6 Days Machame Route

Mount Kilimanjaro - Climbing Route

he Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is a challenging and expensive route to scale Kilimanjaro. It is suitable for adventurous trekkers and experienced hikers, offering stunning scenery and varied experiences. The route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, offering views of the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower scramble, Great Barranco wall climb, and traverse underneath the ice field. This challenging trek offers stunning scenery through five climatic zones, split pre-summit day climbs, and is popular for acclimatization, offering a variety of walk-high, sleep-low opportunities.

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airports if you have chosen the optional airport transfers, and we will then drive you to your Moshi accommodation.

Briefing prior to the journey at your Moshi hotel. It is advisable that you arrange to arrive at least one day before to the start of the hike. We will spend the day conducting a pre-trek briefing. In addition, we will inspect your equipment and rent any that is required.

Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp

The drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes approximately 45 minutes. The trek passes past the settlement of Machame, which is located on the mountain’s lower slopes.

We leave the park entrance and follow a twisting trail up a ridge through the rainforest. At lower levels, the trail may be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended here. We continue a little way until we reach Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft

Distance: 11km/7mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, we leave the rain forest glades and proceed up a rising trail, crossing the valley by a steep rocky slope. The trail now heads west along a river gorge until we reach the Shira campground.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we continue east along a ridge, past the intersection and heading for Kibo’s peak. As we proceed, our path shifts to the southeast, towards the “Shark’s Tooth” Lava Tower (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction leading to the Arrow Glacier. We continue heading down to the Barranco Camp. Although you conclude the day at almost the same elevation as when you started, this day is critical for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and climb a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elevation 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elevation 4050m/13,250ft), to the intersection of the Mweka Trail. We head up to the Barafu Camp. You’ve completed the South Circuit, which provides views of the summit from various perspectives. Here we set up camp, with views of the summit in the distance.

 

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft

Distance: 9km/6mi

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

We continue our journey to the peak between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers at the early hours (midnight to 2 a.m.). You go northwest and climb through hard scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically hard part of the journey. At Stella Point, you’ll take a quick break before being rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you’ve ever seen. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit.