Mount Kilimanjaro climbing
6 Days Machame Route
From $1,650 Per Person
Duration
Accommodation
Starting Date
The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers breathtaking landscapes, varied ecosystems, and excellent acclimatization opportunities.
This route approaches the summit from the southern side of the mountain and follows the principle of “climb high, sleep low,” which helps climbers adjust to the altitude and improves summit success rates.
During the 6-day trek, climbers pass through five distinct ecological zones—from dense rainforest to alpine desert and finally the icy summit zone. The journey ends at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
The Machame Route is ideal for adventurous trekkers who enjoy camping, spectacular scenery, and a rewarding summit experience.
Price (Per Person)
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,050 |
| 2–4 People | $1,850 |
| 5+ People | $1,650 |
(Prices may vary depending on group size and travel season.)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800 m) – Machame Camp (3,000 m)
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Distance: 11 km
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Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast and a briefing from your mountain guide, drive from Arusha or Moshi to Machame Gate, where you will complete park registration.
Begin your trek through dense rainforest, where the trail winds beneath tall trees covered in moss and ferns. You may see monkeys, colorful birds, and unique plant life.
Arrive at Machame Camp in the afternoon, where your porters will have already set up camp.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Machame Camp)
Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000 m) – Shira Camp (3,840 m)
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Distance: 5 km
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Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
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Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, the trail becomes steeper as you leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone.
The route follows a ridge with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s summit and surrounding landscapes.
You will arrive at Shira Camp, located on the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude volcanic plateau offering incredible views of Mount Meru on clear days.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Shira Camp)
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840 m) – Lava Tower (4,630 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
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Distance: 10 km
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Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
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Habitat: Semi-desert
This is an important acclimatization day.
You will gradually ascend toward Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation standing at 4,630 m. This higher altitude helps your body adjust before descending again.
After lunch near Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp, located in a beautiful valley below the famous Barranco Wall.
This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps improve your chances of reaching the summit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Barranco Camp)
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
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Distance: 5 km
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, begin the climb up the Barranco Wall, one of the most exciting parts of the Machame Route. Despite looking steep, it is manageable and offers incredible views.
After reaching the top, the trail continues across valleys and ridges before arriving at Karanga Camp.
The afternoon is usually spent resting and preparing for the next day’s climb to base camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Karanga Camp)
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
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Distance: 4 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today is a shorter trekking day as you ascend toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt.
The landscape becomes rocky and barren, with dramatic views of the mountain.
After arriving at camp, enjoy an early dinner and rest before beginning the midnight summit climb.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Barafu Camp)
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Gate
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Distance: 17 km
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Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Around midnight, begin the challenging ascent to the summit.
You will climb slowly to Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp and eventually to Mweka Gate.
At the gate, climbers receive their Kilimanjaro summit certificates before transferring back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
From $1,650 per person
Price varies by group size
Price Includes
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Kilimanjaro National Park fees
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Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
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Accommodation
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All meals during the trek
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Drinking water on the mountain
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Airport transfers
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Transport from hotel to the mountain gate and back
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Rescue fees and emergency oxygen
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Government taxes
Price Excludes
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International and domestic flights
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Tanzania visa
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Travel insurance
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Personal climbing gear
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Tips for guides, porters, and cook
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Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, etc.)
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Hotel accommodation before and after the climb




