6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb, Machame Route
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Tour Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a mix of beautiful views, and exciting trekking experiences. Your journey begins at Machame Gate, located on the southern side of the mountain. From here, the troute takes you through lush rainforest, open moorland, and alpine desert, passing through all the climate zones before reaching the icy summit.
Along the way, you’ll stay at well-equipped camps that help your body adjust slowly to the altitude. On Day 3, the Machame Route joins with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes at Barranco Camp, where climbers from different routes meet.
When you arrive in Tanzania, we’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport, up on request and take you to your hotel. One of our experienced guides will visit you there to explain the trek and check your gear to make sure you’re fully prepared. After the briefing, you’ll enjoy dinner and rest overnight at the hotel.
6-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing, Machame Route Itinerary
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: About 7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation: Camping at Machame Camp
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be picked up around 8:00 a.m. and driven to Machame Gate—the starting point of your Kilimanjaro adventure. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush hills dotted with coffee and banana farms, grown by the local Chagga people.
At the gate, you’ll register and complete a few park steps before beginning your climb. The trail leads you into a beautiful tropical rainforest, alive with birdsong and misty green canopies. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch along the way, surrounded by nature.
By late afternoon, you’ll reach Machame Camp (2,835 m), nestled in the forest. Here, you’ll settle into your tent, enjoy a warm dinner, and rest under the stars, your first night on the mountain.
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: About 3 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Sleeping: Camping at Shira Cave Camp
After breakfast, your walk begins around 8:00 a.m. First, you climb for about one hour to reach the top of the forest. Then the trail becomes easier as you walk through open land with short plants and wide views.
You’ll stop for a small lunch and short rest. After that, you walk up a rocky path to the Shira Plateau. If the weather is clear, you might see a large glacier far away, it’s a beautiful sight.
Tonight, you sleep in tents at Shira Cave Camp (3,750 meters). The camp is quiet and open, with fresh mountain air and a clear sky above. It’s a good place to relax and get ready for the next day.
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: About 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Sleeping: Camping at Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you begin your walk from Shira Cave Camp (3,750 meters). Today’s hike helps your body adjust to the mountain. You will first go higher to Lava Tower (4,600 meters), then walk down to sleep at a lower place.
The route takes you through dry, rocky land with big views. After lunch near Lava Tower, you walk downhill for about 3 hours to reach Barranco Camp (3,900 meters).
This camp sits in a valley below the famous Barranco Wall. If the sky is clear, you may enjoy a beautiful sunset before dinner. Tonight, you sleep in tents at Barranco Camp.
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: About 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
After breakfast, you leave Barranco Camp and begin your climb up the famous Barranco Wall. This rocky section is steep but safe, and many climbers find it exciting. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy wide views of the southern slopes of Kibo.
The trail continues to Karanga Camp, where you’ll stop for lunch and refill your water bottles, this is the last water point before the summit. After your break, you walk through dry alpine desert until you reach Barafu Camp, your base before the final climb.
Please Note: Take your time on the Barranco Wall and follow your guide’s steps carefully. It’s not a technical climb, but it can be tiring. Be sure to refill your water at Karanga Camp, it’s the last chance before summit night.
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: About 14 hours
Habitat: Glacier, moorland, and rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp
You will wake up around midnight. Hot tea and cookies will be ready to help you start the day. Then, you begin your climb up a steep, rocky path called scree. This part takes about 4 to 5 hours and goes up very quickly.
As the sun rises, you reach Stella Point (5,756 meters)—a special moment with amazing views. From there, it’s about one more hour to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). You’ll take a few photos and enjoy the feeling of reaching the summit.
After that, you walk back down to Barafu Camp for lunch and a short rest. Then you continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters), where you’ll have dinner and sleep in tents.
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: About 3 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
After breakfast, you begin your final walk through the green forest. The trail takes about 3 hours and leads you down to Mweka Gate (1,630 meters).
At the gate, you’ll sign out and receive your climbing certificate, a proud moment to celebrate your achievement. A car will be waiting to take you back to Moshi, where a warm shower and a well-earned rest await.
You’ve completed your Kilimanjaro journey. Time to relax and enjoy!
Your 6-day Machame Route climb ends with a safe descent and transfer back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Standing on the summit of Africa’s highest mountain is a remarkable achievement, and we are honored to have guided you on this journey. Thank you for choosing us, may the memories of Kilimanjaro stay with you forever and continue to inspire your path ahead.
| 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | Number of People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,045 | $1,640 | $1,562 | $1,483 | $1,446 | Price Per Person |
| Here are some important things to know and prepare before your climb. These tips will help you stay safe, respectful, and ready climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a full confidence. | |
| Recommended Gear to Rent | Sleeping bag (rated for -10°C), trekking poles, waterproof duffel, gaiters, headlamp |
|---|---|
| Health & Altitude Tips | Acclimatize slowly, drink 3–4L water daily, carry Diamox if needed, avoid alcohol |
| Visa & Entry Info | Tourist visa required for most nationalities; available online or on arrival at airport |
| Local Etiquette | Greet with “Jambo,” dress modestly in towns, tipping guides/porters is customary |
| Photo Tips | Capture sunrise at Stella Point, wide shots at Shira Plateau, and summit flags at Uhuru Peak |
| If you're interested in gear add-ons, please let us know in advance so we can prepare everything before your climb. | |
| Add-on | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Private Toilet | $150 |
| Private Tent | $7/day |
| Kailas X3 III Alpine Tent with Vestibule | $12/day |
| Thicker Sleeping Mattress (4-inch foam) | $10 |
| Thermosets | $17 |
| We offer airport pickup and drop-off services from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport. Please confirm your flight details in advance so we can coordinate your arrival and departure smoothly. | |
| Airport Pickup | Available on request |
|---|---|
| Transfers to/from Hotel | Included in most packages |
| Private Vehicle Upgrades | Available for an extra charge |
| Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by the crew. Below are suggested amounts based on group size and duration. | |
| Lead Guide | $20–25 per day |
| Assistant Guide | $15–20 per day |
| Cook | $10–15 per day |
| Porter | $8–10 per day |
| Tips are usually collected and distributed at the end of the trek. You can give them in cash (USD or Tanzanian Shillings) or through a group representative. | |
Inclusions
What's Included
- All transfers are as per the itinerary and government expenses.
- All accommodation during your climb(Unless listed as upgrade)
- All Kilimanjaro Park fees.
- Trained guides in altitude physiology and wilderness first responder (WFR).
- Top-quality food for the duration of the climb, considering maximum nutritional needs. Three meals a day.
- Safety equipment, including an oxygen tank and portable altitude chamber (PAC) for the entire climb.
- Camping equipment, including top-quality mountain tents and standard bathroom facilities.
- Safety communication, such as satellite phones and cell phones.
- Flying Doctors Evacuation within the area.
- Mattresses, and tents.
What's Excluded
- International flights (From/to your home country)
- Tips for your guide, cook and crew.
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Extra accommodation before and after tour
- Beverages, laundry, personal gear or clothing rental, etc.
- Extra activities not mentioned on the itinerary
- Any charges resulting from an early descent, such as additional hotels, transfers, etc. (This applies if a guest descends before finishing the climb.)
6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb, Machame Route
Group size: 1–12 climbers
Private or group departures available
Why Travel With Us
- 100% Tailor-Made Trips
- Expert Local Knowledge
- Trusted & Reliable Service
- Experienced Mountain Guides
- Best Price Guarantee
- 24/7 Customer Support
- No Booking Fees
- Secure & Safe Travel
| Hiking Time | 6–8 hours per day (longer on summit day) |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 62 km (38.5 miles) |
| Elevation | 1,800 m – 5,895 m |
| Climate | Rainforest → Arctic |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Success Rate | High, about 85–90% |
| Duration | 6 days / 5 Nights |
| Minimum Age | 10 years |
| Best Season | Jan–Mar & Jun–Oct |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Camping in tents |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch & dinner |
| Guide & Crew | Professional guides, cooks & porters |
| Start Point | Machame Gate (1,800 m) |
| End Point | Mweka Gate (1,640 m) |
| Airport Pickup | Available on request |
| Includes | Park fees, tents, meals, guides |
| Excludes | Flights, visas, tips, gear |
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Contact Information
Looking for a Tanzania safari? Talk to our Tanzania expert and plan your perfect trip!
- +255 766 633 052
- +255 626 058 246
- info@exceptionaltravelexpert.com
Tanzania Travel Guide
Other Recommended Kilimanjaro Routes
Looking for a different routes to climb Kilimanjaro? There are several routes to choose from. Each one offers its own views, pace, and experience. Some are quieter, some give more time to adjust to the altitude, and some are quicker to the summit. You can pick the route that fits your style best. Here are a few other popular options that many guests enjoy.
- 6D 5N
- 2 Person
- Trekking
- 7D 6N
- 2 Person
- Trekking
- 7D 6N
- 2 Person
- Trekking
- 6D 5N
- 2 Person
- Trekking
Are you looking for a private safari for your dates? Speak to our Tanzania safari specialist to start planning your tailor-made holiday safari for your dates!
Send your inquiry now and our safari experts will reach out within 24 hours! Let’s begin planning your Tanzania safari!
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Tanzania Safaris
FAQ: GET ANSWERS
Tanzania has amazing places to visit like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Island, Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, Arusha National Park, Mount Meru, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park.
You can see all the big 5 animals, like lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, plus lots of others like giraffes, zebras, and hippos.
Yes! Many places are great for families, with fun activities for kids. It’s an amazing experience for children to see wild animals up close and it’s guaranteeing safe.
Most people need a visa. You can get it when you arrive in Tanzania, but check the rules for your country.
Talk to a doctor before you go. They’ll tell you if you need yellow fever vaccines or medicine for things like malaria. Note yellow fever vaccines is recommended in Tanzania.
Swahili and English are spoken. You can get by with English, but learning some Swahili phrases is helpful.
Yes, Tanzania is usually safe for tourists, especially in popular safari destinations and attractions. Just follow the rules and be respectful.
You can stay in budget hotels, mid-range lodges, luxury mid-range hotels, luxury hotels, luxury lodges, and tented camps. There are various accommodations options you will find in Tanzania!
FAQ: GET ANSWERS
Go from June to October, when it’s dry. Animals gather around water, so it’s easier to spot them. But if you like green landscapes, go from November to May, when it’s wet. All seasons have an incredible and a wonderful experience
Bring light clothes, safari boots, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, a camera, and any medicine you need. And most importantly, be ready for a memorable adventure!
Most safaris last from 3 to 7 days. This gives you time for seeing animals, relaxing, and learning about the Tanzania culture.
Yes! You can go to Zanzibar for beach vacation, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or visit Ngorongoro and Serengeti to see all big 5 animals at once.
Yes, you can go on a safari even if you have a disability. Many safari places are accessible by vehicles and places to stay that are easy to use. They make sure everyone can enjoy the safari, even if they have disabilities or find it hard to move.
Tanzania has amazing 22 national parks, more than 12 game reserves, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Mount Oldoinyo Lengai, Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron, Zanzibar Island. It’s a special place for a safari adventure!
You can book through travel companies or directly with lodges and camps. Make sure to read reviews and choose a trusted place.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a massive movement of wildebest and zebra in from Serengeti to Maasai Mara in Kenya. It starts in the southern Serengeti in Tanzania around December and heads north Serengeti across to the Maasai Mara river in Kenya by July. Then, it goes back to the Serengeti by October. You can witness it from December to July in Tanzania and from July to October in Kenya.
You can use safari vehicles for game drives. Some places offer walking safaris or hot air balloon rides for a different experience.
