8 Day Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. While it is more challenging than the Marangu Route, it offers better acclimatization and a higher success rate. The 6-day Machame Route is a great option for experienced trekkers looking for a challenging and rewarding Kilimanjaro climb. However, if you have more time, consider the 7-day Machame Route for better acclimatization and a higher chance of summiting. Enjoy your adventure!

Key Highlights of the Machame Route:

• Scenic and diverse landscapes (rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones).
• Good acclimatization profile despite the shorter itinerary.
• High success rate for reaching the summit.
• Challenging but rewarding experience.

6-day Machame Route Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha

• • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport.

  • Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a pre-climb briefing and gear check.

  • Rest and prepare for the climb.

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• • Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m

  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

  • Distance: 11km

  • Habitat: Rainforest

  • Drive to Machame Gate (about 1 hour).

  • Begin the trek through lush rainforest to Machame Camp.

  • Overnight at Machame Camp.

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• • Elevation: 3,000m to 3,840m

  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

  • Distance: 5km

  • Habitat: Moorland

  • Trek through the rainforest into the moorland zone.

  • Enjoy views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak.

  • Overnight at Shira Camp.

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

• • Elevation: 3,840m to 3,900m (via 4,630m at Lava Tower)

  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

  • Distance: 10km

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Trek eastward to the Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization.

  • Descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the unique Barranco Valley.

  • Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

• • Elevation: 3,900m to 4,650m
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: 9km
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable climb.
  • Continue to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit push.
  • Rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
  • Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• • Elevation: 4,650m to 5,895m (summit), then down to 3,100m

  • Hiking Time: 12-14 hours

  • Distance: 17km

  • Habitat: Arctic Zone

  • Begin the summit attempt around midnight.

  • Reach Stella Point (5,739m) at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

  • Descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.

  • Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi/Arusha

• • Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 10km
  • Habitat: Rainforest
  • Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
  • Receive your summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi/Arusha.
  • Celebrate your achievement and rest at the hotel.

Day 8: Departure

• • Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.

Includes

• • 3 meals a day
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi, breakfast included
  • Airport Pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport
  • All Ground Transfers
  • Accommodation while trekking
  • National Park Entry Fees
  • Fully-licensed, English-speaking guide
  • Porter service on the trek
  • First aid kit
  • Trip completion certificate
  • Farewell Dinner