The 6 Days Machame Route is a scenic and popular Kilimanjaro climb with a high summit success rate. Ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking a challenging and rewarding route.
The 6 Days Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its high success rate, it follows a “climb high, sleep low” strategy that helps with acclimatization. Trekkers experience diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to the Shira Plateau and the iconic Barranco Wall. This route is ideal for fit and adventurous climbers seeking a rewarding camping experience on their way to the summit.
The Machame Route is a favorite among trekkers for its stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, and strong acclimatization profile. Though more physically demanding than Marangu, it offers better summit success rates. The 6-day itinerary is best for physically fit climbers who want a slightly faster trek without sacrificing acclimatization opportunities.
✅ High Summit Success Rate – Excellent acclimatization with “climb high, sleep low”
✅ Scenic Trail – Passes through rainforest, moorland, Shira Plateau, and Lava Tower
✅ Popular Route – One of the most chosen routes for Kilimanjaro climbers
✅ Challenging Yet Rewarding – Steeper trails ideal for fit and adventurous trekkers
✅ Camping Experience – Sleep in tents with stunning mountain views
✅ Iconic Spots – Includes the famous Barranco Wall and Southern Circuit views
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After registration at Machame Gate, your adventure begins with a gradual but steady hike through dense rainforest. Expect muddy trails, tall trees, and rich wildlife. You’ll reach Machame Camp, your first night on the mountain, nestled just above the forest line.
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the forest, you’ll enter the moorland zone, passing giant heathers and volcanic rocks. The trail steepens and opens up to scenic views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. After a shorter day of hiking, you’ll rest at Shira Camp with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is your first major acclimatization day. You’ll climb to Lava Tower at 4,600m and have lunch there before descending to Barranco Camp. The “climb high, sleep low” method helps your body adapt to the altitude, improving your chances of a successful summit.
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day starts with the iconic Barranco Wall climb—challenging but non-technical and very rewarding. You’ll continue across ridges and valleys, skipping an overnight at Karanga Camp (as done in the 7-day itinerary) and heading straight to Barafu Camp, your summit base. Rest early in preparation for the midnight summit push.
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Vegetation Zones: Arctic to Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Around midnight, you’ll begin the most difficult part of your journey: the steep, cold ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. The sunrise at the summit is an unforgettable reward. After celebrating and taking photos, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp, rest briefly, then continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned night of sleep.
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast
Your final descent takes you through the rainforest back to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. From there, our driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
All park fees and rescue fees
Transport to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Transfers to the Lemosho Gate and from Mweka Gate
Accommodation in mountain tents with sleeping mattresses
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek
Fair wages for porters and guides
Government taxes and levies
Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
Pre and post-trek hotel accommodation (1 night each) in Moshi
Kilimanjaro climbing certificate after a successful summit
International and domestic flights
Tanzanian Visa fee
Travel insurance and evacuation cover
Sleeping bags and personal trekking gear
Tips for guides, porters, and cook (recommended)
Additional hotel stays before or after the trek (if applicable)
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
A scenic Kilimanjaro route with a shorter acclimatization period. Ideal for fit trekkers seeking a challenge and fewer crowds.
The most recommended option for high summit success. Allows better acclimatization with a gradual ascent through diverse landscapes.
Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it’s the only route with hut accommodations. A classic and comfortable climb with moderate difficulty.