6 Days Machame Route
The Whiskey Trail to Africa’s Highest Peak
Take on the adventure of a lifetime with the 6 Days Machame Route, the most scenic and popular path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Whiskey Route” for its thrilling yet rewarding challenge, Machame offers a spectacular blend of lush rainforest, dramatic ridgelines, alpine deserts, and glacial peaks. Each day reveals breathtaking panoramas and varied terrains as you make your way toward Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the Roof of Africa. This route is perfect for adventurous trekkers seeking a true sense of wilderness, camaraderie, and accomplishment.
Included in the Safari:
- All park entrance fees and rescue fees
- Hut accommodation during the climb
- Professional mountain guide, cook, and porters
- Drinking water
- Transfers from/to Moshi
- Government taxes
Excluded
- Travel Insurance
- Visa Fees
- Personal Expenses
- Tips & Gratuities
- Optional Activities
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
Get In Touch
Whether you’re ready to book your next adventure or simply exploring your options, our team at Wildnest Safari is here to guide you every step of the way. We love creating personalized safari experiences that match your travel style, budget, and dreams.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis.
- info@eaglethroatsafari.com
- +255 745 821 548
Safari Itinerary & Experience Overview
Day 1: Moshi – Machame Gate (1,800m) – Machame Camp (2,835m)
Your adventure begins in Moshi, where you’ll meet your mountain crew for a briefing and equipment check. A short drive takes you to Machame Gate, where registration and park formalities are completed. The trek starts through lush montane rainforest, filled with birds and occasional monkeys. The trail gradually ascends until you reach Machame Camp, your first overnight stop.
Distance: 11 km | Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Accommodation
Day 2: Machame Camp (2,835m) – Shira Cave Camp (3,750m)
After breakfast, the path climbs steeply out of the forest and onto the heather and moorland zone. As you gain altitude, stunning views of Mount Meru emerge behind you. The terrain becomes rockier as you reach the Shira Plateau, an ancient lava flow area. You’ll camp at Shira Cave Camp, with incredible views of Kibo Peak ahead.
Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4–6 hoursHiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation
Day 3: Shira Cave Camp (3,750m) – Lava Tower (4,600m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Today is key for acclimatization. The trail leads to Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation where you’ll stop for lunch. Though you ascend to 4,600m, you’ll descend afterward to Barranco Camp, helping your body adapt to the altitude. The descent unveils breathtaking views of the Barranco Valley and the famous Barranco Wall.
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Accommodation
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
After breakfast, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, a thrilling but manageable climb offering some of the most iconic views of the route. The trail continues through alpine desert terrain, crossing small valleys and ridges until you arrive at Karanga Camp. This is a short but crucial day for rest and acclimatization.
Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hoursDistance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hoursHiking Time: 10–12 hours total (ascent and descent
Accommodation
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
You’ll ascend gradually toward Barafu Camp, your final stop before the summit push. The landscape is stark and rugged, with strong winds and incredible views of Mawenzi Peak. You’ll have an early dinner and rest before beginning your midnight summit climb.
Distance: 4 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
The most challenging yet rewarding day begins at midnight. Trek under the starlit sky to Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. From there, it’s a short but exhilarating walk to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement, take photos, and then begin your descent back to Mweka Camp for your final overnight on the mountain.
Distance: 17 km | Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Accommodation
Get Your Personalized Safari Itinerary
Discover the safari experience that’s made just for you! Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration, exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, or trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, our expert team at Eagle Throat Safari will craft a tailor-made itinerary that matches your interests, schedule, and budget.
