The best Six-(6)-days Kilimanjaro’s Climbing Machame full Package on 2025-2026
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 6-day itinerary is designed for climbers who are up for a bit of a challenge, with steeper trails and a faster pace. Despite its difficulty, the route offers excellent acclimatization through its “climb high, sleep low” strategy, making it one of the best options for reaching the summit successfully.
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Transfer: To your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for an overnight stay. You’ll meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing, equipment check, and to finalize preparations.
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (2,835m)
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration. The trek begins through lush montane forest with thick foliage and streams. The trail can be muddy and slippery, but the landscape is beautiful and filled with birdlife and unique plants. You’ll reach Machame Camp by late afternoon, where you’ll rest for the night.
Day 3: Machame Camp (2,835m) to Shira Camp (3,750m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and hike into the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper, but the landscape opens up, offering stunning views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape. After reaching Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau, you’ll have time to explore and enjoy panoramic views of the mountain.
Day 4: Shira Camp (3,750m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today is crucial for acclimatization as you follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle. The hike takes you to the Lava Tower at 4,630m, where you’ll stop for lunch and spend time acclimatizing. Afterward, you’ll descend into the Barranco Valley to reach Barranco Camp, passing through stunning alpine desert landscapes. You’ll camp in the valley with breathtaking views of the towering Barranco Wall.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start your day by climbing the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble. Once at the top, the trail becomes gentler as you cross a series of ridges and valleys. You’ll pass through the desolate Karanga Valley before arriving at Barafu Camp in the late afternoon. After dinner, rest in preparation for the summit attempt at midnight.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,110m)
Distance: 17 km (5 km ascent, 12 km descent)
Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic and Moorland
At midnight, you’ll begin the final push to the summit. The trail to Stella Point (5,739m) is challenging due to the steepness and cold, but after 5-7 hours, you’ll reach the rim of the crater. From Stella Point, it’s another hour’s trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5,895m). After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,110m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
On your final day, you’ll descend through the rainforest to reach Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. After a brief celebration, you’ll be driven back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Package Inclusion & Exclusions
Inclusion
Guide, Porters
Park Fees, Tax
Gate transfer
Crew wages
Environment fees
Camping throughout you climb!
Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners
Drinking water
Cook
Exclusion
Flights
Tipping the crew
Visas
