6Days Mount Kilimanjaro - Machame Route

Also referred to as the "Whiskey route" better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker

Itinerary at a Glance

The Machame route on Mount Kilimanjaro is slightly more challenging than the other routes. The Machame route is also referred to as the whiskey route as it is considered to be more difficult and more intoxicating than the Marangu (coca-cola) route. The climb begins at Machame Gate in the Mt Kilimanjaro rainforest and ascends through the forest on the South Western side of the mountain until it reaches the Shira Plateau, where you will enjoy stunning views across the Shira Plateau, Western Breach and Kibo. From the Shira two camp you will hike across the plateau to the Barranco wall and then will follow the southern circuit path to Barafu Camp. The descent for the Machame route is via the Mweka route.

Day 1: Machame Hut

On this morning you start your 6 Days Machame Route Mount Kilimanjaro, we drive to Machame Village. The climb begins at the end of the tarmac road, walking for about 6 hrs gradually ascending through the forested hills onwards to Machame Hut (3000m). Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Shira Hut

Early in the morning, you will cross a valley and stream before ascending a steep ridge. The path then drops into a river gorge before you climb more gently onto the moorland of the Shira plateau - 3,800m. Total climbing time is about 6hrs. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Barranco Hut

The path continues directly up the ridge towards Kibo, then turns right and descends into Barranco gorge. Climb to Barranco hut at 3940m shortly after. Total climbing time is about 6 hrs. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Barafu Hut

Crossing the Barranco Valley, climb the Barranco wall (not technical climbing), then follow the Kibo South Circuit. You will then turn left and climb up a ridge for about 2 hrs to Barafu hut at 4,600m . Dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Mweka Hut

Very early start for the summit first to Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak at 5895m. After sunrise, descend down to Mweka hut, which takes about 6 hrs. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Mweka Gate

This is the last day of your climb. You will descend to Mweka Gate where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight. End of your 6 Days Machame Route Mount Kilimanjaro.