6 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Price From

$ 1,780 / Person

Tour Overview

The Machame Route, often called the Whiskey Route, is one of the most popular and rewarding trails for summiting Kilimanjaro. At Sasha Safaris, we offer yearly expeditions along this stunning path, which begins in the lush tropical rainforest. The route can be completed in either 6 or 7 days, with the 7-day option being ideal for better acclimatization and a higher chance of reaching the summit.

The Machame 7 is perfect for adventurers of all levels, even beginners, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. As you trek, you’ll pass through all five of Kilimanjaro’s climatic zones, from vibrant rainforests to the arid alpine desert. Along the way, you’ll tackle the dramatic Barranco Wall and see the unique Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plant, an alien-like species found only on the mountain.

Full Tour Details

Day 1 : Machame Gate to Machame Camp

One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters, and start to climb. The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden, so it can get somewhat overgrown in places, and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.

Elevation: 1790m to 3010m
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2 : Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.

Elevation: 3010m to 3845m
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Moorland

Day 3 : Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, and finally reach camp. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.

Elevation: 3845m to 3960m
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Habitat: High Moorland

Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Our day starts by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 3960m to 4640m
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Difficulty: Difficult
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 : Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak & down to Millennium Camp

We start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on the scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

Elevation: 4640m to 5895m (then down to 3790m)
Hiking Time: 11-14 hours
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Habitat: Arctic Summit and Alpine Desert

Day 6 : Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.

Elevation: 3790m to 1630m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Rainforest