6 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Machame Route
The Machame Route, sometimes referred to as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most scenic and frequently trekked routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. As well as marshy splendors and landscapes, it provides you not only with breathtaking panoramas but also diverse vegetative zones as well as a steady ascent designed to yield an increased chance of success in reaching Uhuru Peak.
This 6 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Machame Route is for the adventurer seeking an ideal blend of comfort, expert guidance, and expedition while trekking Africa’s highest point.
6 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Machame Route Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Transfer to Your Hotel in Arusha.
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800 m) – Machame Camp (3,010 m).
Day 3: Machame Camp–Shira Camp 2 (3,840 m).
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 – Lava Tower (15,420 ft) – Barranco Camp (13,000 ft).
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (15,100 ft).
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Transfer to Your Hotel in Arusha.
Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide. You will be transferred to a luxury hotel in Arusha, which may include the Gran Meliá Arusha, Mount Meru Hotel, or Arusha Serena Hotel, to recover from your flight.
Once you arrive at your hotel, you can enjoy a refreshing drink and get settled into your luxurious room. A while later, your head guide will meet you for a detailed briefing about the trek to prepare you for traveling in the unique terrains of the Machame Route, advise you on what to prepare and pack, and explain how to avoid altitude illnesses physically and psychologically. You are even welcome to have your equipment evaluated to ensure you have all of the essentials for your trek. Later, enjoy a delicious dinner, and get to bed early for the day ahead.
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800 m) – Machame Camp (3,010 m).
Your adventure begins after breakfast as you drive from Arusha to Machame Gate (2 hours), passing through the farmland and villages at the base of the mountain. Your office staff will take care of all of the registration and park formalities as you enjoy a packed lunch.
The trek begins in thick rainforest, with towering trees coated in moss and clouds of colorful flowers and monkeys bouncing from tree to tree. The forest is nice and cool, but the trail will probably be muddy. Trekking poles and gaiters can be helpful here. You will walk for about 5-6 hours at a lovely pace, with lots of stopping for rests and pictures.
You will finally arrive at Machame Camp late in the afternoon, where your luxury tent will already have been set up by the porter team. You will be presented with a lovely warm basin of water for washing, a comfy bedroll, and a delicious hot meal. Once you are finished with dinner, you can find a spot outside your tent to relax under the stars as you listen to the sounds of nature—your first night on the mountain.
Day 3: Machame Camp–Shira Camp 2 (3,840 m).
After a nourishing breakfast, you will begin your hike out of the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone—a more open and cooler environment. Today’s hiking is steeper but rewarding with stunning vistas of Mount Meru in the distance, as well as the Shira Plateau below.
The hike takes 5-6 hours, and the guides will keep a slow and steady pace to allow your body time to acclimatize to the altitude. You will see some unique plants, such as giant heathers and lobelias, which only grow in this environment.
By early afternoon, you will arrive at Shira Camp 2, situated on a high plateau with expansive views of Kibo Peak—the volcanic summit of Kilimanjaro. After lunch you can take a short acclimatization hike to higher ground before returning to camp for dinner. As the sun sets, the mountain shines a glorious golden color that will be forever etched in your memory.
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 – Lava Tower (15,420 ft) – Barranco Camp (13,000 ft).
Today’s trekking day is critical for acclimatization. After breakfast, you will slowly ascend towards Lava Tower, a distinctive volcanic rock formation that is one of the highest points along the route. You will arrive at Lava Tower approximately at lunchtime, allowing time for a break to eat breakfast and to rest.
This segment of the trek is strenuous and falls in line with the professional climbing and trekking principle of “climb high, sleep low,” which allows the body to acclimatize while ultimately increasing your chances of summit success. After leaving Lava Tower, you will descend into the breathtaking Barranco Valley filled with enormous groundsels and senecio to create an otherworldly, prehistoric landscape.
In the late afternoon, you will arrive at Barranco Camp (13,000), one of the most spectacular camps on the entire mountain, located directly below the intimidating Barranco Wall. Enjoy a hearty dinner, hot tea, and a peaceful, safe night under the stars.
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (15,100 ft).
The day starts off with an exhilarating challenge as you continue your climb up the Barranco Wall. While it looks very steep below, it is non-technical and safe, as your experienced team will assist you. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers.
You will then be on a gentle trail toward your next evening destination of Karanga Camp, where you will pause for lunch and some rest. It will be a great opportunity to hydrate and further acclimatize to the altitude. After lunch, you will get back on the trek toward Barafu Camp, where you will stay before your summit attempt.
As you can see, Barafu, Swahili for “ice,” the terrain becomes rocky and barren. Upon arriving at Barafu, your camp will be set up and a hot meal waiting. Your guide will brief you about the climb starting at midnight and hopefully urge you to eat early so you can sleep, as you will soon wake up to attempt the Roof of Africa.
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Today will be the most exciting and tiresome day of your hike. You will begin your final trek at approximately midnight towards Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. The air is thin and cold; however, your guide will maintain a consistent rhythm as you gradually pace under a sky full of stars.
As you near the morning hours, you will reach Stella Point (5,756 m) along the rim of the crater. From there, it is an easy stroll toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Witnessing the sunrise from the top of Kilimanjaro is an emotional and remarkable experience, as you stand on the Roof of Africa, surrounded by glaciers and clouds, an accomplishment that few people will experience.
After a celebration and photos, you will begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a rest and a warm lunch. Finally, you will continue the descent to Mweka Camp for a final evening on the mountain, sharing tales of triumph and laughing over dinner.
End of 6 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Machame Route
Package Inclusions.
Meet and greet service at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Private transfers (pickup/drop-off) to Arusha and mountain gates.
Two nights’ luxury accommodation in Arusha (before trek, after trek).
All park entrance fees, rescue fees, and permits.
Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks.
Full-board meals while trekking (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Full luxury camping gear (large sleeping tents, mattresses, a dining tent, and chairs).
Clean and secure drinking water throughout the climb.
Oxygen and a medical kit for emergencies.
Daily health check and acclimatization check by your guide.
Hot drinks (tea, coffee, and hot chocolate) while trekking.
Summit certificates for climbers who reach the summit
Package Excludes.
International flights to and from Tanzania.
Travel insurance and visa fees.
Personal trekking equipment (clothing, boots, poles).
Guides, porters, and cooks tip.
Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, not including items carved.
Extra hotel nights in Arusha if required.
Laundry, souvenirs, and personal expenses.
