6 days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through Machame Route

What you will expect

FULL DESCRIPTION
Ready for an unforgettable adventure? The Machame Route is one of the most beautiful ways to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro. Often referred to as the "Whiskey Route," this 6-day trek is perfect for those looking for a bit more challenge and a lot more stunning scenery. As you climb, you'll be fully supported with porters to carry your equipment and a skilled cook to prepare delicious meals, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking journey ahead. While the route is all about tents (no huts here!), the experience of camping under the stars and waking up to the crisp mountain air is sure to make it a highlight of your adventure.

Throughout the climb, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s varied landscapes. From the lush rainforest at the base to the alpine desert near the summit, the Machame Route offers an ever-changing landscape that's truly spectacular. As you reach higher altitudes, you'll be captivated by unforgettable sights such as the sunset over Shira Plateau and the majestic Kibo peak emerging from the mist at the Great Barranco Wall. This route is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the mountain, with every day bringing new, awe-inspiring vistas.

What sets the Machame Route apart is its careful approach to acclimatization. The trek takes you up to Lava Tower (4630m) on day three and then descends to Barranco Camp (3950m) to allow your body time to adjust to the altitude. This is a proven strategy to increase your chances of reaching the summit safely and comfortably. With the right balance of challenging terrain and scenic reward, the Machame Route is the perfect choice for adventurers eager to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro while soaking in the mountain’s incredible beauty. Join us for a journey you’ll never forget!

ITINERARY
Day 1: Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m)
Your adventure begins early with a briefing, followed by breakfast, and a scenic 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to Machame Village (1490m). At the village, the guides and porters will organize and pack your supplies. You will receive a lunch pack, and if needed, you can purchase mineral water. Depending on road conditions, you may drive directly to Machame Gate, but if not, you’ll walk 3 km through muddy terrain, which takes about an hour.

Once you’ve registered at the gate, the ascent begins as you enter the lush rainforest. Expect rain in the forest, which will make the trail soggy, muddy, and slippery. After a break for lunch halfway up, you will continue and reach Machame Camp in the late afternoon. Your porters will have already set up your tent, and the evening will be spent preparing for the night. The temperature here can drop to freezing, so be prepared for the chill.

Day 2: Machame Camp (2980m) – Shira Camp (3840m)
You’ll arrive early at Machame Camp. After breakfast, the trail climbs for about an hour through the forest before transitioning to the moorland zone, where the gradient becomes gentler. After two hours, take a short break for lunch, then continue up a rocky ridge to the Shira Plateau. From here, you’ll get your first view of the Western Breach, complete with its stunning glaciers.

After a short hike, you will arrive at Shira Camp at 3840m. Here, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water, and dinner will follow shortly. Temperatures at Shira Camp are even colder than at Machame Camp, often dropping well below freezing, so be sure to bundle up for the night.

Day 3: Shira Camp (3840m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Barranco Camp (3950m)
The route now heads east into a semi-desert landscape, dominated by rocks and the imposing Lava Tower. After approximately five hours of trekking, you will reach Lava Tower at 4630m. Lunch will be served before continuing up the rocky scree to the tower. This is the toughest day so far, and it’s common for climbers to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as shortness of breath, headaches, and irritability, around this point.

After lunch, you will descend almost 680m to Barranco Camp at 3950m. The descent to Barranco provides valuable acclimatization and offers breathtaking views of the Western Breach and the Breach Wall, which make for excellent photo opportunities. The camp is situated in a valley below the massive Breach and Barranco Wall, and you can look forward to a stunning sunset while dinner is prepared.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950m) – Barafu Camp (4550m)
After spending the night at the foot of the imposing Barranco Wall, the day begins with a challenging climb up this steep obstacle. While it looks intimidating, the climb is usually easier than it first appears. After reaching the top, just below the Heim Glacier, you’ll be treated to a fantastic view of the mountain.

The route then descends through Karanga Valley and continues across ridges and valleys, eventually joining the Mweka Route. This is the path used for the descent after the summit, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it.

At the end of this section, you will reach Barafu Camp. There is no water available at Barafu, so make sure to fill up at Karanga Valley, the last water stop. Barafu Camp, located on a narrow ridge exposed to the wind, is a harsh, inhospitable place. The rocky terrain and high winds make it essential to familiarize yourself with the camp layout before dark. Prepare your gear for the summit, make sure your headlamp and camera batteries are replaced, and carry a thermal flask for your water to prevent freezing. Rest well for the night, as you’ll begin your summit attempt shortly after midnight.

Day 5: Summit Attempt – Barafu Camp (4550m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3100m)
You will wake up around 23:00, enjoy a light snack, and begin your ascent into the night. The trail heads north-west through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour climb is the most physically and mentally demanding portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (5685m), you will rest briefly and be treated to a spectacular sunrise, weather permitting. From Stella Point, the final 2-hour push to Uhuru Peak begins, and you will encounter snow along the way. The time you spend at the summit depends on weather conditions, but it’s crucial not to linger too long due to the cold and exhaustion. Take in the moment and celebrate your achievement, as you’ve reached the highest point in Africa.

The descent back to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours, where you’ll rest briefly and gather your gear. The trail then leads you back down through the rocky and scree-covered landscape, past moorland, and eventually into the forest. As you descend, you may encounter mist or rain. At Mweka Camp, your dinner and washing water will be ready.

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)
After a well-deserved breakfast, begin your scenic 3-hour descent back to Mweka Gate. It’s essential not to tip your porters until all your gear has safely reached the gate.

At the gate, you will sign out and receive your summit certificate. Those who reach Stella Point (5685m) receive a green certificate, while those who reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) are awarded a gold certificate.

From Mweka Gate, you’ll walk through the Mweka Village (a muddy 3 km hike) to a hot lunch and celebrations. Afterward, you’ll drive back to Moshi, where a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and a celebratory evening await. Overnight accommodation will be at the Springlands Hotel.

This itinerary may vary.

INCLUDED

What you need to know before you go

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
This activity is designed for people of different ages.

WHAT TO BRING
We recommend you bring comfortable shoes, sun cream, etc. However, this is not obligatory for participating in the tour.

DIETARY REQUESTS
Allergy: In case of allergy please provide us with this information via email beforehand.
Vegetarians: Vegetarian food can be organized on request! Please send us an email beforehand.

VALUABLES AND LUGGAGE
We are not responsible if your belongings get wet, lost, or damaged during the tour.

PAYMENT INFORMATION
Payments can be made by cash in euros or Kenyan Shilling.

NOT INCLUDED

Included

• Pickup
• Fees (parking fees)
• Breakfast ()
• Lunch ()
• Dinner ()
• Drinks (water)
• Snacks ()
• Equipment: ""