6 Days – Machame Route

Route Overview

Given its reputation for being a challenging ascent, the Machame route-also known as the Whiskey route—is distinguished from the simpler Marangu path, which is known as the Coca-Cola Way. Contrary to the Marangu Route’s moderate rise and hut accommodations, climbers on Machame trek steeper paths over greater distances while camped out in tents. On the mountain, the Machame Route ascent can be completed in no less than six days. For a better altitude acclimation plan, it is typically completed over seven days. The walk starts at Machame Gate, which is situated in the mountain’s lush, productive rainforest at the southern mountain base. The climber is treated to stunning vistas from every angle as the route advances toward the Shira Plateau and then circles halfway around the mountain along the southern circuit. The Mweka trail is used for both the ascent and descent of the top, which is approached from the east.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania

Your guide will pick you up from the Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive you to your hotel in Moshi. Your guide will give you a briefing on your forthcoming trip and conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the appropriate mountain gear. On this day, the equipment that is lacking can be rented.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 2: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)

It takes an hour to get from Moshi to the Machame gate, where we check in with the park, meet our team of porters, and begin the climb! The initial part of the course ascends gradually and travels through a stunning, heavily forested area. Since this walk is seldom used, it can become fairly overgrown in some spots and is frequently muddy and moist to the touch.

Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)

Until we reach the difficult rise onto the Shira Plateau, where there are spectacular views of the mountain, our journey continues up through the forest. You can see Mt. Meru rising above the town of Arusha in the distance if you turn around and look back.

Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Now that you’re on high moorland, the terrain completely alters the way the journey feels. We descend the southwest face of Kilimanjaro, skirting the Lava Tower and the last part of the Western Breach, before arriving at camp. The day was spent at a high altitude (up to 4600m), but to help your body adjust to the altitude, we adhered to the mountaineering maxim “walk high, sleep low.”

Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

We begin our day by making our way down into the Great Barranco, a sizable ravine. The Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeast slopes of Kibo, is then climbed steeply as we leave. It’s a lengthy and taxing climb over granite, not particularly difficult. Our final opportunity to get fresh water before the summit is in the Karanga valley, which we approach by passing beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers. As we move through parched and bleak country near Barafu camp, scree now makes up the terrain.

Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

Around midnight, we set out on a difficult ascent to the summit glaciers. We will spend 4 to 5 hours ascending scree but cover a modest distance to reach spectacular heights. The vistas are breathtaking. As the sun rises, we should be near Stella Point (5739m), on the crater rim. We are surrounded by stunning ice cliffs inside the crater, and we have breath-taking vistas of the craggy Mawenzi mountain and beyond. We must hike for an additional hour to reach the peak, Uhuru Peak (5895m). After leaving Stella Point, we start our descent by making our way back to Barafu Camp for breakfast before making our way down to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.

Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

We make a leisurely descent through the rain forest to the Mweka Gate, where we finish park formalities and earn certificates that you may display with pride! Once we return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a warm welcome shower, we are welcomed by our vehicles.

Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: Departure

After the hike, you have the rest of the day to relax before your trip home. You might visit Moshi town and buy some souvenirs before going to the airport, depending on your travel schedules.

If you want to continue experiencing Tanzania, add-ons like safaris and trips to Zanzibar are also available.

Meals: Breakfast Included