About This Tour
The 6 Days Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route”, is one of the most scenic and successful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers excellent acclimatization through the “climb high, sleep low” approach and showcases dramatic landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert and glaciated summit.
Trip Highlights
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak
- Follow the classic Marangu Route, known for its gradual ascent
- Trek through diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert
- Enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak from Horombo Hut
- -Early-morning summit attempt with a breathtaking sunrise at Uhuru Peak
- Professional mountain guides ensuring safety and support
Itinerary
The 6 Days Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route, is one of the most scenic and successful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers excellent acclimatization through the “climb high, sleep low” approach and showcases dramatic landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert and glaciated summit.
- Distance: ~11 km
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Altitude: 1,800 m → 3,000 m
After registration at Machame Gate, begin trekking through lush rainforest rich in wildlife, giant trees, and birdlife. The trail is steady and scenic.
Arrive at Machame Camp nestled in the forest zone.
Overnight: Machame Camp (tented)
- Distance: ~5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
- Altitude: 3,000 m → 3,840 m
Climb out of the rainforest into heath and moorland. Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the expansive Shira Plateau.
Arrive early at Shira Camp for rest and acclimatization.
Overnight: Shira Camp
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Altitude: 3,840 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m
A key acclimatization day. Hike up to Lava Tower (4,630 m) before descending to Barranco Camp.
This “climb high, sleep low” strategy greatly improves summit success.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
- Distance: ~5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Altitude: 3,960 m → 4,035 m
Start the day climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling but non-technical scramble with incredible views.
Continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Distance: ~4 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Altitude: 4,035 m → 4,673 m
A short but steep ascent to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight climb.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
- Distance: ~17 km total
- Barafu → Uhuru Peak: ~6 km
- Summit → Mweka Gate: ~11 km
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
- Altitude: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 1,640 m
Begin the summit push around midnight. Trek past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, arriving at sunrise.
Descend via Mweka Route through alpine desert and rainforest to Mweka Gate for certificates and transfer.
Included/Exclude
The Cost Includes
- Park entry, camping/hut, rescue, and conservation fees for Mount Kilimanjaro
- Professional, licensed mountain guides
- Dedicated porters and cook
- Accommodation in mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo & Kibo Huts)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water on the mountain (treated and filtered)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport or Moshi/Arusha hotel transfers
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- Fair wages and ethical porter treatment (KPAP compliant, where applicable)
- All government taxes and service charges
The Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and high-altitude medical insurance
- Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, clothing, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and cook
- Snacks, energy bars, and personal beverages
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)
- Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (unless stated)
- Any services not specifically mentioned under Tour Includes
Tour Plan
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most scenic and popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and diverse landscapes.
Yes, it is suitable for fit beginners with good stamina. While more demanding than Marangu, it has a higher success rate due to better acclimatization.
The success rate is relatively high (around 70–80%), especially for climbers who are physically prepared and follow their guide’s pace.
No technical skills are required. The climb is a high-altitude trek. The Barranco Wall involves light scrambling but is non-technical.
Accommodation is in high-quality mountain tents at designated camps along the route.
Temperatures at the summit can drop to between -10°C and -15°C. Proper cold-weather clothing is essential.
All meals are included—hot breakfasts, lunches, and dinners—prepared by a professional mountain cook.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. The Machame Route’s “climb high, sleep low” profile helps reduce risks, and guides monitor climbers closely.
The best periods are January–March and June–October, offering more stable weather and clearer views.
