The Best Ultimate Six-Days Kilimanjaro’s Hikking Machame Route 2025
Overview
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is renowned for its scenic beauty and challenging trek. This six-day itinerary offers an exhilarating journey through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to the snowy summit of Uhuru Peak. The route’s challenging terrain is rewarded with spectacular views and a higher summit success rate due to better acclimatization compared to other routes.
Why Choose Our Six-Day Machame Route Package?
Stunning Scenic Views: Machame is famous for offering the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes, including rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts.
Expert Guides: Our professional guides are seasoned in navigating the Machame Route, providing support, safety, and knowledge throughout the journey.
Enhanced Acclimatization: The six-day itinerary is designed with gradual altitude gains to increase your chances of summit success.
All-Inclusive Service: Enjoy hassle-free trekking with all meals, permits, equipment, and airport transfers included.
Smaller Groups for Personalized Experience: Our small group sizes ensure you receive personalized attention from the guides, making the journey more enjoyable.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
Meet with your guides for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (9,350 ft / 2,850 m)
Begin your trek at the Machame Gate through a dense tropical rainforest.
You’ll gradually ascend to Machame Camp as you enjoy the sounds and sights of the jungle.
Distance: 11 km | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (12,500 ft / 3,840 m)
Trek out of the rainforest and into the moorlands, with stunning views of Mount Meru and Shira Plateau.
This day includes a steeper climb but rewards with spectacular landscapes.
Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower (15,190 ft / 4,630 m)
Ascend toward Lava Tower, a striking volcanic formation, for an acclimatization hike.
After reaching Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp, a key step in acclimatizing to the high altitude.
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (15,090 ft / 4,600 m)
Navigate the famous Barranco Wall, a steep yet thrilling section that leads to beautiful views.
Continue through the Karanga Valley and ascend to Barafu Camp, your base for the final summit push.
Rest and prepare for the summit climb.
Distance: 9 km | Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m) – then Descend to Mweka Camp
Begin your summit trek at midnight, ascending to the rim of Kilimanjaro’s crater at Stella Point.
From Stella Point, it’s a short, final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your accomplishment at the summit before descending back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest.
Continue descending to Mweka Camp.
Distance: 19 km (ascent + descent) | Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (5,380 ft / 1,640 m)
Trek through the lush rainforest as you make your way to Mweka Gate.
At the gate, you’ll receive your certificates and transfer back to Moshi for a well-earned rest and celebration.
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure or continue your Tanzanian adventure with a safari or Zanzibar beach extension.
Inclusions
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Clean, purified drinking water
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
All meals while on the Mountain
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Sleeping Mattress
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Exclusions
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tanzania Visa
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Tips and gratuities
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
FAQs
How difficult is the Machame Route?
The Machame Route is considered challenging but is achievable for most trekkers with good fitness. The trek involves steep sections, particularly the Barranco Wall, but the gradual ascent over six days helps with acclimatization.
What makes the Machame Route different from other routes?
The Machame Route offers more diverse landscapes compared to other routes and has a higher summit success rate due to better acclimatization. The route is more physically demanding than Marangu but offers richer scenic rewards.
When is the best time to hike the Machame Route?
The best times to climb are during the dry seasons, from January to mid-March and from June to October, when conditions are most favorable.
What equipment is provided, and what should I bring?
We provide tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear, and meals. You should bring personal items such as layered clothing, waterproof gear, hiking boots, and a headlamp for the summit night.
Book Your Kilimanjaro Adventure for 2025!
Secure your place now for the ultimate 2025 adventure to the top of Africa! The Machame Route promises a challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable experience. With expert guides, breathtaking views, and an extra day for acclimatization, you’re well on your way to conquering Kilimanjaro’s majestic peak. Book today and make your dream a reality!
