6-day Mount Kilimanjaro on Machame Route
Take the famous “Whiskey Route” up Africa’s highest mountain
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6-day Mount Kilimanjaro on Machame Route Overview
The incredible Mount Kilimanjaro on Machame Route trek is the perfect way to conquer Africa’s tallest mountain! This tour takes you up Mount Kilimanjaro by the Machame route. This popular “Whiskey” route is the most scenic way to trek up the mountain and offers ease of acclimatization. Although it has some of the most challenging sections of trail, it is also longer than some of the other routes, which gives you a better chance to acclimate to the thin air.
The Mount Kilimanjaro on Machame Route tour includes everything you need to cross this epic trek off your bucket list. Guides, porters, cooks, meals and tents are all provided so that you can focus on the trail. This route circles Uhuru Peak, giving you a chance to see the summit from all angles. You’ll also be trekking past some other epic scenery, like the stunning Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and the impressive Barranco Wall.
Your final ascent begins at midnight so that you can experience the spectacular sunrise from Stella Point before you tackle the summit! How unforgettable? You’ll have the whole final night on the mountain and hike the next morning to share your summit stories with your fellow trekkers. The Mount Kilimanjaro on Machame Route is an opportunity not to be missed.
Trip highlights
Conquer the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, a major achievement for any hiker.
Camp on the mountainside, surrounded by the gorgeous views of the Shira Plateau.
Challenge yourself with a scramble of the Lava Tower before you take on the Barranca Wall.
Experience the incredible sunrise from Stella Point as you sip coffee before a day of hiking.
Day By Day Itinerary
Your pre-trek meeting will be today at your hotel, and here you’ll receive important information. Your guides will review your equipment so that any rentals required can be arranged. Please note that this night is not included but can be booked as an optional extra.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Depart in the morning from your Moshi hotel to the trailhead at Machame Gate. Today’s path winds through the rainforest and up the ridge to Machame Camp. You may want to have your gaiters and trekking poles out as this section of trail can get muddy. Day one is done, nice work!
- Overnight Location:
- Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,026m / 9,927ft)
- Distance:
- 5-6 hours, 11 km, 1220m elevation gain
- Meals:
- Lunch, dinner
Today’s trek is a shorter one. Leaving the rainforest behind, you’ll enjoy open vistas as the trail ascends the ridge to Shira Camp. Enjoy the tremendous views of Shira Ridge and Mount Kilimanjaro from camp tonight.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,766m / 12,355ft)
- Distance:
- 4-5 hours, 5 km, 800m elevation gain
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Leaving the beautiful Shira Plateau behind, you’ll continue your trek upwards. Grab your camera as your approach the Lava Tower and keep it handy for the scenic view of Mount Kibo at the end of the day.
The trail will help you get acclimatized to the elevation as it brings you up over 4500m for the first time on this trek. Not to worry, you’ll have an elevation break tonight at camp, as Barranco camp sits only slightly higher than where you were last night.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,983m / 13,067ft)
- Distance:
- 5-6 hours, 10 km, 863m of ascent, 646m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Yesterday’s scenic view of the Barranco Wall becomes today’s objective. The wall is a strenuous hike and may require occasional support from your hands as it is quite steep. The other side descends more gently into the beautiful Karanga Valley. By the time you reach Barafu Camp, you’ll have completed the South Circuit and experienced views of the summit from every angle.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,645m / 15,239ft)
- Distance:
- 6-8 hours, 9 km, 700m of elevation gain
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today is the day! Your early morning trek begins just after midnight so that you can experience the sunrise from Stella Point, or if you’re fast, from the summit itself. This last stretch is the most difficult of the trek. The terrain is steep, with heavy scree up to Stella Point. You’re also likely to be hiking through snow for the final hour of ascent to Uhuru Peak. Keep pushing!
Once you’ve celebrated being at the highest point in all of Africa, it’s time to head back down. The trail down to Mweka Camp is loose gravel and steep in sections, so you may want to have your trekking poles handy.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,110m / 10,203ft)
- Distance:
- 10-13 hours, 18km, 1,195m of ascent, 2,805m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
After a good night’s rest and lots of much-needed oxygen, you can begin the final leg of your trek. Dress in layers, as it will warm up as you descend back into the rainforest climate. You’ll receive your summit certificate at the Mweka Park gate and be met by the vehicle that will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- 3-4 hours, 10 km, 1410m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners are included. Purified drinking water is also included.
- Tented accommodations for 5 nights along the tour are included.
- This tour includes the transfers between Moshi and the trailhead before and after the tour. Airport transfers can be booked as a supplement.
- Experienced mountain guides
- Porter and cook
- Park fees
- Quality four-season tents (based on twin share)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- Mess tents with table and chairs
- Conservation, camping and rescue fees
- VAT (18% charged by the government)
- Airport Transfers
Not included
- Visas if required
- Flights to and from Moshi
- Personal equipment such as sleeping bag, trekking poles, etc. (rental options are available)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
Optional Extras
- Additional nights in Moshi or Arusha
- Private toilet rental added to your gear
- Additional equipment rentals (available locally)
- Airport transfers
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 5 / 5. The Machame route is not technically difficult but is very strenuous with some steep sections and challenging footing. The high elevation is an additional factor to consider. You should be an experienced hiker to get the most out of this tour.
Yes, the experienced and professional guides are all trained in first aid, as well as in the use of personal protection equipment.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners are included. Clean drinking water will also be provided.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking at altitude. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends with a transfer back to Moshi. Airport transfers or extra nights in Moshi can be booked as a supplement.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro is during the driest months of the year, which tend to be December-mid March and June-October.
Why book 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro on Machame Route with 10 Adventures?
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