6 Days Machame Route – Kilimanjaro Climb
The Machame Route, also called the Whiskey Route, is one of the most popular and scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This 6-day trek offers the best acclimatization, high summit success rates, and stunning landscapes—from lush rainforest to alpine deserts and glaciers.
Route Overview
- Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights on the mountain
- Difficulty: Challenging but rewarding
- Accommodation: Camping
- Success Rate: Very high due to gradual acclimatization
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,830m) to Machame Hut (3,050m)
After breakfast, you’ll be driven through lush farmlands to Machame Gate. After registration, begin the trek through the dense and humid rainforest, filled with wildlife sounds and the chance to spot blue monkeys.
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 1,830m to 3,050m
- Hiking Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Machame Hut
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Machame Hut to Shira Hut (3,810m)
The trail leaves the rainforest and enters the moorland zone. Hikers will encounter rocky outcrops and magnificent views of Mount Meru. The path leads to Shira Hut, located on the Shira Plateau with stunning views of Kibo’s glacier
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 3,050m to 3,810m
- Hiking Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Shira Hut
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Shira Hut to Barranco Hut (3,950m)
Continue across the Shira Plateau to Lava Tower at 4,400m before descending into the Barranco Valley. This part of the trek offers incredible views of Arrow Glacier and impressive geological features.
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Elevation: 3,810m to 3,950m
- Hiking Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 4.5 – 5 hours
- Accommodation: Barranco Hut
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Hut to Barafu Hut (4,600m)
Today’s hike includes scaling the Breach Wall with the help of your hands at certain points. You’ll be rewarded with striking views of Heim and Kersten Glaciers before reaching Barafu Hut.
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Elevation: 3,950m to 4,600m
- Hiking Distance: 9 km
- Hiking Time: 6 hours
- Accommodation: Barafu Hut
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Hut (3,090m)
From Barafu Hut you start at midnight for the final climb. Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend back to Barafu for a meal. Continue down to Mweka Hut for overnight rest.
- Habitat: Arctic desert (at summit), alpine desert, moorland
- Elevation: 4,600m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,090m
- Hiking Distance: 19 km
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours to the summit, 3-4 hours descent
- Accommodation: Mweka Hut
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate (2,000m)
From Mweka Hut (3,090m), descend through the lush rainforest. The trail is gentle and takes about 3–4 hours. Arrive at Mweka Gate (1,640m), where you’ll receive your summit certificate before driving back to your accomodation or Airport
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 3,090m to 2,000m
- Hiking Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi/Arusha
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Package Prices in USD ($) (Per Person) - Based on Number of Climbers
| ROUTE | Days | 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax | 7 Pax | 8 Pax | 9 Pax | 10 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Machame |
6 Days |
3639 |
3313 |
3194 |
3109 |
3067 |
3062 |
3049 |
3036 |
3029 |
2899 |
|
Machame |
7 Days |
3950 |
3593 |
3468 |
3354 |
3316 |
3307 |
– |
– |
3273 |
2998 |
Inclusive
- Airport transfers and two-night hotel stay in Moshi
- Mountain transfers and sleeping bag
- Professional Kilimanjaro guides, porters, and cooks (salaries and park fees covered)
- Four-season, waterproof tents (twin-sharing) with sleeping mattresses
- Emergency oxygen and nutritious meals on the mountain
- Purified drinking water and mess tents with tables and chairs
- Kilimanjaro park fees, including conservation, camping, rescue, and 18% VAT
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Exclusive
- Tanzania Visa Requirements
- International and Domestic Flights
- Personal Trekking Gear (e.g., hiking boots, clothing, available for rent)
- Tips and Gratuities for Kilimanjaro Crew
- Travel Insurance for Kilimanjaro Trek
- Personal Expenses (laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Meals Not Included in Itinerary
- Alcoholic Drinks, Beer, and Bottled Beverages
Reserve Your Machame Route Trek
Your Journey, Your Rules, Let’s Build It Together!
Climb Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and popular route – book now for the Whiskey Route adventure with breathtaking landscapes and higher summit success.