6 Days Machame route: Kilimanjaro Trek
Start from: $1775
This 6 Days Machame Route Trek Kilimanjaro route is the most popular Kilimanjaro multi-day hike and scenic Kilimanjaro route. This is one of the best Kilimanjaro hiking Routes
The Machame route trek is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents. The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days (six nights), for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of the mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest.
The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.
| Number of Clients | Prices Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Pax | $ 1,865 |
| 2 Pax | $ 1,755 |
| 3 Pax | $ 1,725 |
| 4 Pax | $ 1,715 |
| 5 Pax | $ 1,705 |
| 6 Pax | $ 1,685 |
| 7 Pax | $ 1,655 |
| 8 Pax | $ 1,615 |
| 9 Pax | $ 1,585 |
| 10+ Pax | $ 1,555 |
Tour Plan
Day 1
MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP: 10.75k 5-6 hrs. Rainforest
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
- Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
- Altitude gained: 1210m
Day 2
MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP: 5.3km 4-5hrs Moorland
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.
- Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
- Altitude gained: 818m
Day 3
SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP: 10.75km 5-6hrs Semi-Desert
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
- Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude gained: 147m
Day 4
BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 8.5km 6-8hrs Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude gained: 676m
Day 5
BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86km up 5-7hrs – MWEKA CAMP: 13km down 5-6hrs Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude gained: 1233m
- Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
- Altitude lost: 2789m
Day 6
MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1km 3-4hrs Rainforest
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
- Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
- Altitude lost: 1473m
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