Machame Route Package

Machame Route 6-Day Climb — The Most Scenic Alpine Trek

⏱️ 6 Days Trek
🏔️ Hard Level
🏆 90% Success

Why Choose the Machame Route 6-Day Climb?

01

One of the most scenic and diverse routes on the mountain.

02

Good climb high, sleep low profile.

03

Classic camping experience on the mountain.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Altitude Gain 1,800m to 2,835m
Trek Distance 11 km
Zone / Terrain Rain Forest

Trek through the lush rain forest zone. Steep hills and gorgeous tree ferns.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Altitude Gain 2,835m to 3,750m
Trek Distance 5 km
Zone / Terrain Moorland

Trek out of forest into moorland. Climb volcanic cliffs.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Altitude Gain 3,750m to 4,630m (and down to 3,900m)
Trek Distance 10 km
Zone / Terrain Semi-desert

Climb to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco. 6-8 hours.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via Barranco Wall
Altitude Gain 3,900m to 4,673m
Trek Distance 9 km
Zone / Terrain Alpine Desert

Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall. Short day. 4-5 hours.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Altitude Gain 4,673m to 5,895m (and down to 3,100m)
Trek Distance 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Zone / Terrain Scree & Ice

Midnight summit climb. Uhuru Peak (5,895m) sunrise. Long descent.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Altitude Gain 3,100m to 1,640m
Trek Distance 10 km
Zone / Terrain Rain Forest

Final descent through rain forest. Drive to hotel.

Fitness Requirements and Difficulty

Challenging. Steep trails and the Barranco Wall scramble require good physical fitness and head for heights. Acclimatization is fast; success rate is about 85%.

Best Time to Climb

January-March and June-October.

What's Included (All-Inclusive)

Certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) head guide & assistant guides
KPAP-audited porter & cook crew support
All TANAPA park entry, conservation, and rescue fees
High-nutrition mountain diet (3 hot meals daily, tea, biscuits)
Emergency oxygen cylinders, oximeters, and medical stretchers
Quality four-season geodesic tents and sleeping mattresses
Clean, purified drinking water boiled daily on the mountain
Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Frequently Asked Questions

Machame Route is referred to as the "Whiskey Route" because it is tougher and steeper compared to the "coca-cola" Marangu Route, offering a more rustic camping experience.

The Barranco Wall is a 257m rock scramble. It does not require technical climbing gear but does require using hands and feet, which most climbers find highly fun.

Yes, you will sleep in high-quality mountain tents set up by our porters before you arrive at each camp.