6 Days Kilimanjaro Machame route

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The 6 Days Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft / 5,895 m). Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it offers a more challenging trek compared to the Marangu Route but rewards climbers with breathtaking landscapes and a higher success rate due to its gradual acclimatization profile. This adventure takes you through lush rainforests, heather moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers before reaching Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m) – the highest point in Africa! With its climb high, sleep low approach, the Machame Route increases your chances of a successful summit while providing an unforgettable hiking experience.

Itinerary

Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Nafika Tours representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi (2,953 ft / 900 m). Here, you’ll meet your trekking group, enjoy dinner, and have a full briefing about the adventure ahead. An equipment check will also be done to ensure you have everything needed for the climb.

Day 1: Machame Gate (5,905 ft / 1,800 m) to Machame Camp (9,301 ft / 2,835 m)

Hiking Time: ~7 hours Distance: 11 km Habitat: Montane forest Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Your adventure begins! After breakfast, we drive to Machame Gate. On the way, enjoy views of coffee and banana farms cultivated by the Chagga people. Once at the gate, our guides will handle registration before we start trekking through the lush rainforest. Look out for blue monkeys swinging through the trees! After a picnic lunch, continue the hike until we reach Machame Camp (9,301 ft / 2,835 m), where we’ll set up for the night.

Day 2: Machame Camp (9,301 ft / 2,835 m) to Shira Cave Camp (12,303 ft / 3,750 m)

Hiking Time: ~3 hours Distance: 5 km Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Wake up to your first clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro! After breakfast, we climb out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The trek continues to the Shira Plateau, offering stunning glacier views. Tonight, we camp at Shira Cave Camp (12,303 ft / 3,750 m), where the night sky is breathtaking!

Day 3: Shira Cave Camp ( 3,750 m) to Barranco Camp ( 3,900 m) via Lava Tower

Day 3: Shira Cave Camp (12,303 ft / 3,750 m) to Barranco Camp (12,795 ft / 3,900 m) via Lava Tower (15,091 ft / 4,600 m) Hiking Time: ~6 hours Distance: 10 km Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Today is an important acclimatization day. We ascend to Lava Tower (15,091 ft / 4,600 m) before descending to Barranco Camp (12,795 ft / 3,900 m) for the night. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude. The Barranco Camp offers amazing sunset views of the Barranco Wall and Western Breach.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (12,795 ft / 3,900 m) to Barafu Camp (15,223 ft / 4,640 m) via Karanga Camp

Hiking Time: ~8 hours Distance: 8 km Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner The day starts with a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall – a non-technical but challenging section that rewards you with incredible views. After crossing the Karanga Valley, we reach Barafu Camp (15,223 ft / 4,640 m), our base camp before the final summit push. Get some rest because summit night begins at midnight!

Day 5: Barafu Camp (15,331 ft / 4,673 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Millennium Camp (3,950 m)

Day 5: Barafu Camp (15,331 ft / 4,673 m) to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m) to Millennium Camp (12,959 ft / 3,950 m) Hiking Time: ~12-15 hours Distance: 15 km Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Summit day is here! We wake up at midnight and start our final push to Uhuru Peak. The climb is tough but incredibly rewarding. After reaching Stella Point (18,885 ft / 5,756 m) at sunrise, we continue to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m) – the highest point in Africa! Take photos, enjoy the breathtaking views, and celebrate your achievement before descending back to Millennium Camp (12,959 ft / 3,950 m) for a well-earned rest.

Day 6: Millennium Camp (12,959 ft / 3,950 m) to Mweka Gate (5,380 ft / 1,640 m)

Hiking Time: ~5 hours Distance: 14 km Habitat: Moorland & Rainforest Meals: Breakfast and Lunch After breakfast, we descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (5,380 ft / 1,640 m). Here, you’ll receive your summit certificates and can enjoy a cold drink before heading back to Moshi. A hot shower and comfortable bed await you at the hotel – it’s time to celebrate your incredible achievement

Inclusion

wo nights accommodation in Hotel
Private transport to / from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi
Qualified guides with mountain crew
National park fees
18% VAT on tour fees and services
All camping equipment; mountain tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats
Transport
Rescue fees
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
Pulse oximeter
First aid kit
Emergence oxygen
Katady filtered water through the trek
Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authorit

Exclusions

Flights
Visa
Insurance
Tips to mountain crew
Personal Items
Laundry services (available at the hotel for cost)

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Expedition Information

$1,550

Q2, Q3, Q4

Kilimanjaro ,

Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Mountaineering,

Trekking,

Climbing

Fitness Level

Technical Level

Group Size

2-20

Ratio

2:2

Nafika Tours

Continent:

Africa

Country:

Tanzania

Location:

Kilimanjaro

Elevation:

5,895 m / 19,340 ft

GPS:

-3.06743 N°, 37.3556 E°