6 Days Machame Route

Known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The route begins from the South, then heads East, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern ice field before summiting. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended.

Day 1: Arrive day in Arusha at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will arrange a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha where the rest of the day is at leisure.
We will gather in the hotel where you’ll have an overnight for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

Day 2: Machame Gate (1800m) – Machame Camp (3000m)

Arrive to the Machame Gate from Moshi and have an introduction to your guides and porters. Registration is done and thereafter start climb with picnic lunch through Rain Forest for approximately 4 to 5 hrs where you arrive to the Machame Camp. Later afternoon walk up to a little higher altitude is done for acclimatization. Return to Machame Camp for dinner and overnight. Lunch and dinner on the mountain included, breakfast at hotel (no breakfast included this day in the budget plan).

Day 3: Machame Camp (3000m) – Shira Camp (3800m)

After breakfast, start climb through short Savannah, forest and other vegetation for approximately 4 to 5hrs, with picnic lunch en route before arriving in the afternoon at the Shira Hut. In Shira is where an extra day can be spent for acclimatization when climbing takes 7 days or more, dinner and overnight at Shira hut.
All meals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Shira (3800m) – Barranco (3950m)

After breakfast a slow walk through semi glacier and sandy areas with picnic lunch 3 to 4 hrs before arriving at the Barranco Hut for dinner and overnight.
All meals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Barranco Hut (3950m) – Barafu Hut (4600m)

After breakfast, with picnic lunch enroute climb through glaciers for approximately 4 to 5 hours before arriving at the Barafu Hut for dinner and overnight.
All meals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Barafu Hut (4600m) Uhuru Peak (5895m) Mweka (3100m)

An early wakeup call around 01.00hrs for preparation and light breakfast before starting final ascent to the summit i.e. either the Stella Point reached in approximately 5 to 6 hrs and a further ascent to the Uhuru Peak reached in another approx 45 minutes. After signing and short rest at Barafu Hut descend via the Gilman’s Point down to Mweka Hut for an hours rest with light breakfast then descend down for dinner and overnight at Mweka Hut.
All meals are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Descend from Mweka Hut

To the park gate from where you are transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower. Breakfast included – you should be back in Moshi by lunch time.

Day 8: 

Moshi / Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) with private departure transfer included.

Walking Boots, Training shoes, Water proof Jacket, Pants, Shirts, Trousers, Skirts, Socks, Gloves, Sun Hat, Balaclava / Woolen Hat, Gaiters, Thermal Underwear, Towel, Toiletries, Toilet Paper, Sun Glasses, Snow Goggles, Water Bottle, Walking Pole, Crampons, Torch / Flash light, Sun Cream/Sun block, lip salve, Whistle, Penknife, Day pack, Camera, Films, Emergency Foil Blanket, Four season Sleeping Bag, Heavy Duty plastic Bags, water Purification Kit and First Aid Kit.