The Best Six-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route to Summit in 2025, 2026, and 2027
The Best Six-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route to Summit in 2025, 2026, and 2027
Introduction to the Machame Route
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its stunning vistas and varied landscapes, this route offers a more challenging trek compared to the Marangu Route but rewards climbers with some of the best views on the mountain. The six-day version of the Machame Route is ideal for trekkers with some hiking experience who want to ascend quickly while still having a reasonable chance of acclimatizing properly.
This adventure takes you through Kilimanjaro’s diverse climate zones, from dense rainforests to high alpine deserts, with the ultimate goal of standing on Africa’s highest point—Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Your guide will brief you on the climb, perform a gear check, and answer any last-minute questions.
Overnight Stay: Moshi/Arusha
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,640m) to Machame Camp (2,835m)
Hiking Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,195 meters
Your Kilimanjaro trek begins at the Machame Gate, where you’ll enter the lush rainforest. The trail is steep and can be slippery, but the canopy of towering trees and the chance to spot monkeys and tropical birds make it an exciting start. After a 5-7 hour hike, you’ll arrive at Machame Camp, where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,750m)
Hiking Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 915 meters
As you leave the rainforest, the landscape quickly changes to low alpine scrub and moorland. The trail gets steeper as you ascend along a ridge, providing expansive views of Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll arrive at Shira Camp in the afternoon, where you can relax and take in the stunning sunset views over the Shira Plateau.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,630m)
Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 880 meters to Lava Tower, then descend 670 meters to Barranco Camp
Today’s trek is crucial for acclimatization, as you’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude. The trail is challenging but offers incredible views of the Western Breach and the towering Lava Tower rock formation. After lunch near Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the Barranco Valley, where you’ll camp beneath the spectacular Barranco Wall.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m) via Karanga Camp
Hiking Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 680 meters
Start your day by climbing the steep Barranco Wall, which may look intimidating but is easily navigable. Once you’ve conquered the Wall, the trail undulates through a series of ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp, where you’ll stop for a short break. The final ascent to Barafu Camp takes you through a high-altitude desert. Upon arrival at Barafu, you’ll prepare for your midnight summit attempt while enjoying an early dinner and rest.
Day 6: Summit Attempt from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Summit Hike Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Summit Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Descent Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Descent Time: 4-6 hours
Your summit push begins just after midnight, as you hike through the cold darkness toward Stella Point (5,739m), where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise. From Stella Point, it’s a short but challenging trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Descent Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Descent Time: 3-4 hours
On the last day, you’ll make a relatively easy descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll receive your summit certificate and be driven back to Moshi/Arusha for a well-deserved celebration.
Why Choose the Six-Day Machame Route?
Scenic and Diverse Landscapes: The Machame Route offers stunning and varied scenery, from tropical rainforests to high alpine deserts, making it one of the most beautiful routes on Kilimanjaro.
Higher Summit Success Rate: The six-day itinerary provides an extra acclimatization day compared to shorter routes, increasing your chances of reaching the summit.
Challenge and Adventure: As a more physically demanding route, Machame is ideal for those seeking a rewarding and challenging trekking experience.
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro in 2025, 2026, and 2027
January to March: Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make this a great time to climb, with less congestion on the trails.
June to October: The dry season offers stable weather and clear skies, making it the most popular time to climb.
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
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
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)
