Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route

6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE

All year 

6 Days / 5 Nights

Kilimanjaro international Airport 

Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Cave Camp, Baranco Camp, Barafu Camp , Uhuru Peak, Millennium Camp, Mweka Gate 

Trip Overview

The 6 Days Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft / 5,895 m). Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it offers a more challenging trek compared to the Marangu Route but rewards climbers with breathtaking landscapes and a higher success rate due to its gradual acclimatization profile.

This adventure takes you through lush rainforests, heather moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers before reaching Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m) – the highest point in Africa! With its climb high, sleep low approach, the Machame Route increases your chances of a successful summit while providing an unforgettable hiking experience.

Why Choose the Machame Route?

1. Stunning Scenery & Diverse Landscapes

Hike through tropical rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers, each offering unique views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty.

2. Better Acclimatization = Higher Success Rate

The Machame Route follows a “climb high, sleep low” approach, helping your body adjust to the altitude and increasing your chances of reaching the summit.

3. Challenging Yet Rewarding

While the Machame Route is more difficult than Marangu, the extra effort is worth it for the amazing views and higher summit success rate.

4. Full Camping Experienced

Unlike the Marangu Route, Machame is a camping route, offering a more authentic adventure under the stars. It’s also more affordable for budget travelers who want a real mountain experience.

Tour Map

Detailed Itinerary

Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Nafika Tours representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi (2,953 ft / 900 m). Here, you’ll meet your trekking group, enjoy dinner, and have a full briefing about the adventure ahead. An equipment check will also be done to ensure you have everything needed for the climb.

Day 1: Machame Gate (5,905 ft / 1,800 m) to Machame Camp (9,301 ft / 2,835 m)

  • Hiking Time: ~7 hours
  • Distance: 11 km
  • Habitat: Montane forest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Your adventure begins! After breakfast, we drive to Machame Gate. On the way, enjoy views of coffee and banana farms cultivated by the Chagga people. Once at the gate, our guides will handle registration before we start trekking through the lush rainforest. Look out for blue monkeys swinging through the trees!

After a picnic lunch, continue the hike until we reach Machame Camp (9,301 ft / 2,835 m), where we’ll set up for the night.

Day 2: Machame Camp (9,301 ft / 2,835 m) to Shira Cave Camp (12,303 ft / 3,750 m)

  • Hiking Time: ~3 hours
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wake up to your first clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro! After breakfast, we climb out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The trek continues to the Shira Plateau, offering stunning glacier views. Tonight, we camp at Shira Cave Camp (12,303 ft / 3,750 m), where the night sky is breathtaking!

Day 3: Shira Cave Camp (12,303 ft / 3,750 m) to Barranco Camp (12,795 ft / 3,900 m) via Lava Tower (15,091 ft / 4,600 m)

  • Hiking Time: ~6 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is an important acclimatization day. We ascend to Lava Tower (15,091 ft / 4,600 m) before descending to Barranco Camp (12,795 ft / 3,900 m) for the night. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude. The Barranco Camp offers amazing sunset views of the Barranco Wall and Western Breach.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (12,795 ft / 3,900 m) to Barafu Camp (15,223 ft / 4,640 m) via Karanga Camp

  • Hiking Time: ~8 hours
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The day starts with a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall – a non-technical but challenging section that rewards you with incredible views. After crossing the Karanga Valley, we reach Barafu Camp (15,223 ft / 4,640 m), our base camp before the final summit push. Get some rest because summit night begins at midnight!

Day 5: Barafu Camp (15,331 ft / 4,673 m) to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m) to Millennium Camp (12,959 ft / 3,950 m)

  • Hiking Time: ~12-15 hours
  • Distance: 15 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Summit day is here! We wake up at midnight and start our final push to Uhuru Peak. The climb is tough but incredibly rewarding. After reaching Stella Point (18,885 ft / 5,756 m) at sunrise, we continue to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m) – the highest point in Africa!

Take photos, enjoy the breathtaking views, and celebrate your achievement before descending back to Millennium Camp (12,959 ft / 3,950 m) for a well-earned rest.

Day 6: Millennium Camp (12,959 ft / 3,950 m) to Mweka Gate (5,380 ft / 1,640 m)

  • Hiking Time: ~5 hours
  • Distance: 14 km
  • Habitat: Moorland & Rainforest
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, we descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (5,380 ft / 1,640 m). Here, you’ll receive your summit certificates and can enjoy a cold drink before heading back to Moshi. A hot shower and comfortable bed await you at the hotel – it’s time to celebrate your incredible achievement!

Ready to Climb Kilimanjaro?

Join Nafika Tours for the adventure of a lifetime! Our expert guides, high-quality equipment, and personalized service ensure a safe and unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa.

Price Per Person

ROUTE : MACHAME 6 DAYS

Prices (quoted in USD/per person)

No of Pax Price Per Person
1 Person $1800 USD
2-4 People $1700 USD
5-9 People $1600 USD
10+ People $1550 USD

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