6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Machame Route

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Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Overview

Nicknamed the “Whiskey” route due to its challenging nature and higher costs compared to the Marangu route, the Machame route stands out as one of the top choices for scaling Kilimanjaro. It’s ideal for climbers seeking both effective acclimatization and reasonable costs. Although considered difficult, it appeals to adventurous trekkers with hiking experience. The Machame route boasts stunning scenery and varied landscapes, though its popularity means encountering more fellow trekkers. Approaching from the southwest and descending via the Mweka route, it offers views of the vast Shira Plateau, an optional ascent of Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco Wall, and a passage beneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field. While some sections are steeper than other routes, it provides ample opportunities for acclimatization with strategic altitude adjustments. This challenging trek traverses through five distinct climatic zones, allowing climbers to split their pre-summit day climb for adequate rest, making it a highly sought-after trail.

Tour Plan

If you've chosen our optional airport transfers, we'll pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and take you to your hotel. Today is dedicated to a pre-trek briefing. Arriving at least one day before your trek begins is recommended. During the briefing, we'll review your equipment and provide any rentals needed.  
We depart from your Arusha hotel at 8:30 AM and head to Machame Gate, about a 45-minute drive from Moshi. Passing through Machame village, nestled on the mountain's lower slopes, we start our trek. The trail winds through lush rainforest, occasionally muddy and slippery at lower elevations. Look out for buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, baboons, and elusive tree-climbing lions. We reach Machame Camp by evening for a well-deserved dinner. Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft Distance: 11km/7mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we leave the rainforest and ascend on a steep path, crossing a valley along a rocky ridge. The trail turns west, leading us through a river gorge until we reach Shira Campsite. Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 5km/3mi Walking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Continuing from Shira Plateau, we head east up a ridge towards Kibo Peak. The route then turns southeast to the Lava Tower (elev. 4650m/15,250ft), nicknamed the “Shark’s Tooth.” Descending to Barranco Camp, we traverse varied landscapes crucial for acclimatization. Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft Distance: 10km/6mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Semi-desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, we ascend Barranco Wall (elev. 4250m/13,900ft), pass through Karanga Valley (elev. 4050m/13,250ft), and join the Mweka Trail junction. Continuing upwards, we reach Barafu Camp, where we rest with views of the summit. Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft Distance: 9km/6mi Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Beginning around midnight, we trek towards the summit between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Climbing northwest, we ascend through scree to Stella Point on the crater rim, witnessing a breathtaking sunrise. Continuing to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, we then descend to Mweka Camp via Barafu for lunch. Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, we descend further to Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. The lower elevations may be wet and muddy, but with gaiters and trekking poles, the descent is manageable. Shorts and t-shirts suffice, though rain gear and warmer clothing should be handy. Our vehicle awaits at Mweka Gate to return you to Arusha. Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast

Included/Exclude

  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Hotel
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
  • Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • Tanzania Visa
  • International and domestic flights
  • Hotel (available as an optional addon)
  • Transfers (available as an optional addon)
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary

Booking Tour

Tour Information

Max Guests

40

Min Age

12+

Tour Location

Languages Support