Machame Route 6-Day Kilimanjaro Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide
Date Published
If you're dreaming of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and want a route that combines stunning landscapes, excellent acclimatization, and a high success rate, the Machame Route is your best bet. Known as the “Whiskey Route”, it’s one of the most popular choices for trekkers looking for an adventurous and rewarding journey to Africa’s highest peak.
Why Choose the Machame Route?
✅ Breathtaking Scenery – Trek through lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and dramatic ridgelines before reaching the snow-covered summit.
✅ Great Acclimatization – The route follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle, which improves your chances of reaching the top.
✅ High Success Rate – With a 90%+ summit success rate on the 7-day itinerary, it’s a great choice for trekkers who prepare properly.
✅ Thrilling Adventure – A challenging yet rewarding climb, ideal for those who want an immersive Kilimanjaro experience.
Day 1: Journey from Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Starting Point: Machame Gate (1828m)
End Point: Machame Camp (3020m)
Distance: Approximately 10.8km
Hiking Duration: About 6 hours
Kick off your adventure with an 8am pick-up from your accommodation and a scenic 45-minute drive to Machame Gate. After sorting out the park and crew fees, begin your trek through the verdant montane forest. Keep an eye out for the playful Black and White colobus monkeys. Arrive at Machame Camp between 3-5pm, where you’ll be greeted with hot water for washing and a refreshing cup of tea. If you still have energy, take an optional acclimatization hike before settling in for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Starting Point: Machame Camp (3020m)
End Point: Shira Camp (3850m)
Distance: Approximately 5.2km
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours
Begin your day with a 7:30am breakfast before heading out of the forest and into the moorland zone. Enjoy panoramic views of your progress and possibly Mt Meru. After lunch, ascend the rocky ridge of the Shira Plateau. Upon arrival at Shira Camp, you’ll be welcomed with hot water. There’s an optional extra hike to Shira Camp 2 for additional acclimatization and views of the Shira Cathedral before dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Starting Point: Shira Camp (3850m)
End Point: Barranco Camp (3980m)
Via: Lava Tower (4600m)
Distance: Approximately 10.7km
Hiking Duration: About 7 hours
After breakfast, begin your challenging ascent to Lava Tower. This part of the trek might be your first experience with altitude sickness, but it’s a great opportunity to acclimatize. After lunch at Lava Tower, descend to Barranco Camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Starting Point: Barranco Camp (3980m)
End Point: Barafu Camp (4640m)
Distance: Approximately 9.4km
Hiking Duration: 7-8 hours
Start your day with breakfast at 7:30am, then tackle the climb up ‘Breakfast Rock,’ rewarded
with stunning views of Kibo Peak and Mt Meru. Navigate through various elevation changes,
pass the last water point, and traverse volcanic terrain to reach Barafu Camp by 5pm. Prepare for your summit attempt with dinner and some rest.
Summit Night: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Starting Point: Barafu Camp (4640m)
End Point: Uhuru Peak (5895m)
Distance: Approximately 10.8km (round trip)
Hiking Duration: 6-8 hours ascent, 2-3 hours descent to Barafu Camp
Your summit attempt starts around 11pm with a slow, steady ascent to Stella Point (5735m),
followed by a final push to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to witness an unforgettable sunrise. After
celebrating your achievement, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and breakfast.
Day 5: Summit to Mweka Camp
Starting Point: Uhuru Peak (5895m)
End Point: Mweka Camp (3080m)
Distance: Approximately 10.8km
Hiking Duration: 2-3 hours descent to Barafu Camp, 4-5 hours to Mweka Camp
After a brief rest at Barafu Camp, continue descending through varying terrains to Mweka Camp, arriving around 5pm. Celebrate your success with dinner before an early night.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Starting Point: Mweka Camp (3080m)
End Point: Mweka Gate (1800m)
Distance: Approximately 8.5km
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours
Descend through the lush montane forest, spotting monkeys and birds along the way, until you reach Mweka Gate. Sign out of the park and transfer back to our office for your certificate presentation. Then, head back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, with optional massages available.
Is the Machame Route Right for You?
✅ Best for: Adventurous trekkers looking for a scenic and well-paced climb.
✅ Difficulty: Moderate to challenging – a good level of fitness is recommended.
✅ Success Rate: High (90%+ with proper acclimatization).
✅ Best Time to Climb: June–October & December–March.
Final Thoughts
The Machame Route is one of the best ways to experience Mount Kilimanjaro. Its breathtaking views, strategic acclimatization, and thrilling adventure make it a favorite among climbers. If you’re looking for a trek that balances challenge and beauty, this is the route for you!
Are you ready to take on Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route? Contact us today to start planning your adventure!