6 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking (Machame Route)

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OVERVIEW

Take on Africa’s highest peak through one of its most scenic and popular routes — the Machame Route. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” this 6-day itinerary offers dramatic scenery, a rich diversity of ecosystems, and an excellent acclimatization profile. You'll trek through lush rainforest, heathland, alpine desert, and glacier-strewn summit zones, with a chance to stand on Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa. With full support from our experienced mountain crew, this adventure combines physical challenge with awe-inspiring beauty and lifetime memories.

DayCamp NameAltitude (m)Accommodation Type
2Machame Camp2,835Tent
3Shira Camp3,840Tent
4Barranco Camp3,960Tent
5Barafu Camp4,640Tent
6Mweka Camp3,100Tent

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your journey begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be picked up by our team and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. There, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check. Spend the rest of the day relaxing before the climb begins.

Accommodation: Meru View Lodge (Arusha)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Altitude: ~1,400m


Day 2: Arusha – Machame Gate – Machame Camp

After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate where registration with Kilimanjaro National Park takes place. Begin your ascent through lush rainforest trails to Machame Camp.

  • Trek Distance: 11 km

  • Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

  • Start Altitude: 1,800m

  • End Altitude: 2,835m

  • Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Tented Camp at Machame Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp

Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper, offering panoramic views across the Shira Plateau.

  • Trek Distance: 5 km

  • Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

  • Start Altitude: 2,835m

  • End Altitude: 3,840m

  • Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Tented Camp at Shira Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 4: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

A longer and tougher day, ideal for acclimatization. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending into the Barranco Valley for the night.

  • Trek Distance: 10 km

  • Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

  • Start Altitude: 3,840m

  • High Point: 4,630m (Lava Tower)

  • End Altitude: 3,960m

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Tented Camp at Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 5: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp

Begin the day with a scramble up the Barranco Wall, followed by a trek across valleys and ridges to the final base camp before your summit push.

  • Trek Distance: 9 km

  • Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

  • Start Altitude: 3,960m

  • End Altitude: 4,640m

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Tented Camp at Barafu Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Depart at midnight for your summit attempt. Reach Stella Point for sunrise, then press on to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at the top, descend to Mweka Camp.

  • Trek Distance: 15 km

  • Hiking Time: 12–15 hours

  • Start Altitude: 4,640m

  • Summit Altitude: 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)

  • End Altitude: 3,100m

  • Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Accommodation: Tented Camp at Mweka Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha

A gentle descent through the forest takes you to Mweka Gate where your vehicle awaits. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Arusha.

  • Trek Distance: 10 km

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Start Altitude: 3,100m

  • End Altitude: 1,800m

Accommodation: Meru View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 8: Departure

Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or your flight back home. You can also extend your adventure with a beach extension in Zanzibar.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Kilimanjaro National Park (Machame Route) 

Your safari experience includes a mix of comfortable lodges and luxury tented camps, offering excellent service and stunning surroundings.

🏡 Meru View Lodge (Arusha) 

A peaceful lodge with lush gardens, perfect for unwinding before or after your safari with a stunning view of Mount Meru and 5 minutes away from Arusha National Park.

🏡 Camping Machame Route

Experience authentic mountain adventure by camping under the stars at scenic Machame Route camps, nestled along Kilimanjaro’s lush and rugged terrain.

(All accommodations provide ensuite bathrooms, dining options, and warm hospitality.)

What’s Included?

✅Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro Airport

✅Park entrance and camping fees

✅Professional English-speaking guide, cook, and porters

✅All meals during the climb

✅Tents and camping gear

✅Oxygen cylinder & first-aid kit

✅Certificate of achievement

What’s Not Included?

❌International flights

❌Visa fees

❌Tips for crew

❌Sleeping bags and personal gear

❌Travel insurance

❌Optional upgrades or extra nights in Arusha

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What to Expect

✔ Guided day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro (Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts)
Cultural visits to the Chaga Caves and Maasai land
Diverse wildlife including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino)
✔ The Great Migration (depending on the season)
Scenic landscapes from mountains, forests, savannahs, and crater floors
✔ Optional activities: Arusha town tour, coffee experience, or a visit to Arusha National Park

Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro (Machame Route)

🌤️ January to early March – Warmer, clearer mornings, low rainfall
☀️ June to October – Peak season, dry weather, great visibility
🍂 November – Short rains, fewer crowds, scenic but slippery (Advanterous) 
❄️ December – Mixed conditions, still a good time but colder nights