6-Day Machame Route – “Whiskey Route” (Mt. Kilimanjaro)

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic paths to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 6-day trek offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a challenging but rewarding ascent.

Itinerary Overview

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

  • Morning:

    • Pick-up from Moshi/Arusha and drive to Machame Gate for registration and briefing.
    • Start trekking through the lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
  • Afternoon:

    • Hike Distance: 11 km (5-7 hours).
    • Arrive at Machame Camp (3,000m) for lunch and rest.
  • Evening:

    • Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp.

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

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast and trek through moorlands, with stunning views of Shira Plateau.
    • Hike Distance: 5 km (4-6 hours).
  • Afternoon:

    • Arrive at Shira Camp (3,840m) for lunch and acclimatization.
  • Evening:

    • Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.

Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)

  • Morning:

    • Trek through Alpine Desert to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization.
  • Afternoon:

    • Descend to Barranco Camp (3,960m), passing through Giant Senecios and Lobelias.
    • Hike Distance: 10 km (6-8 hours).
  • Evening:

    • Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast and climb the Barranco Wall, a thrilling section with spectacular views.
    • Trek to Karanga Camp (4,035m) for a short break.
  • Afternoon:

    • Continue the ascent to Barafu Camp (4,640m), the final stop before the summit push.
    • Hike Distance: 9 km (8-10 hours).
  • Evening:

    • Early dinner and rest before midnight summit attempt.

Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

  • Midnight:

    • Wake up at 11:30 PM for the final summit push.
    • Trek past Stella Point (5,739m) and reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise.
  • Morning:

    • Celebrate at Africa’s highest point with stunning glacier views.
    • Descend to Barafu Camp (4,640m) for breakfast.
  • Afternoon:

    • Continue descending to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
    • Hike Distance: 17 km (12-16 hours).
  • Evening:

    • Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast and final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m).
    • Hike Distance: 10 km (3-5 hours).
  • Afternoon:

    • Receive summit certificates and drive back to Moshi/Arusha.

Why Choose the Machame Route?

✔️ Most scenic Kilimanjaro route with stunning landscapes.
✔️ Higher success rate due to better acclimatization.
✔️ Exciting climbs like the Barranco Wall.
✔️ Diverse terrain: Rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and glaciers.


Package Includes:

Transport from Moshi/Arusha and back.
All park fees and permits.
Professional guides, cooks, and porters.
All meals during the trek.
Camping equipment and tents.


The 6-Day Machame Route is perfect for adventurous climbers seeking a thrilling and rewarding experience on Mount Kilimanjaro!