learn more

After conquering the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel or lodge in Arusha or Moshi, reflecting on your incredible achievement. Savor a hearty breakfast while sharing stories and photos with fellow climbers. When ready, your private transfer will take you to the airport or next destination, ensuring a smooth, comfortable, and stress-free departure, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Africa’s highest peak.

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