8 Days Tour – 6 Day Hike Machame Route
Machame Route Overview
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its varied landscapes and excellent acclimatization profile, this route offers trekkers a rewarding journey through dense rainforest, open moorlands, dramatic alpine desert, and the glaciated summit zone.
Starting from the southern slopes of the mountain, the Machame Route follows a steady ascent that allows climbers to “climb high and sleep low,” improving summit success rates. The route features iconic sections such as the Barranco Wall and sweeping views of the Southern Ice Fields, making it especially appealing for adventurous trekkers and photographers.
Accommodation along the Machame Route is in mountain camps, with full support provided by professional guides, porters, and cooks. The final summit push begins from Barafu Camp, leading climbers to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. The descent follows the Mweka Route, offering a different perspective of the mountain.
The Machame Route is ideal for hikers seeking a challenging yet well-paced climb with outstanding scenery, strong acclimatization opportunities, and a truly memorable Kilimanjaro experience.
Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After a short briefing and introductions, you are transferred to Moshi town. With Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the rooftops on clear days, Moshi offers a calm and pleasant atmosphere to relax and prepare for the climb ahead. The evening is spent resting and enjoying dinner at your lodge.
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
Accommodation Type: Mid-Range Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Moshi to Machame Camp
After breakfast, you drive to Machame Gate for registration and trek preparations. The climb begins through dense rainforest, where you may spot monkeys and colorful birdlife along the trail. The path steadily ascends through lush vegetation until you reach Machame Camp in the afternoon, where you settle in and begin acclimatization.
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Accommodation Type: Budget Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
The trail climbs out of the rainforest into the heather and moorland zone, offering expanding views of the mountain. As the vegetation thins, the landscape becomes more open and dramatic. After a steady climb, you arrive at Shira Cave Camp, set on the Shira Plateau, where you rest and enjoy the vast alpine surroundings.
Accommodation: Shira Cave Camp
Accommodation Type: Budget Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Today’s trek takes you across high-altitude terrain as you gradually gain elevation before descending slightly to Barranco Camp. This day plays a vital role in acclimatization. You enjoy impressive views of the Southern Glaciers and the Barranco Wall. The afternoon is spent resting at camp and preparing for the days ahead.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Accommodation Type: Budget Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, you climb the famous Barranco Wall, a fun and rewarding scramble offering spectacular views. The trail continues through alpine desert landscapes toward Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit. Upon arrival, you rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the summit attempt starting later that night.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Accommodation Type: Budget Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Millennium Camp
Your summit push begins around midnight, climbing slowly under the stars toward Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you descend back down the mountain, passing Barafu Camp before continuing to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Millennium Camp
Accommodation Type: Budget Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Millennium Camp to Moshi
After breakfast, you descend through the forest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. From here, you are transferred back to Moshi. A hot shower, comfortable bed, and celebratory dinner await you at your lodge.
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
Accommodation Type: Mid-Range Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Machame Route trekking experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- Solo Trekker: USD 3,504 per person
- Group of 2: USD 2,734 per person
- Group of 3: USD 2,489 per person
- Group of 4: USD 2,444 per person
- Group of 5: USD 2,406 per person
- Group of 6: USD 2,295 per person
- Group of 7: USD 2,221 per person
- Group of 8: USD 2,163 per person
Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro Airport, followed by a transfer to Moshi. After a short briefing about the trek ahead, you settle into the comfortable Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy Moshi’s calm atmosphere, lively markets, and distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro when the clouds allow.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Accommodation Type: Luxury Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Moshi to Machame Camp
After breakfast, you drive to Machame Gate for registration and trek preparations. The hike begins through dense rainforest with rich vegetation and wildlife. The trail gradually ascends to Machame Camp, where you arrive in the afternoon, enjoy dinner, and begin acclimatizing to the mountain environment.
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Accommodation Type: Budget Mountain Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
Today’s trek takes you out of the forest zone and into open heath and moorland. As the landscape widens, you are rewarded with impressive views of the Shira Plateau. You arrive at Shira Cave Camp later in the day, where you relax, enjoy dinner, and continue acclimatizing.
Accommodation: Shira Cave Camp
Accommodation Type: Budget Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, the trek continues across the Shira Plateau toward Barranco Camp. This day is designed to support acclimatization, with varied terrain and striking scenery. Barranco Camp sits beneath the imposing Barranco Wall and offers stunning views of the mountain’s glaciers.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Accommodation Type: Budget Camping
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
The day begins with a climb up the Barranco Wall, followed by a traverse across alpine terrain toward Barafu Camp. This is your base camp for the summit attempt. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the midnight ascent to the summit.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Accommodation Type: Budget Mountain Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Summit Day: Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Around midnight, you begin the demanding ascent toward Stella Point and onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp for a well-earned night’s sleep.
Accommodation: Millennium Camp
Accommodation Type: Budget Mountain Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Millennium Camp to Moshi
After breakfast, you descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. From here, you transfer back to Moshi and return to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel to relax, celebrate your success, and enjoy a comfortable evening.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Accommodation Type: Luxury Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Machame Route adventure.
Accommodation: Not Included
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- Solo Trekker: USD 8,120 per person
- Group of 2: USD 5,706 per person
- Group of 3: USD 5,328 per person
- Group of 4: USD 5,105 per person
- Group of 5: USD 5,014 per person
- Group of 6: USD 4,899 per person
- Group of 7: USD 4,657 per person
- Group of 8: USD 4,545 per person
BOOK THIS TREK
Price Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the mountain and your hotel in Moshi
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park fees
- High-quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (shared)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- All meals during your trek
- Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
- Generous portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (included in park fees)
- Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)
- Rescue fees (included in park fees)
- VAT (18% as mandated by the government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Price Inclusions
- Tanzania visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel accommodation (optional add-on)
- Transfers (optional add-on)
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing, etc. (available for rent)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages, including liquor, beer, and bottled drinks
- Online payment surcharge for advance and balance (3.5% per payment)