Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb

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Known as the “Whiskey Route,” the Machame Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular and picturesque trails. It offers stunning views, diverse landscapes, and an exciting challenge for adventure seekers. The 6-day trek begins through lush rainforest and continues across moorlands, alpine desert, and the famous Barranco Wall before summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

Tour Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Arusha
Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet your guide holding a sign, and transfer to a comfortable hotel in Arusha. Use the afternoon to rest, enjoy the lively town atmosphere and go through a trekking briefing, equipment check and final packing before heading into the wild tomorrow.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Hotel to Machame Gate 1700m to Machame Camp 3000m

Hiking time: 5-7 hours.
Distance: 11 km
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast our vehicle will transport you from the hotel to Machame gate. Here you will do the required registration procedures then you will start the trek through the rain-forest to Machame camp where you will find the tents are already setup for you. Dinner and overnight at campsite.

machame route gate
Day 3: Machame Hut Camp 3000m to Shira Camp 3800m

Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Moorlands

After breakfast leave the camp and continue ascending by crossing little valleys and steep rocky ridges covering with heather plants to the western side of the mountain where the camp is situated. At this camp you will be able get the spectacular view of Mount Meru, Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak and sunset; then dinner and overnight.

Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Day 4: Shira Camp 3800m to Barranco Camp 3950m

Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Semi Desert

This is long and important acclimatization day so you will be having an early breakfast then continue trekking east to a junction leading to Lava tower rock 4600m for acclimatization, you will have lunch here at Lava tower and afterwards you will continue down to Barranco camp. The camp location is in the bottom valley of Barranco wall where you will stop for dinner and overnight

Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn
Day 5: Barranco Camp 3950m to Barafu Camp 4620m

Hiking time: 8-10 hours
Distance: 9 km
Habitat: Alpine desert

In the morning you will start climbing Barranco wall and reach 4200m for acclimatization and continue crossing ridges and valleys to Karanga camp 3900m for hot lunch. After lunch you will trek and continues to Barafu Camp 4620m for dinner and overnight.

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Day 6: Barafu Hut Campsite 4620m to Uhuru Peak 5895m to Mweka Campsite 3100m

Hiking time: 11- 12 hours Distance: 5.4 km ascent, 15 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

Wake at midnight to a light breakfast and then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. The trails is a series of switchbacks up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,856 m. At this point you will be having the views of the fabled crater and its glaciers facing you. Then after 1 hour of hiking along the Kibo crater rim near the celebrated snows takes you to the summit, Uhuru Peak 5895m. Here you will spend some times for taking photo’s but it will depend on how you feel. After your summit activities done, you will descend back to Barafu campsite 4620m, for lunch, rest, collect your equipment, and continue down through moorland and heath zone to Mweka campsite 3100m. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Campsite

Summit Day – Uhuru Peak
Day 7: Mweka Campsite 3100m to Mweka Gate 1700m

Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Rain Forest

Today is your last day on the mountain. After breakfast you will descend down to Mweka park gate walking across Montane forest. This descent will take 3-4 hours. Here at the gate your will sign out and get your achievement certificates, then you will have lunch, and transfer you to the hotel for shower and dinner

Horombo to Marangu Gate
Day 8: Beach holiday/safari/Home

Extend with a safari and fly to Zanzibar or taken to the airport and board your flight home . This will all depend on your schedule and anything can be arranged through Walking Tanzania

Mweka to Hotel
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most travellers require a tourist visa, obtainable on arrival or online via e‑Visa. Check latest entry requirements.
What is the best season to climb?
The best seasons are June–October and December–March for clear skies and stable weather conditions.
How fit should I be for the trek?+
Moderate fitness is sufficient. The climb is not technically extreme but requires stamina for long hours and steep sections.
What equipment do I need?+
Essentials include trekking boots, warm layers, waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, trekking poles, and a daypack. Sleeping bags may be provided but check with your operator.
Is there porter / support crew?+
Yes — Most climbs include a guide, a cook and porters to carry your main gear.
Is the climb safe and what about altitude sickness?+
The climb is generally safe with experienced guides. However altitude sickness is a concern — acclimatisation, hydration and pacing matter.
How many days does it take and can the itinerary be shorter?+
Typical itineraries are 6 days, but we recommend a 7‑day version for better acclimatisation, comfort and enjoyment. Shorter options exist but increase fatigue and risk.
Can I climb Mount Kilimanjaro without a guide?+
No — climbing requires permits, Guide and operator are mandatory.
What is the terrain and vegetation along the route?+
You pass through multiple vegetation zones: montane forest, moorland, alpine desert and volcanic slopes. Wildlife sightings are excellent in lower forest zones.