Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6-day Trekking
The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey begins with a transfer from Arusha Green Mountain Hotel to Machame Gate, located on the southern slopes of the mountain within a lush rainforest.
From the gate, trekkers ascend through dense forest to the Shira Plateau, then continue across diverse landscapes beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Icefield before attempting the summit from Barafu Camp.
The 6-day Machame Route is best suited for experienced trekkers, making the ascent more physically demanding but still incredibly rewarding.
DAY 0: ARRIVE IN TANZANIA:
We stay at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel, which is a beautiful Hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and is a perfect place to prepare you for adventure. We will gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.
DAY 1: MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME HUT (FULL BOARD)
The climb starts from Machame gate (1830m), we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive at the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level It is a clear day we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.
Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 6-7 hours walking.
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP (FULL BOARD)
A shorter day climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as a picnic site, and continue up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of the Kibo peak can be seen from Shira Camp.
Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m); 4-6 hours walking.
DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO VALLEY (FULL BOARD)
Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.).
Shira Camp to Barranco valley (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours walking.
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP (FULL BOARD)
A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. After a short break for a hot lunch, we take a steep climb out of Karanga.
DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA CAMP (FULL BOARD)
Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. We will rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi.
DAY 6: DESCENT – MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE TO ARUSHA (FULL BOARD)
A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka gate successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, we drive back to Arusha at Green Mountain Hotel.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.
