6-Day Scenic Trek to Africa's Highest Peak
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our 6-day Machame Route trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the "Whiskey Route" for its challenging nature, this path offers stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization opportunities. The Machame Route is the most popular choice for trekkers due to its high success rate and breathtaking landscapes.
The Machame Route offers stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization with its "climb high, sleep low" approach
Begin your adventure at Machame Gate (1,800m). Trek through lush rainforest for 5–7 hours, covering approximately 11km. Spot colobus monkeys and diverse birdlife as you ascend to Machame Camp (2,835m).
Hiking Time:
5–7 hours
Distance:
~11 km
Elevation Gain:
+1,035m
Habitat:
Montane Forest
Meals:
Lunch, Dinner
Ascend through heath and moorland zones for 4–6 hours, covering 5–6km. Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo Peak as you reach Shira Plateau. Spend the night at Shira 2 Camp (3,850m), acclimatizing to the higher elevation.
Hiking Time:
4–6 hours
Distance:
~5–6 km
Elevation Gain:
+1,015m
Habitat:
Heath and Moorland
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike for 6–8 hours through alpine desert to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization. After lunch, descend to Barranco Camp (3,976m) through stunning valleys with giant senecios and lobelias.
Hiking Time:
6–8 hours
Distance:
~10 km
Elevation:
+780m / -654m
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Conquer the famous Barranco Wall (a scramble rather than a climb) with breathtaking views. Traverse the Karanga Valley for a lunch stop, then continue to Barafu Camp. A longer hiking day (7–9 hours) positions you for the midnight summit push.
Hiking Time:
7–9 hours
Distance:
~10–12 km
Elevation Gain:
+697m
Habitat:
Alpine Desert
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your summit push at midnight. Trek 6–8 hours to Stella Point (5,756m) for sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa! After celebrations, descend to Mweka Camp (3,110m).
Hiking Time:
12–16 hours
Distance:
~17–19 km
Elevation:
+1,222m / -2,785m
Habitat:
Arctic to Rainforest
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend through the rainforest for 3–4 hours to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement! Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Hiking Time:
3–4 hours
Distance:
~10 km
Elevation Loss:
-1,470m
Habitat:
Rainforest
Meals:
Breakfast
The 6-day Machame Route has a summit success rate of over 90% thanks to its excellent acclimatization profile. The "climb high, sleep low" strategy significantly reduces altitude sickness risks.
Experience diverse landscapes - from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and the arctic summit zone. The Machame Route offers the most varied scenery of all Kilimanjaro routes.
While popular, Machame has fewer trekkers than the Marangu Route. Our carefully planned itineraries avoid crowded campsites for a more peaceful experience.
Start training at least 3 months before your trek. Focus on cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. Include hiking with a weighted backpack and stair climbing in your regimen.
Recommended:
3-4 cardio sessions per week, weekend hikes with elevation gain, strength training 2x/week
Consult your doctor about altitude sickness medication. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m.
Join our expert-guided trek for an unforgettable adventure to the Roof of Africa