Overview

The 6-Day Machame Route, popularly known as the "Whiskey Route," is one of the most scenic and adventurous routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. This route approaches the mountain from the southwest and offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and an excellent trekking experience. Climbers pass through lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit zones before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters.

The 6-Day Machame Route is ideal for physically fit climbers seeking a challenging adventure with a reasonable chance of summit success. Although shorter than the 7-day option, it still follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle to assist acclimatization.

Tour Highlights

•  Summit Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 meters. 
•  Trek through five unique ecological zones. 
•  Experience the famous Barranco Wall. 
•  Enjoy spectacular sunrise views from Uhuru Peak. 
•  Camp under the stars on Mount Kilimanjaro. 
•  Guided by experienced and professional mountain guides. 
•  Daily health monitoring throughout the climb. 

6-Day Machame Route Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Machame Gate for registration and permit formalities. The trek begins through the lush rainforest where giant trees, colorful birds, and colobus monkeys can often be seen. The trail gradually ascends through dense forest before reaching Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)

After breakfast, the trail leaves the rainforest and enters the heath and moorland zone. As you gain altitude, spectacular views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru become visible. The trek continues across the Shira Plateau to Shira Camp.

Elevation: 3,000m to 3,840m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 Hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m) via Lava Tower (4,630m)

This is an important acclimatization day. The trail climbs steadily to Lava Tower at 4,630 meters before descending to Barranco Camp. Following the principle of "climb high, sleep low" helps your body adjust to the altitude and increases summit success rates.

Elevation: 3,840m to 4,630m, then down to 3,960m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 Hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

The day begins with the exciting climb up the famous Barranco Wall. After reaching the top, the trail traverses ridges and valleys before arriving at Barafu Camp. Upon arrival, climbers rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt.

Elevation: 3,960m to 4,640m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 7–8 Hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Around midnight, the summit ascent begins. Climbers trek under the stars towards Stella Point and then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating this incredible achievement and taking photographs, the descent continues back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before proceeding to Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m, then down to 3,100m
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 10–15 Hours
Habitat: Arctic Zone and Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

After breakfast, descend through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, climbers receive their summit certificates before being transferred back to their hotel in Moshi for a well-earned rest and celebration.

Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 Hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Inclusions

• Two nights’ accommodation in a Moshi hotel mid-range level. 
• Kilimanjaro National Park conservation fees
• Camping or hut fees, according to the selected route
• Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain tents on a twin-sharing basis
• Quality mess tent equipped with tables and chairs
• All meals during the mountain trek
• Fresh, healthy, nutritious, and freshly prepared meals
• Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek
• Professional and experienced mountain guides
• Mountain porters and a professional mountain cook
• Guide, porter, and cook salaries
• Mountain rescue fees
• Emergency oxygen for safety purposes
• Sleeping mattress
• All transfers to and from Mount Kilimanjaro, including return transfer to your Moshi hotel
• Kilimanjaro summit certificate upon successful completion of the climb
• 18% Government VAT

Exclusions

• International and domestic flights
• Tanzania visa fees
• 5% non-refundable payment gateway surcharge on online card payments
• Alcoholic drinks, beer, and bottled beverages
• Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, and other personal purchases
• Any meals, accommodation, or services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal trekking equipment, including sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing, and other personal gear
• Trekking equipment rental, unless specifically stated as included
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities for the mountain crew
• Any government-imposed increase in park fees, taxes, or other mandatory charges

Additional Costs

• Hotel upgrade: Available on request
• Portable toilet: USD 150 shared cost
• Portable bed: USD 200 shared cost
• Camping shower: USD 200 shared cost

Payment Terms

Deposit Payment

• A 20% deposit is required to confirm you’re booking.
• The deposit can be paid by bank transfer or online card payment.
• A 5% non-refundable payment gateway surcharge applies to online card payments.
• Bank transfers are available in multiple currencies, subject to availability.
• Your booking will be confirmed once the required deposit has been received.

Balance Payment

The remaining balance may be paid by bank transfer, online card payment, or cash.

• Bank transfer: Recommended at least 30 days before departure and must be completed no later than 15 days before departure.
• Online card payment: Can be made up to 1 day before departure. We recommend completing the payment at least 7 days before departure.
• Cash payment: The remaining balance may be paid in cash upon arrival.
• For last-minute bookings, full payment may be made by cash or online card payment. A 5% non-refundable payment gateway surcharge applies to card payments.
• Cash payments must be made in USD banknotes issued in 2009 or later.

Payment Gateway Fee

The 5% payment gateway surcharge is non-refundable and applies to all payments made through the online card payment gateway, including deposits and balance payments.

Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

Cancellation 8 Days or More Before Departure

• No cancellation fee will be charged.
• Any non-refundable payment gateway fees already paid remain non-refundable.

Cancellation 0–7 Days Before Departure

• A cancellation fee of 50% of the total tour price will apply.
• Where possible, your trek may be rescheduled to a new departure date at no additional rescheduling fee, subject to availability.
• Any 5% payment gateway fees already paid on the deposit or balance are non-refundable.

Important Note

Cancellation and rescheduling are subject to the availability of permits, accommodation, mountain crew, and other services required for the new departure date.

Why Choose the Machame Route?

The Machame Route is considered one of the most beautiful routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It provides stunning scenery, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and a memorable trekking experience through a variety of ecosystems. For adventurous climbers seeking a rewarding challenge and breathtaking views, the 6-Day Machame Route is an outstanding choice.