Climb Kilimanjaro

Zebra on dusty road, Mount Kilimanjaro at sunset

Elephants and zebras before Mount Kilimanjaro

Snow-capped mountain with clouds at twilight

Machame Route Duration – 6 Days

The Popular “Whiskey” Route

The Machame route has become the most popular path up Mount Kilimanjaro. Unlike the Marangu route, Machame offers longer days and steeper walks, making it a more challenging trek—this route best suits adventurous climbers with some hiking or backpacking experience.

Starting from the south, the Machame route heads east, traversing beneath Kilimanjaro’s stunning southern ice field before reaching the summit. While the minimum number of days required for this route is six, a seven-day trek is recommended for better acclimatization and a more enjoyable experience.

The Machame route is renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes. However, its popularity means you’ll encounter heavy crowds, which can detract from its natural splendour. The Machame route is excellent for those ready for a challenge and seeking a varied, picturesque climb.

Map showing Kilimanjaro routes and Uhuru Peak elevation highlighting the Machme route and using the Mweka route to return.

Trip Duration:

6 days

Route:

Machame Route

Feeling a little adventourous?

We can help plan your adventure of a lifetime!

Your Day to Day Itinerary

All our itineraries are suggestions; they can be adapted and customised to suit your needs and preferences or for any seasonal changes or migratory animal movements.

Day 1 – Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation:

1,200 meters (3,935 feet)
Climb Time:

6 to 7 hours
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Rainforest

Your journey begins at 9 am, departing from Hotel Park View Moshi for Machame Gate. The scenic drive, which takes about 1.5 hours, passes through lush coffee farms and charming villages. Upon arrival at Machame Gate, you’ll meet the team of porters, guides, and cooks who will accompany you on your six-day trek to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa.

While waiting at the gate for climb registration and final preparations, you’ll feel the excitement builds. Once ready, you’ll hike to Machame Camp through Kilimanjaro’s enchanting cloud forest, with its mystical, moss-covered trees. As you ascend and the forest thins, you’ll be greeted by heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. If the weather is clear, you’ll catch striking views of Kibo Peak, your ultimate destination.

Meanwhile, our porters and cooks will go ahead and set up the campsite, ensuring everything is ready for your arrival. Enjoy the first day of your adventure, immersed in the beauty and diversity of Kilimanjaro’s landscapes.

Day 2 – Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation:

1,200 meters (3,935 feet)
Climb Time:

6 to 7 hours
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Rainforest

Today’s trek involves several uphill sections, so be sure to carry plenty of drinking water, especially on a clear day when it can get hot. Along the way, you’ll encounter several viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the plains and forests below and the commanding Kibo and Mawenzi peaks above.

As you gain altitude, you’ll notice a change in vegetation. The trees will diminish in size, making way for Kilimanjaro’s famous high-altitude plants, including the unique Scenecio Kilimanjaro and Lobelia deckenii. After lunch, you’ll climb onto the Shira Plateau, formed when Kibo’s lava flows fill the Shira crater.

Continue your hike to Shira Camp, where you can relax for the rest of the day. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, with Kibo lying to the west and Mount Meru to the east. This scenic and diverse trek offers a remarkable journey through Kilimanjaro’s varied landscapes.

Day 3 – Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation:

690 meters (2,264 feet)
Climb Time:

6 to 8 hours
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Heath

Today’s trek is crucial for acclimatization despite ending with a net elevation gain of only 110 meters. By early afternoon, you will have climbed to a height of 4,530 meters before descending to Barranco Camp.

After breakfast, you will hike east across the Shira Plateau, reaching the Shira and Lemosho Routes junction. Continue through the barren yet captivating landscape until you stop for lunch. Shortly after, you’ll reach the highest point of the day at 4,530 meters before quickly descending to Barranco Camp.

Faster hikers might opt for a detour via Lava Tower, a striking 300-foot lava formation that juts out from the mountainside.

Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, you can rest and take in the surrounding views, reflecting on the day’s diverse and challenging journey. This day’s trek is vital for helping your body adjust to the altitude, setting you up for success as you climb.

Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation:

650 meters (2,140 feet)
Climb Time:

6 to 10 hours
Distance:

13 kilometers
Habitat:

Alpine Desert

After breakfast at Barranco Camp, you’ll begin your trek to Barafu Camp. The day starts with a challenging 1.5-hour scramble up the Barranco Wall, where you may need to use your hands to aid your climb. Once you reach the top, you’ll hike through relatively level terrain before descending steeply into the green Karanga River Valley.

From Karanga Valley, continue your journey to Barafu Camp. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of several of Kibo’s glaciers and pass the junction that connects the Mweka descent route with the Machame trail. As you trek on day four, you’ll pass by the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Though the trail to Barafu passes through an alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Upon reaching Barafu Camp, have dinner and try to get some rest. You’ll be waking before midnight to begin your summit hike.

Day 5 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation:

Asscend 1,295 meters (4,240 feet) - Descend 2,795 meters (9,170 feet)
Climb Time:

6 hours to the rim, 1 hour to Uhuru, 3 to 4 hours back to Barafu, 4 hours to Mweka
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Arctic

Around midnight, you’ll begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, hiking by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. This ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the trek, with a steep trail leading up to Stella Point.

From Stella Point, the hike to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb, not technically challenging but exhausting due to the high altitude. This final stretch along the crater rim takes about an hour. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ll have achieved the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Take photos with your guide and group at the summit to capture this incredible moment.

After savouring the summit experience, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka Camp. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers on your way down. Before continuing the descent, you will return to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a short break.

From Barafu, you have another three to five hours of trekking before reaching Mweka Camp. Here, you can rest and reflect on your amazing achievement, enjoying your last night on the mountain.

Day 6 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation:

1,600 meters (5,250 feet)
Climb Time:

4 hours
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Heath

After breakfast, you’ll embark on the final leg of your trek, descending through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be slippery if it rains, so watch your step as you descend. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll complete your incredible journey up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Hotel Park View in Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment from your remarkable adventure on Africa’s highest peak.

Climb Kilimanjaro

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Climb Kilimanjaro

Wildlife Safaris

Beach Adventures

Climb Kilimanjaro

Wildlife Safaris

Beach Adventures

Climb Kilimanjaro

Wildlife Safaris

Beach Adventures

Climb Kilimanjaro

Machame Route Duration – 6 Days

The Popular “Whiskey” Route

Trip Duration:

Route:

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Feeling a little adventourous?

We can help plan your adventure of a lifetime!

Your Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 2 – Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 3 – Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 5 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 6 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

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