8 Days (6 climbing days)Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6 Days

Duration: 8 Days (6 climbing days)
Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Tour type: Mountain Climbing
Starts: Kilimanjaro International Airport
Ends: Kilimanjaro International Airport

THE JOURNEY

Overview

Machame, also called the Whiskey Route, crosses rainforest, high moorland and alpine desert on its way toward Kilimanjaro’s summit. Its ridges and valleys offer perspectives across the Shira Plateau and toward Mount Meru. The itinerary uses mountain camps and includes steep ascents, the Lava Tower traverse and the Barranco area. The summit stage starts from Barafu, with the return descending toward Mweka Gate.

Arrive in Tanzania → Machame Gate → Machame Camp → Shira Camp → Shira Cave → Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp → UHURU PEAK & down → Millennium Camp → Trek Millennium Camp → Mweka Gate → Depart Tanzania

ROUTE MAP

Your journey at a glance

A day-by-day route drawn directly from this itinerary.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

1
Day 1
Arrive in Tanzania
2
Day 2
Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
3
Day 3
Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)
4
Day 4
Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
5
Day 5
Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
6
Day 6
Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
7
Day 7
Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
8
Day 8
Depart Tanzania

DAY BY DAY

Expedition journey

Day 1

Arrive in Tanzania

Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the hotel in Moshi. Meet the guide for a trek briefing and an equipment check.

Meals: No Meals Included
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Day 2

Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)

Trek from Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m). The lower trail climbs through forest before reaching the listed overnight stop. Approximate distance and time: Distance covered: 10.8km; Approx. time taken: 6 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Machame Camp (3010m)

Day 3

Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)

Trek from Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m). The trail crosses open moorland on the Shira Plateau, with volcanic formations and views toward Kibo. Approximate distance and time: Distance covered: 5.4km; Approx. time taken: 5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Shira Camp (3845m)

Day 4

Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Trek from Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m). The trail reaches Lava Tower before descending to the lower overnight stop. Approximate distance and time: Distance covered: 10.8km; Approx. time taken: 8 hrs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (3960m)

Day 5

Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

Trek from Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m). The approach crosses exposed scree and alpine desert, followed by rest before the summit attempt. Approximate distance and time: Distance covered: 3km.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (4640m)

Day 6

Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

Trek from Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m). The ascent passes Stella Point before continuing along the rim toward Uhuru Peak and descending. Approximate distance and time: Distance covered: 13.4km; Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Millennium Camp (3790m)

Day 7

Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

Trek from Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m). After the forest descent and park formalities, return by vehicle to the hotel in Moshi. Approximate distance and time: Distance covered: 12.1km; Approx. time taken: 6 hours.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Day 8

Depart Tanzania

Spend the remaining time in Moshi before departure. If flight times allow, there is time to explore town.

Meals: Breakfast Included

TRIP DETAILS

Inclusions & exclusions

Included

2 nights at Park View Inn (or similar) in Moshi on a bed-and-breakfast basis (1 night before and 1 night after the trek)
Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
Kilimanjaro Park entrance fees
Camping or hut accommodation fees
Crater fees (if applicable)
Kilimanjaro rescue team fees
High-quality 4-season tents
Double-thickness (10 cm) foam mattresses
Professional, experienced, and friendly guides, cooks, and porters
Three freshly prepared meals per day during the trek
Filtered and treated drinking water throughout the climb
Hot water for washing
Fair wages for the mountain crew according to KINAPA and KIATO regulations
All government taxes
Portable oxygen cylinders for emergency use
English- or French-speaking certified mountain guide
Oximeter, first aid supplies, and stethoscope
Private portable toilet with a tent (1 toilet for groups of 1–5 climbers, 2 toilets for groups of 6–10 climbers)
Mountain communication radio
Official Kilimanjaro summit certificate.

Not Included

Meals and drinks at the hotel (before and after the trek)
Travel insurance
Shower tent (available at an additional cost) for 1 person, for groups of 2 or more
International and local flights
Laundry services at the hotel
Personal gear, items, and toiletries