Tanzania · Trekking

6 DAYS,5 NIGHTS MT KILIMANJARO TREKKING VIA MACHAME ROUTE

6 Days Pickup service provided in Kilimanjaro. to Drop-off service provided in Kilimanjaro. Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the popular Machame Route
02 Trek through rainforest, moorland, and high alpine landscapes
03 Camp at Machame, Shira, Barranco, Barafu, and Mweka
04 Benefit from an acclimatization-focused route profile
05 Summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro
06 Descend via the Mweka Route after your summit attempt
07 Includes park fees, permit fees, camping, and pickup/drop-off

Take on one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s most popular trekking routes on this 6-day Machame Route adventure. Often known as the “Whisky Route,” this climb follows steep mountain paths through rainforest, moorland, and high alpine terrain before joining the Barafu Route for the final push to Uhuru Peak.

Along the way, you’ll trek from Machame Gate through camps including Shira, Barranco, Barafu, and Mweka, with an important acclimatization day built into the route. Expect dramatic changes in scenery, rewarding summit views, and a challenging but achievable climb for fit hikers used to walking in mountain areas.

Accommodation on the mountain is by camping, with permits and park fees included, as well as pickup and drop-off in Kilimanjaro. This is a classic Kilimanjaro experience for travellers seeking a demanding multi-day trek with unforgettable landscapes.

Take on one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s most popular trekking routes on this 6-day Machame Route adventure.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

6 DAYS,5 NIGHTS MT KILIMANJARO TREKKING VIA MACHAME ROUTE

Day 1: Arusha to Kilimanjaro via Machame Gate

Pick up from hotel in Arusha and drive to Machame Park Gate, for registrations formalities then start walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery, you need gaiters and trekking poles. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Day 2: Trek Machame Camp to Shira CampAfter break

fast we leave the glades of 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.

Day 3: Trek Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

We continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. Our direction changes to South East towards the Lava Tower, called the Shark’s Tooth then come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier then down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 4: Trek Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Breakfast then leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250 m/13,900 ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050 m/13,250 ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

Day 5: Summit to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Northwards and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Stop for a short rest and may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak (highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro) and the continent of Africa, from the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Arusha

Breakfast then descend to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. Our driver will be at the get to transfer you back to the hotel in Arusha to end your best hiking.

The route