6 Days Trekking Machame Route

Route Overview

The Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a challenging yet rewarding trek with beautiful landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and fantastic views of Kilimanjaro’s two peaks. The Machame Route is ideal for those who want to experience a variety of terrains, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, all while enjoying an optimal acclimatization profile. This 6-day itinerary allows you to ascend at a comfortable pace, increasing your chances of successfully reaching Uhuru Peak.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Machame Gate – Machame Camp

After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, you will drive to Machame Gate. After registration at the gate, your trek will begin through the lush rainforest, where you will likely spot blue monkeys and various bird species. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are helpful. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Machame Camp, where you will have dinner and rest.

Elevation: 1,800m to 3,010m
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km
Habitat: Rainforest

Meals: Lunch & Dinner included

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Today, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and continue the ascent on a steeper path. The trail becomes rocky as you enter the moorland zone. The Shira Plateau offers breathtaking views of Kibo Peak. After a short rest and lunch break, you’ll continue to Shira Camp, where you will settle in for the night.

Elevation: 3,010m to 3,845m
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 3: Shira Cave to Barranco Camp

This is a crucial acclimatization day. You’ll hike to Lava Tower, an iconic rock formation that stands at 4,630m. The altitude will be noticeably higher, and some trekkers may begin to feel the effects. After lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp for the night. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Barranco Camp is set in a stunning valley, with views of the Great Barranco Wall.

Elevation: 3,845m to 4,630m (Lava Tower), then descend to 3,960m
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Alpine desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit. The trail is a short but steep ascent, passing through the alpine desert. Once at Barafu, you’ll rest, prepare your gear, and have an early dinner in preparation for the midnight summit push. You’ll sleep early as the summit attempt begins at midnight.

Elevation: 3,960m to 4,640m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 4 km
Habitat: Alpine desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

At midnight, you’ll begin the final push to the summit. This section is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek. The trail is steep, with switchbacks leading up to Stella Point (5,739m), where you’ll take a short rest and witness the sunrise. From Stella Point, it’s a short but tough hike to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,080m (Mweka Camp)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent
Habitat: Arctic zone to rainforest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate - Arusha

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Arusha, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included

These inclusions and exclusions provide a comprehensive overview of what’s covered and what’s not in a trekking package.