Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek the picturesque Machame route, known for favourable acclimatization on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • 02 Discover diverse landscapes, from magnificent dense rainforest to high moorland
  • 03 Take in rewarding views of Mt Meru above Arusha and Kilimanjaro's southwest side
  • 04 Reach Uhuru Peak with spectacular sunrise views and breathtaking ice cliffs

Go climbing on the Machame route, referred to as the Whiskey route and one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro. The Machame route has one of the highest summit success rates thanks to the topography and nature of the route, which allows climbers to "trek high & sleep low," making it more favourable for acclimatization. Over 6 days, trek through dense rainforest and high moorland, enjoy rewarding mountain views, and aim for Uhuru Peak with a spectacular sunrise summit experience.

Arrive approximately at the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit you.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Machame
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Machame Gate to Machame Camp through Rainforest

  • Go for a one-hour drive from Moshi to the gate of the Machame route, where you complete park formalities, meet the crew of porters, and start to climb. The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well trodden, so it can get somewhat overgrown in places, and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.

2
Day 02

Machame Camp to Shira Camp via Shira Plateau

  • The route continues up through the forest until you reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.

3
Day 03

Shira Cave to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

  • Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek.

  • Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, and finally reach the camp with your Kilimanjaro tour guide. The day is spent at altitude, up to 4600m, but you have followed the mountaineering code of 'walk high, sleep low' to aid your body's acclimatization to altitude.

4
Day 04

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Hike from Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m).

5
Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

  • Start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours while gaining incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular.

  • Arrive approximately at the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit you. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you, and the views to jagged Mawenzi Peak and beyond are breathtaking.

  • Another hour's walk takes you to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m).

  • Begin your descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on a scree slope and tracking back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for a long, well-earned rest.

6
Day 06

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

  • A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride.

  • Go to the vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower and then celebrate with cold drinks.

Overnight at your arranged hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Moshi 5 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport

  • Pre- and post-trek accommodation at Weruweru River Lodge, Parkview Inn, or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

  • Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

  • 18% VAT on tour fees and services

  • 4-season big sleeping mountain tents

  • Double-layered sleeping mats

  • Transportation to and from the mountain gate

  • Professional Tanzanian mountain guides, cooks, and porters

  • 3 meals daily while on the mountain

  • Filtered water throughout the trek

  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)

  • Portable toilets and toilet tents

  • Hot water for washing

What's Not Included

  • Flights

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Laundry services

  • Tips to the mountain crew

Know before you go

  • Starting at Kilimanjaro airport and ending with a transfer after the descent.

  • Additional night after the descent.

  • Can easily be combined with a short safari or beach holiday. This private safari can be adapted to your wishes at any time.

  • The Machame route, also referred to as the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro and a favourite for this tour operator. The Machame route has one of the highest summit success rates given the topography and nature of the route, which allows climbers to "trek high & sleep low," making it more favourable for acclimatization.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour start
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Moshi.

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