6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek – Scenic Summit Adventure

Your Ultimate Journey to the Roof of Africa

6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek Overview

The 6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek – Scenic Summit Adventure is one of the most popular and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame combines breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and excellent acclimatization opportunities.

Over 6 unforgettable days, you will trek through lush montane forests, explore the misty heather zone, cross alpine deserts, scale the iconic Barranco Wall, and push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m — the highest point in Africa.

This itinerary is crafted for adventure seekers who want a challenging yet highly scenic route, with dramatic viewpoints and a high success rate for those with good fitness levels.

Detailed 6-Day Machame Route Itinerary

(Starting and ending in Moshi, Tanzania)

Day 1: Moshi → Machame Gate → Machame Camp (3,010m)

Distance: 11 km | Trekking: 5–7 hours

Zone: Rainforest

Start early from Moshi and drive to Machame Gate for briefing and registration. The trek begins in lush rainforest filled with monkeys, tall trees, and vibrant birdlife.

The trail is steady and humid but rewarding as you reach Machame Camp, located on the upper edge of the forest zone.

Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (3,840m)

Distance: 5 km | Trekking: 4–6 hours

Zone: Moorland

You ascend steeply from the forest into the open moorland. The landscape becomes rocky and more exposed, offering amazing views of Mount Meru.

You cross the Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful and ancient volcanic areas on Kilimanjaro.

Overnight at Shira Camp.

Day 3: Shira Camp → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,976m)

Distance: 10 km | Trekking: 6–8 hours

Zone: Alpine Desert

This is a key acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle.

You trek through a high-altitude desert to Lava Tower, where you stop for lunch at 4,630m.

Then descend into the scenic Barranco Valley.

Arrive at Barranco Camp, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the famous Barranco Wall.

Day 4: Barranco Camp → Barranco Wall → Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Distance: 5 km | Trekking: 4–5 hours

Zone: Alpine Desert

Start your morning with an exciting climb up the Barranco Wall, a thrilling but non-technical scramble.

Enjoy breathtaking views from the top before traversing ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp.

This short day enhances acclimatization, preparing your body for the summit attempt.

Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Distance: 4 km | Trekking: 3–4 hours

Zone: Alpine Desert

A steady climb brings you to Barafu Camp, the basecamp for the summit.

The terrain is rocky, cold, and windy — true high-altitude desert.

Arrive early, rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit push.

After an early dinner, try to sleep before the big climb.

Day 6: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Gate → Moshi

Trekking: 10–14 hours total

Zones: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Rainforest

Midnight: Begin Summit Attempt

The toughest part of your trek begins around 00:00–01:00.

You ascend slowly through switchbacks to reach Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise — a life-changing moment.

A short ridge walk brings you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Descent to the Gate

After photos and celebrations, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest.

Continue down to Mweka Gate, passing changing landscapes from desert to rainforest.

Receive your summit certificate and drive back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.

✔️ Inclusions

Park Fees & Logistics

Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees

Camping fees

Rescue fees

Professional mountain guides

Assistant guides

Porters and mountain chef

All government taxes

All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables)

First aid kit + oxygen cylinder

Round-trip transfers: Moshi ↔ Machame Gate

Accommodation & Meals

Mountain camping accommodation

All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Clean drinking water

Dining tent for all meals

Support

Daily health checkups (oxygen level & pulse)

Emergency evacuation to the gate

Summit certificate

❌ Exclusions

International & domestic flights

Tanzanian visa fees

Tips for guides, porters, and cook

Travel & medical insurance (mandatory)

Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, boots, poles, etc.)

Extra snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol

Hotel accommodation in Moshi (unless added separately)

Personal expenses (laundry, charging, souvenirs)

Portable flush toilet (optional upgrade)