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Ultimate 6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro

Offered by: USD Safaris & Tours

4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)

Journey Snapshot

🗺 Tanzania ⏱ 6 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof

Machame Route

Overview Day by Day Rates Inclusions Getting There Offered By

Also called the “Whisky” Route, popular after Marangu. Scenic but fairly crowded, with excellent acclimatization and a high summit success rate. Involves “climb high, sleep low” on day 3, Lava Tower (4,600 m), and Barranco (3,986 m). Shortest route to the summit, best for experienced climbers.

Route

Start	Machame Route (Day 1)
Day 2	Machame Hut To Shira 1
Day 3	Shira 1 to Lava Tower for Hot B to Barranco
Day 4	Baranco Camp to Barafu Camp Via Karanga Camp
Day 5	Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Day 6	Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate
End	Machame Route

Tour Features

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Hut Day 2: Machame Hut To Shira 1 Day 3: Shira 1 to Lava Tower for Hot B to Barranco Day 4: Baranco Camp to Barafu Camp Via Karanga Camp Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut Day 6: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate

Activities & Transportation

Route: Machame Route
Duration: 6 days
Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day

Accommodation

Meals

1

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

2

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

3

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

4

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

5

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

6

Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro

All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day by Day

Day 1 Machame Gate to Machame Hut

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You'll drive from Arusha to Kilimanjaro National Park gate (~2 hours), passing Machame village with lush forests and banana groves. After registration, you'll start hiking through the rainforest on a winding, sometimes muddy trail. Trekking poles and gaiters are recommended. You'll reach Machame Camp. Elevation: 1,645 m → 2,865 m Distance: 11 km Hiking time: 5–7 hours Habitat: Rainforest.

Day 2 Machame Hut To Shira 1

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After breakfast, you'll leave the rainforest and ascend along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather. The trail then turns west into a river gorge. You'll trek slowly (Pole Pole) to acclimatize. You'll spend the afternoon hiking, rest, have dinner, and overnight stay at Shira Cave Camp. Elevation: 2,865 m → 3,810 m Distance: 5 km Hiking time: 4–6 hours Habitat: Moorland.

Day 3 Shira 1 to Lava Tower for Hot B to Barranco

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You'll ascend steadily from Shira Cave through the moorlands to the Lava Tower (4,600 m) for acclimatization. You'll descend to Barranco Camp (3,986 m) for an overnight stay. Elevation: 3,810 m → 4,600 m → 3,986 m Distance: 10 km Hiking time: 6–8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Day 4 Baranco Camp to Barafu Camp Via Karanga Camp

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You'll climb the Barranco Wall, a steep but short section, then descend to Karanga Valley Camp for rest and acclimatization. The climb offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. You'll take time to enjoy the unique flora and rock formations along the way. This section is excellent for improving your altitude tolerance. Remember to keep a steady pace and drink plenty of water. Your overnight stay will be at Karanga Valley Camp allows your body to recover before ascending to higher altitudes. Elevation: 3,986 m → 4,035 m Distance: 5 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Day 5 Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You'll ascend to Barafu Camp (4,640 m), the base for the summit climb. You'll enjoy stunning panoramic views as you hike through the alpine desert. You'll take time to rest and hydrate to prepare your body for the long night ahead. Organize your gear and review your summit plan carefully. Your overnight stay at Barafu Camp gives you the best chance for a successful ascent to Uhuru Peak. Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,640 m Distance: 5 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Day 6 Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate

⏱Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You begin the final ascent before midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) via Gilman’s Point at sunrise. After descending past Barafu Camp, continue to Mweka Camp (3,100 m), then drive to Arusha or directly tothe Airport.