6 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route
Also known as the Whiskey route, the Machame route is one of the most popular routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Alongside offering an excellent summit success rate, it also provides ample time for acclimatization. Come, join us on this 6-day adventure to get to the summit of Kilimanjaro via this amazing route.
Beginning in the southwest of Kilimanjaro, the route takes us through Shira plateau and eventually joins the Shira and Lemosho routes just after crossing the Shira cave camp, offering breathtaking scenery on the way.
Starting at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, we’ll transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. From there, a drive of about an hour will take us to Machame Gate, the starting part of the trek.
The initial trail leads through a dense rainforest, which finally gives way to moorland. The next few days will be spent crossing Machame Camp and Shira Camp until we reach the Barranco Camp.
The route from Barranco to Barafu requires us to climb the steep Great Barranco Wall, a true adventure indeed! Heading on scree slopes, we’ll finally reach the campsite to prepare for the final summit hike the following day.
Starting early, ascending on snow and ice, we’ll walk past the spectacular Stella Point to reach the Uhuru peak-the roof of Africa. The top offers exceptional views of the neighboring peaks.
After relishing our time here, we’ll descend to Mweka Camp and finally to Mweka Gate, ending this incredible trip.
Kilimanjaro Adventure
6 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. You will stay at the beautiful Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa, offering peaceful surroundings and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Take time to relax by the pool before meeting your expert mountain guides for a comprehensive trek briefing. This session covers gear checks, safety procedures, and final preparations for your climb to the Roof of Africa.
- Hiking Time: ~7 hours
- Distance: ~18 km
- Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, drive from Arusha to Machame Gate via Machame Village. Following registration, begin your trek through lush rainforest. The trail can be wet and muddy, so good footwear is essential.
Enjoy a picnic lunch en route before continuing your steady ascent to Machame Camp. Upon arrival, your crew will have already set up camp. Warm meals, boiled water, and a comfortable tent await you. Temperatures may drop close to freezing overnight.
- Hiking Time: ~6 hours
- Distance: ~9 km
- Habitat: Moorland
Start early and climb through the forest before entering the moorland zone. The landscape opens dramatically, offering spectacular views.
After lunch, continue across a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau, with views of the Western Breach and glaciers. Overnight at Shira Camp, where temperatures drop significantly due to the exposed altitude.
- Hiking Time: ~7 hours
- Distance: ~15 km
- Habitat: Semi-desert
This is a key acclimatization day. Ascend gradually to Lava Tower (4,630m), where you may begin to feel the effects of altitude.
After lunch, descend to Barranco Camp, benefiting from the “climb high, sleep low” principle. The camp sits beneath the impressive Great Barranco Wall, offering stunning sunset views.
- Hiking Time: ~7 hours
- Distance: ~13 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Climb the iconic Barranco Wall—challenging but manageable and rewarding. Continue through Karanga Valley before joining the Mweka route.
Arrive at Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. This is a high, exposed camp with no water source. Prepare your gear carefully and rest early, as your summit push begins before midnight.
- Hiking Time: 8 hours ascent / 7–8 hours descent
- Distance: 7 km ascent / 23 km descent
- Habitat: Arctic / Alpine
Wake around midnight and begin your summit push under the stars. Trek through steep scree to Stella Point (5,685m), where you will witness an unforgettable sunrise.
Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement, take photos, and enjoy the moment before beginning your descent.
Return to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
- Hiking Time: ~3 hours
- Distance: ~15 km
- Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, enjoy a joyful farewell celebration with your mountain crew. Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate:
- Green Certificate: Stella Point
- Gold Certificate: Uhuru Peak
Afterward, transfer back to Arusha for a hot shower, relaxation, and celebration of your incredible achievement.
All prices are per person, valid year-round. Group discounts apply — the more trekkers, the lower your per-person cost. Children and youth rates available upon request.
Note: Prices are Per Person in US Dollar
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents:
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All Park fees, Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Accommodation in Arusha
- Airport transfers
- Tips for guides, cook, and porters
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania Visa fee
- Mountain gear
Note: We have a discount for kids under 15 years old
What to Pack for Kilimanjaro
Clothing
Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferably moisture-wicking and non-cotton. Layers work best! You will want active wear for daily activities and casual dressy clothes for the evening.
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Undergarments, sports bra
- Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
- Rain jacket and/or rain poncho
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit and cover
- Belt
- Sun hat with brim and chin strap
- Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Footwear
Your daily activities may get your shoes dirty or muddy. Streets can be uneven. Light sandals are not good for daily tours and hikes, but they are nice for relaxing at your hotel.
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed-toe, preferably waterproof
- Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip-flops
- Comfortable, breathable socks
Baggage
- Suitcase or duffel (check weight restrictions for internal flights)
- Day pack for daily activities and easy access + rain cover
- Waterproof/plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (Ziplocs and garbage bags work)
- Packing cube, compression bag, stuff sacks, toiletry bag, foldable shopping bag
- Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
- NOTE: A carry-on bag on most flights is limited to 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
Electronics
Store electronics in sealed waterproof bags. Remember to set the date and time on your cameras.
- Cell phone, cord, plug, headphones (check on international charges)
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
- GoPro, camera, video camera, SD cards, batteries, charger/power cord
- Tripod (travel size), selfie-stick
- Air Tags
- Lens cleaning cloth
- Electrical adapter
Day Pack
Take along any items you need for the day in a separate day pack:
- Binoculars
- Camera + disks, batteries, lenses, tripod, cleaning cloth
- Video camera, cell phone, Go Pro, etc.
- Water
- Snacks + to share with guides, other travelers, etc.
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Passports
- Money
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Hat
- Bandana
- Hair binder
- Jackknife
- Magazines/books/headphones/kite/frisbee
- Safari notebook + pen
- Safari wildlife book
Toiletries
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
- Shaving supplies
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
- Facial tissue, Toilet paper
- Moist towelettes
- Hand sanitizer
- Q-tips
- Sewing kit
- Insect repellent
- Small travel towel
- Cosmetics, feminine products, travel jewelry
First Aid
You only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
- Prescription drugs
- Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
- Band-aids/blister tape
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Throat lozenges
- Vitamins
- Antihistamines
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar), Ginger, and Ginkgo can be helpful for stomach problems
- Antibiotics (talk to a doctor)
Documents
- Passport (make sure it is valid > 6 months after the end of your trip)
- Visas for all countries as necessary
- Airline e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
- Copy of AWR travel itinerary
- Travel insurance information + Medical insurance card
- Document organizer
- Make copies of passports, visas, driver’s licenses, airline tickets/schedules, travel itineraries, credit cards (front and back), frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and email it to yourself (or store it in the Cloud). Put copies of your travel itinerary in each checked bag.
Pool/Beach
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Beach sandals
- Reef shoes (for sharp rocks and coral)
- Scuba card
- Waterproof camera
Other
- Cash (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be new with no tears)
- Credit cards (check for international fees)
- Water bottle and Camelbak
- Sunglasses, strap
- Eyeglasses, contacts/case/solution
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife (put in checked luggage)
- Notebook, lots of pens
- Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
Packing for the flight
- Passport, flight e-tickets, AWR travel itinerary
- Books, magazines, e-readers, cards, games
- Cell phone, headphones
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water bottle (empty through security)
- U-shaped neck pillow
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Kleenex, wet wipes
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Compression socks
"We summited Kilimanjaro! The guides were incredibly knowledgeable about altitude sickness prevention. We felt supported every step of the way. The porters treated us like family."
"The Lemosho route was perfect. Less crowded than other routes, stunning views, and our guide Mwajuma's stories made the trek unforgettable. Would 100% trek again."
"At 60 and 58, we weren't sure we could do it. But the team believed in us. Summit day sunrise at 19,341 feet was the most moving moment of our lives. Thank you."
"Everything was perfectly organized. The food at the camps exceeded expectations. Most importantly, the guides genuinely cared about our safety and well-being."
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
