6-Day Machame Route – Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour
Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is Kilimanjaro’s most scenic trail—offering varied landscapes, better acclimatization, and high summit success.
Why Choose the 6-Day Machame Route?
The Machame Route is popular for its diverse scenery, from rainforest to alpine desert to icy summit. With a gradual ascent profile, it’s ideal for climbers looking for a strong chance of summit success in just 6 days. Camping is required but fully supported by our crew.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days |
| Route Distance | ~62 km (38 miles) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Accommodations | Tented Camps |
| Best Months | Jan–Mar & Jun–Oct |
6-Day Machame Route Itinerary
Altitude: 1,800m to 3,000m
Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Description: Register at the Machame Gate and trek through dense tropical forest. Expect muddy trails and possible rain. Overnight at Machame Camp.
Altitude: 3,000m to 3,840m
Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Description: A steep climb up a ridge, then gentler terrain across a valley. Enjoy scenic views of Kibo Peak. Overnight at Shira Camp.
Altitude: 3,840m to 4,630m (then down to 3,960m)
Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert to valley
Description: Hike to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Valley. Beautiful views, but a tough day. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Altitude: 3,960m to 4,673m
Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Description: Climb the Barranco Wall, cross Karanga Valley, and ascend to Barafu Camp. Eat, rest, and prepare for summit night.
Altitude: 4,673m to 5,895m (then down to 3,100m)
Time: 10–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic, then rainforest
Description: Midnight start. Reach Stella Point, then Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Celebrate at the summit. Long descent to Mweka Camp for overnight.
Altitude: 3,100m to 1,640m
Time: 3–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Description: Final descent through lush forest. Receive summit certificates at the gate. Return transfer to Moshi or Arusha.
What’s Included in the 6-Day Trek
✅ Kilimanjaro park fees
✅ Rescue and camping fees
✅ Experienced guide, cook, and porters
✅ Mountain tents and sleeping mats
✅ All meals and drinking water
✅ Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro gate
What’s Not Included
❌ Flights to Tanzania
❌ Visa fees
❌ Gratuities for crew
❌ Personal gear (clothes, boots, sleeping bag, etc.)
| Group Size | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Trekker | USD 2125 |
| 2–4 Trekkers | USD 1,953 |
| 5-9 Trekkers | USD 1,815 |
| 10+ Trekkers | USD 1,650 |
Discounts available for larger groups. Contact us for custom quotes.
Ready to Climb Kilimanjaro?
Why Trek Kilimanjaro With Tanzania Trip Service?
Local experienced guides
Focus on safety and proper acclimatization
High summit success rate
24/7 WhatsApp support
Faqs
A: The best route depends on your goals. Lemosho and Northern Circuit are great for acclimatization and scenery. Machame is popular and scenic, Marangu has huts, Rongai is dry and quiet, and Umbwe is very steep and challenging.
A: The Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes are considered the most scenic, offering panoramic views from all sides of Kilimanjaro.
A: The Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate due to its long duration and excellent acclimatization profile.
A: Marangu offers hut accommodations and a gentle trail, but its shorter duration makes acclimatization more difficult. It's more comfortable but not necessarily easier to summit.
A: All routes except Marangu require camping. Marangu is the only route with mountain huts along the way.
A: 6 to 9 days is ideal. Shorter routes are possible but reduce summit success rates due to limited acclimatization time.
A: The best months are January to March and June to October, which are dry seasons with clear skies and stable weather.
A: Yes, guides are mandatory. Kilimanjaro National Park regulations require all climbers to be accompanied by licensed guides and a mountain crew.
A: You don’t need technical climbing skills, but you should be in good physical shape with strong endurance and mental determination.
A: Rongai, Northern Circuit, and parts of Lemosho are quieter and more remote, making them great options for avoiding crowds.