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6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek
Kilimanjaro

6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek

The 6 Days Machame Route offers 6 full days of trekking up Kilimanjaro's thrilling 'Whiskey Route'. Starting at Machame Gate (1,800 m), you ascend through lush rainforest before emerging onto the moor...

Duration6 Days
DifficultyChallenging
Group size1 – 12
Summit5,895 m
USD 2,150 per person
At a glance

Trip Overview

Duration 6 Days
Difficulty Challenging
Group size 1 – 12
Summit 5,895 m
Trip overview

What to Expect

The 6 Days Machame Route offers 6 full days of trekking up Kilimanjaro's thrilling 'Whiskey Route'. Starting at Machame Gate (1,800 m), you ascend through lush rainforest before emerging onto the moorland of the Shira Plateau. From there, you traverse past Lava Tower (4,640 m), descend into the spectacular Barranco Valley, and climb through the Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp — your summit base. The final push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m is the crowning moment of one of mountaineering's greatest adventures.

Why this journey

Trip Highlights

Steep, scenic "Whiskey Route" — challenging but rewarding
Full rainforest trek from Machame Gate (1,800 m)
Lava Tower acclimatisation day (4,640 m)
Conquer the iconic Barranco Wall scramble
Summit from Barafu Camp under a sky of stars
~82% summit success rate with expert guides
7 trekking days

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Pre Day

Welcome to Tanzania – Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and gear check before your Machame Route trek begins.

Altitude890 m / 2,920 ft
HikingNone
StayLa Mama Hotels, Moshi (or similar)
MealsD
  • Airport welcome service
  • Kilimanjaro trip briefing
  • Professional gear check
  • Moshi town atmosphere
  • Relax before trekking
What you'll do: Meet your mountain team for a complete trek briefing, review your equipment, ask questions, and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.
What's included today: Airport transfer, hotel accommodation, dinner, pre-climb briefing, professional guide consultation, and equipment inspection.
Good to know: This is a rest day — not counted in your 6 trekking days. Ensure all hiking gear is ready and get plenty of rest. Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins tomorrow.
01 Day

Machame Gate → Machame Camp

Begin your Kilimanjaro adventure through dense, misty rainforest alive with bird calls and the chatter of black-and-white colobus monkeys. The trail from Machame Gate climbs steadily through the forest zone on a well-defined path under a canopy of ancient trees. After several hours of gentle ascent, you arrive at Machame Camp perched on a wooded ridge — your first night on the mountain.

Altitude1,800 m → 3,010 m
Distance11 km / 6.8 mi
Hiking5 – 7 h
StayMachame Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Rainforest trek from Machame Gate
  • Colobus monkey sightings
  • Dense canopy trail
  • Rich birdlife encounters
  • First mountain camp
What you'll do: Hike through the lush rainforest zone at 'pole pole' pace for 5–7 hours, gaining over 1,200 m of elevation through Kilimanjaro's lowest climate zone.
What's included today: Park fees, mountain crew support, all meals, camping equipment, drinking water, professional guides, and porter services.
Good to know: The Machame Route is known as the 'Whiskey Route' — steeper and more challenging than the 'Coca-Cola' Marangu Route. The 'pole pole' pace is your best friend for acclimatisation.
02 Day

Machame Camp → Shira Camp 2

Leave the rainforest behind as the trail opens into alpine moorland with giant heather and groundsel plants. The gradient eases as you traverse the Shira Plateau, passing through rolling hills and valleys with ever-expanding views of Kibo Peak rising above the clouds. Mount Meru can be seen to the east on clear mornings.

Altitude3,010 m → 3,850 m
Distance7 km / 4.3 mi
Hiking4 – 6 h
StayShira Camp 2 (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Alpine moorland zone
  • Giant lobelias and groundsel
  • First clear Kibo views
  • Mount Meru panorama
What you'll do: 4 – 6 hours of trekking through the moorland zone. A shorter day allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.
What's included today: Stay at Shira Camp 2 (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: Today is a shorter distance but higher elevation. You'll feel the altitude — stay hydrated, eat well, and walk slowly.
03 Day

Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

The classic 'climb high, sleep low' acclimatisation day. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,640 m) — the highest point before summit night — for lunch with spectacular views of the Western Breach and the glaciers above. Then descend into the surreal giant senecio forest of the Barranco Valley.

Altitude3,850 m → 4,640 m → 3,960 m
Distance10 km / 6.2 mi
Hiking6 – 8 h
StayBarranco Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Lava Tower acclimatisation (4,640 m)
  • Giant senecio forest
  • View of Western Breach & glaciers
What you'll do: 6 – 8 h of trekking with your lead guide, paced for acclimatisation with lunch at Lava Tower.
What's included today: Stay at Barranco Camp (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: Lava Tower (4,640 m) is the highest point before summit night. The descent to Barranco afterwards helps your body adapt more than staying high — trust the process.
04 Day

Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp

Start early to conquer the iconic Barranco Wall — a steep but non-technical scramble up the Great Barranco ravine with breathtaking views of the Heim and Kersten glaciers. After the wall, traverse through the Karanga Valley and push up desolate scree slopes to Barafu Camp at 4,673 m — your summit base camp. Early dinner, summit briefing, then rest before the midnight summit push.

Altitude3,960 m → 4,673 m
Distance9 km / 5.6 mi
Hiking7 – 8 h
StayBarafu Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Barranco Wall scramble (non-technical)
  • Karanga Valley traverse
  • Summit base camp arrival
  • Pre-summit briefing & gear prep
What you'll do: 7 – 8 h of trekking — conquer the Barranco Wall, traverse the Karanga Valley, and climb to Barafu Camp.
What's included today: Stay at Barafu Camp (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: The Barranco Wall is a fun hands-on scramble, not a technical climb. Your guides will show you the easiest line — trust your feet and don't look down!
05 Day

Summit Day — Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

Wake at 11 PM for hot tea and snacks, then step into the dark by midnight. Six hours of slow switchbacks up the scree slope to Stella Point (5,756 m) for sunrise, then one final hour along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa at 5,895 m. Celebrate with photos and a moment of silence on top of Africa before beginning the long descent to Mweka Camp.

Altitude4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance16 km / 10 mi
Hiking12 – 14 h
StayMweka Camp (tents)
MealsB / L / D
  • Midnight summit push by starlight
  • Sunrise at Stella Point (5,756 m)
  • Uhuru Peak — 5,895 m
  • Long descent to forest camp
What you'll do: 12 – 14 h of trekking — summit push by starlight, celebrate at Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
What's included today: Stay at Mweka Camp (tents) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: Dress in all your warm layers — summit night temperatures fall to −20 °C with windchill. Carry your camera inside your jacket to keep batteries warm.
06 Day

Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi (Overnight)

A gentle descent through lush rainforest where the air is thick with oxygen and bird calls echo through the canopy. At Mweka Gate, you complete park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate — a proud moment to commemorate your achievement. Your vehicle meets you at the gate for the drive back to Moshi, where a hot shower and a comfortable bed await. Enjoy a farewell dinner and restful night at the hotel.

Altitude3,100 m → 1,640 m
Distance10 km / 6.2 mi
Hiking3 – 4 h
StayPark View Inn (or similar), Moshi
MealsB / L
  • Final rainforest descent
  • Summit certificate ceremony
  • Hot shower & celebration in Moshi
  • Comfortable hotel overnight
What you'll do: 3 – 4 h of descent through the rainforest, certificate presentation, and transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and overnight rest.
What's included today: Park fees, guide support, lunch, hotel accommodation in Moshi (B&B), and farewell dinner.
Good to know: Unlike some operators who schedule same-day departure, we include a hotel night after the trek so you can rest properly. Departure transfers can be arranged for the next morning or later the same evening on request.
What's covered

Included & Excluded

Everything you need for a seamless journey — and a clear view of what to arrange yourself.

What's included

  • 2 nights at Park View Inn (or similar) in Moshi on B&B (1 before + 1 after the trek)
  • Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
  • Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
  • Kilimanjaro Park entrance, camping & rescue fees
  • High-quality 4-season tents, 10 cm foam mattresses, mess tent
  • Professional KINAPA-licensed lead guide, assistant guides, cooks & porters
  • Three freshly prepared meals daily + filtered drinking water
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for mountain crew per KINAPA & KIATO regulations
  • Portable oxygen cylinders & pulse oximeter for daily health checks
  • Private portable flush toilet with toilet tent (groups of 4+)
  • Official Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • Mountain communication radio & emergency protocols
  • All government taxes & VAT (18%)

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa (USD 50 on arrival)
  • Travel & evacuation insurance (mandatory — must cover trekking above 4,000 m)
  • Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 300–350 per climber)
  • Personal climbing gear (rentable in Moshi)
  • Meals and drinks at the hotel (before and after the trek)
  • Single tent supplement (USD 20 per day)
  • Laundry services at the hotel
Your Summit Awaits

Ready to Conquer Kilimanjaro?

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Pack smart

Packing list

A category-by-category checklist tailored to this journey. Items marked essential should not be skipped — rentals are available in Moshi and Arusha.

Clothing & Layers

  • 3× moisture-wicking base layer tops
  • 2× thermal base layer bottoms
  • Fleece or soft-shell mid layer
  • Insulated down jacket (summit night)
  • Waterproof + windproof hard-shell jacket and trousers
  • Trekking trousers (2 pairs) + shorts
  • Warm hat, sun hat, buff/neck gaiter
  • Liner gloves + insulated waterproof gloves
  • 4× hiking socks, 1× thermal socks for summit

Daypack & Summit Kit

  • 20–30 L daypack with rain cover
  • 2–3 L water bladder or two 1 L bottles
  • Sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses (UV 400)
  • Personal first aid kit: blister kit, paracetamol, rehydration salts
  • Quick-dry towel, hand sanitiser, wet wipes
  • Camera + spare batteries, power bank
  • Headlamp + spare batteries (essential for summit)
  • Trekking poles (collapsible)
  • Thermos for hot drinks on summit night
  • Hand and toe warmers

Footwear & Sleeping

  • Waterproof hiking boots, broken in
  • Camp shoes / trainers
  • Gaiters (recommended)
  • 4-season sleeping bag (-15 °C comfort rating)
  • Inflatable pillow

Documents & Money

  • Passport (6+ months validity) and visa
  • Travel insurance documents (printed + digital)
  • Vaccination certificate if applicable
  • Credit card + USD cash in small notes (post-2009, no rips)
  • Emergency contacts and trip voucher
Before you book

Important information

Practical details every traveller should read before confirming. We'll cover everything again in your pre-departure pack.

Visa & Entry

Most nationalities need a Tanzanian tourist visa (USD 50, or USD 100 for US passports). You can apply online or get a visa on arrival at JRO. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is mandatory. For Kilimanjaro and high-altitude treks the policy must explicitly cover trekking above 4,000 m and helicopter rescue.

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a yellow fever country. Anti-malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Consult a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.

Payment & Deposits

A 30% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due 45 days before arrival. We accept bank transfer and card (3% fee). Free rescheduling up to 30 days before departure.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and an important part of crew income. Guidelines are shared in your pre-trip pack — typically USD 300–350 total per climber for a Kilimanjaro crew.

Group Size & Privacy

This trip runs in groups of 1 – 12. Private departures with your own guide and vehicle are available year-round on request — ask us for a custom quote.

Altitude & Fitness

You'll sleep above 4,000 m and summit at 5,895 m. No technical climbing skills are needed, but you should be able to walk 5–7 hours per day on consecutive days. We do daily pulse-oximeter checks and carry emergency oxygen.

KPAP-Registered Operator

We follow Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) standards: fair wages, three meals a day for porters, proper gear, and a 20 kg load limit. Your booking directly supports ethical mountain employment.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your climb. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.

You should be able to walk 5–7 hours per day on consecutive days. No technical climbing skills are required, but good cardiovascular fitness and mental determination are essential. We recommend starting a fitness programme at least 8 weeks before your trek.
Success rates vary by route and duration. Longer itineraries (7–9 days) have higher success rates (85–95%) because they allow better acclimatisation. Our expert guides use proven strategies to maximise your chances.
Our guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. They monitor your health daily. If symptoms become severe, immediate descent is arranged. Helicopter evacuation is available for emergencies (covered by your mandatory travel insurance).
Accommodation depends on the route. Marangu Route uses mountain huts (dormitory beds). All other routes use high-quality 4-season tents with 10 cm foam mattresses. Mess tents with tables and chairs are provided for meals.
The best months are January–March and June–October. These are the driest periods with the clearest views. The wettest months are April–May and November–December, though climbing is still possible.
No. Our porters carry your main luggage (up to 15 kg) between camps. You only carry a small daypack with water, snacks, camera, rain gear, and personal items.
Our cooks prepare three fresh meals daily: breakfast (porridge, eggs, toast, fruit), lunch (soup, main course, snacks), and dinner (main course, vegetables, dessert). Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are accommodated with advance notice.
Limited. Signal is available at some lower camps but disappears above 4,000 m. Our guides carry satellite communication radios for emergencies. We recommend downloading offline maps and informing family of limited contact.
Get in Touch

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+255 783 884 129
+255 783 884 129
info@bushliontours.com

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6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek

6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek

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Price per person $2,150
Number of travelers × 1
Total Price $2,150
Deposit to confirm (20%) $430

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