6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek (Camping Adventure)
Your Trek Experience
The Machame Route, also called the “Whiskey Route,” is among the most popular Kilimanjaro climbs. Trekkers prize its striking scenery, diverse terrain, and strong acclimatisation profile, thanks to the climb high, sleep low approach.
This 6-day Machame itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a demanding adventure while following an efficient ascent plan, led by skilled local guides.
Trip Highlights
Trek through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers
Excellent acclimatisation route with Lava Tower Day
Conquer the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Fully supported trek with guides, porters, cook & camping equipment
Daily monitoring for safety and altitude adaptation
Trek Highlight
Day 1: Arusha – Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (3,010m)
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your lodge in Arusha and transferred to Machame Gate for registration.
Once the paperwork is complete, your trek begins through the lush rainforest, filled with giant trees, ferns, mosses, and hanging lichens. With a bit of luck, you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys among the treetops.
After 5–6 hours of hiking, you will reach Machame Camp, located just above the forest line, where you’ll enjoy your first dinner and overnight in tents.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Machame Camp (Camping)
Day 2: Machame Camp (3,010m) – Shira Camp (3,845m)
Today, the trail gets steeper as you leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone.
The views open up across the mountains and valleys, offering your first clear sight of the dramatic slopes of Kilimanjaro.
After 4–6 hours, you arrive at Shira Camp, located on the Shira Plateau with breathtaking sunset views toward Kibo Peak.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira Camp (Camping)
Day 3: Shira Camp (3,845m) – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
This is an important acclimatisation day and follows the best strategy: climb high, sleep low.
You will trek gradually upward to Lava Tower (4,640m), where you will stop for rest and lunch.
Afterwards, you descend into the stunning Barranco Valley, famous for giant senecios, lobelias, and dramatic landscapes.
After 6–7 hours, you will reach Barranco Camp, considered one of the most scenic campsites on the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barranco Camp (Camping)
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Valley – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
After breakfast, you will climb the famous Barranco Wall. It looks challenging, but it is safe and enjoyable with your guides' support.
From the top, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of Kibo and the southern glaciers.
You will continue through the ridges and valleys toward Karanga Valley for a break and lunch, then hike to Barafu Camp, the base camp for summit night.
Arrive in the afternoon, enjoy dinner, and rest early to prepare for your summit push.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barafu Camp (Camping)
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
Summit day begins around midnight with hot tea and a light snack.
You’ll hike steadily in the dark toward Stella Point (5,730m) on the crater rim. From there, it’s another 1–2 hours along the ridge to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa.
After celebrating at the summit and enjoying sunrise views, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a warm meal and short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mweka Camp (Camping)
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,630m) – Arusha
After breakfast, you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and begin the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (about 2–3 hours).
At the gate, you’ll complete park formalities and receive your climbing certificate.
Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha, where you can relax at your lodge, enjoy a shower, and celebrate your achievement.
Meals: Breakfast
Drop-off: Arusha / Hotel
Included in the price
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Camping fees and rescue fees
- Professional mountain guide(s)
- Full support team: porters + cook
- Quality mountain tents (sleeping + dining tent)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Treated drinking water throughout the trek
- Transfers Arusha to Gate and Gate to Arusha
- Emergency oxygen cylinder + first aid kit
- Daily health checks (pulse oximeter monitoring)
Included in the price
- International & domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips for guide/porters/cook
- Personal trekking gear (Hiking boots, jacket, poles, etc.)
- Alcoholic drinks & personal snacks
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry)