Machame route
Machame route Overview
Known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. 6 Days Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field before summiting. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended. The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to the heavy crowds, it loses some of its spendor.
6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro – Machame Route Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp
Transfer to Machame Gate (1,800 m) for registration. Trek through lush rainforest to Machame Camp (3,000 m).
Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp
Leave the rainforest and climb across moorland terrain with spectacular views of Mount Meru and Kibo Peak, arriving at Shira Camp (3,840 m).
Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.
Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Trek to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m), beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall.
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, cross the Karanga Valley, and continue to Barafu Camp (4,673 m) for summit preparation.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Early dinner and rest for the midnight summit attempt.
Day 5: Summit Attempt – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Begin the summit ascent around midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise. Descend back to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Hiking time: 12–15 hours
Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive summit certificates and transfer back to your hotel.
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
End of your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.
Machame Route – 6 Days
$1750 – $1950
Price depends on group size
Tour Includes
- Professional mountain guides & porters
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- All meals on the mountain
- Camping equipment (tents & mattresses)
- Drinking water
- Transfers to & from Kilimanjaro
Tour Excludes
- International & domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel & medical insurance
- Personal climbing gear
- Tips for guides & porters
- Alcoholic beverages
Speak with our Kilimanjaro experts for a custom trek