African Safaris Hub Kilimanjaro
- +255 784 419 343
- kilimanjaro@africansafarishub.com
Machame Route · Whiskey Route
6-Day Machame Route Climb
From US$1,890 per person
Overview
Kilimanjaro’s most popular route, on a well-paced six-day schedule
The Machame Route — nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” — is the most popular way up Kilimanjaro, and for good reason. It rewards you with the mountain’s most varied and dramatic scenery, from rainforest to the towering Barranco Wall, while its climb-high-sleep-low profile helps your body acclimatize.
This six-day version is the classic Machame itinerary: five nights on the mountain, camping in quality tents, with a dedicated team of guides, cooks, and porters looking after every detail so you can focus on the summit.
- The most scenic route on the mountain, through five climate zones
- Strong acclimatization via Lava Tower (climb high, sleep low)
- The iconic Barranco Wall scramble — a highlight of any climb
- Expert local guides, emergency oxygen & twice-daily health checks
Route at a glance
- RouteMachame
- Duration6 days / 5 nights
- Highest pointUhuru Peak, 5,895m
- DifficultyModerate
- AccommodationMountain tents
- Nights on mountain5
- GroupPrivate or small group
- Best monthsJan–Mar, Jun–Oct
- FromUS$1,890 pp
Day by day
Your 6-day Machame itinerary
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After your briefing and transfer to Machame Gate, you begin climbing through lush rainforest alive with birds and monkeys. A steady first day brings you to Machame Camp for your first night on the mountain.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
The forest gives way to open moorland. A shorter but steeper day brings sweeping views as you cross onto the Shira Plateau and camp beneath the glaciers of Kibo.
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
The key acclimatization day. You climb high to Lava Tower at 4,630m for lunch, then descend to sleep low at Barranco Camp — the “climb high, sleep low” principle that dramatically improves your summit chances.
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
The day starts with the famous Barranco Wall — an exhilarating, non-technical scramble with superb views. You then cross the Karanga Valley to reach Barafu, your summit base camp, and rest for the night ahead.
Summit day: Barafu to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp
You set off around midnight for the summit. As dawn breaks you reach Stella Point, then walk the crater rim to Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa at 5,895m. After your summit photos, you descend all the way to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. Your vehicle transfers you back to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration.
What’s included
Everything you need on the mountain — and what to plan for
Included
- All national park, camping & rescue fees
- Professional, licensed guides, cook & porters
- All meals & treated drinking water on the mountain
- Quality mountain tents & camping equipment
- Airport transfers (JRO) & pre-climb briefing
- Emergency oxygen, first-aid kit & pulse oximeter
- Hotel nights before & after the climb
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance (with high-altitude cover)
- Tips for your guides & crew
- Personal climbing gear (available to rent)
- Meals & drinks not on the mountain
- Personal expenses & optional upgrades
Good to know
Before you book this climb
Fitness
No technical skills needed, but good general fitness helps. Train with hikes and cardio beforehand.
Accommodation
Five nights camping in quality tents on the mountain, plus hotel nights before and after.
Meals
Freshly prepared hot meals daily, cooked by your mountain chef, with dietary needs catered for.
Safety
Twice-daily health checks, emergency oxygen, and a clear evacuation plan on every climb.
Questions
Machame climb FAQs
Is 6 days long enough on the Machame Route?
Six days is the classic Machame itinerary and summits successfully for many climbers, thanks to the Lava Tower acclimatization day. If you’d like the best possible odds, we also offer a 7-day version with an extra acclimatization day — ask us and we’ll advise what suits you.
How difficult is the climb?
Machame is a non-technical trek — no ropes or climbing skills are needed. The main challenge is the altitude and the long summit night. With good fitness and our paced itinerary, most reasonably active people can do it.
What is the Barranco Wall?
It’s a steep rock face you scramble up on Day 4 using your hands and feet. It looks intimidating but is non-technical, safe with your guides, and one of the most memorable parts of the whole climb.
When is the best time to climb?
The dry seasons — January to March and June to October — offer the most reliable weather. We run climbs year-round and can advise on the best dates for your plans.
Can I rent gear or upgrade my climb?
Yes. You can rent quality mountain equipment from us, and add upgrades such as our VIP comfort package or the Kosovo summit-base upgrade. Just mention it in your enquiry.
Book this climb
Enquire about the 6-Day Machame Route Climb
Tell us your preferred dates and group size, and we’ll come back with availability and an honest, all-inclusive quote.
We reply within one working day