6 Days Machame Route Itinerary

Overview

The Machame Route, nicknamed the “Whiskey Route,” is the most beautiful and diverse path up Mount Kilimanjaro. Over six days, trekkers experience rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacier landscapes before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (3,000m)

- Distance: ~11 km
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
  After registration at Machame Gate, you begin trekking through lush rainforest with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The trail is steep in some sections but rewarding. You’ll arrive at Machame Camp, set in the forest’s upper edge.
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Machame Camp (tents)

Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) → Shira Camp (3,840m)

- Distance: ~5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
  Today’s climb is shorter but steeper as you leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone. Stunning views of Shira Plateau open up, and if skies are clear, you may see Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll overnight at Shira Camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,950m)

- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert / Alpine Desert
  This is a key acclimatization day. You ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m). “Climb high, sleep low” helps the body adjust to altitude. The Barranco Valley is one of the most scenic spots on the mountain.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) → Karanga Camp (4,200m)

- Distance: ~5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
  After breakfast, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble with spectacular views. The trail then winds through ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp. This short but essential day aids acclimatization and rests you for the summit push.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,200m) → Barafu Camp (4,680m)

- Distance: ~4 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
  A steady climb brings you to Barafu Camp, the base camp for summit night. The word Barafu means “ice” in Swahili. From here, you’ll have sweeping views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You’ll have an early dinner and rest before the summit attempt at midnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,680m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Distance: ~17 km
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Moorland
At midnight, you begin the summit push — the most challenging but rewarding part of the trek. After climbing steep switchbacks, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,756m) and continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa.
After celebrating at the summit, you descend back to Barafu Camp for rest and then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final overnight on the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
A gentle descent through the rainforest leads to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. From here, a vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi/Arusha for a hot shower and rest.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch