6 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek
Overview
(8 Days Total: Arrival + 6 Days Trekking + Departure)
Start Point: Machame Gate (1,800m)
End Point: Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Route Type: Camping route, scenic & popular
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Time to Climb: June–October & January–March
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route”, is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and popular trekking paths. It offers diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and glacial summit. Though steeper and more demanding than the Marangu Route, it offers excellent acclimatization opportunities with its “climb high, sleep low” profile. This 6-day itinerary is ideal for adventurous hikers ready for a rewarding challenge.
Included/Exclude
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro/Arusha)
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha or Moshi (pre/post trek)
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees & camping fees
- Certified professional guides, porters, and cook
- All meals during trek (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, tables, chairs)
- Drinking water, tea/coffee, and daily hot meals
- Emergency oxygen, first aid kit, and mountain rescue fees
- Summit certificate
- International flights
- Tanzania visa ($50)
- Tips for crew (recommended $250–$350 per hiker)
- Personal hiking gear (available for rent)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Alcohol, snacks, and personal expenses
- Additional excursions or hotel nights
Tour Plan
Pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Pre-climb briefing, gear check, and overnight stay.
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Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
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Distance: 11 km
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Zone: Rainforest
After registration at Machame Gate, hike through the dense rainforest to Machame Camp. Spot monkeys and exotic birds along the way.
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Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
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Distance: 5 km
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Zone: Moorland
Climb a steep ridge to the Shira Plateau, where the rainforest transitions into moorland. Camp at Shira Cave with stunning views of Kibo Peak.
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Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
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Distance: 10 km
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Zone: Alpine Desert
Climb high to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" day helps your body adjust to altitude.
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Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
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Distance: 9 km
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Zone: Alpine Desert
Conquer the impressive Barranco Wall, cross multiple ridges and valleys, and arrive at Barafu Camp—your base for summit night. Rest early.
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Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
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Distance: ~15 km
Begin the summit push at midnight, reaching Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp for your final night.
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Distance: 10 km
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Zone: Rainforest
Complete the descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate. Return to hotel for hot shower and celebration.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight. Congratulations on your achievement!