6-Day Machame Route Climbing

The 6-day Machame route variant offers a challenging yet rewarding trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Ideal for climbers with limited time, this route ensures quick acclimatization by ascending to higher altitudes earlier in the trek. The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route, is renowned for its stunning scenery and is a popular choice among climbers seeking to conquer Kilimanjaro.

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Altitude: 1800m to 3000m
• Distance: 11km
• Duration: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Commence your journey with a drive to the Machame Gate. Trek through lush rainforest to Machame Camp for overnight stay.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Altitude: 3000m to 3850m
• Distance: 9km
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Ascend a steep rocky ridge, passing through a valley to reach Shira Camp for overnight stay.

Day 3: Shira Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Altitude: 3850m to 4600m to 3950m
• Distance: 12 km
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert

Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp for overnight stay.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• Altitude: 3950m to 4600m
• Distance: 13km
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Ascend the Great Barranco Wall, traverse scree-filled hills to Karanga Valley, then continue to Barafu Camp for overnight stay.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

• Altitude: 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
• Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
• Duration: 6-8 hours ascent / 6-7 hours descent
• Habitat: Stone scree, ice-capped summit, Alpine desert

Summit attempt from midnight, reaching Stella Point and Uhuru Peak. Descend to Mweka Hut for overnight stay.

Day 6: Mweka Hut to Hotel

• Altitude: 3100m to 1800m
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Descend to Mweka Park Gate, receive summit certificates, and transfer to your hotel or airport.