Tour Overview
The Whiskey Route – A Challenging Adventure
The 6-day Machame Route is one of the most scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it combines beautiful landscapes, mountain camping, and a challenging ascent through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert.
Why Choose the 6-Day Machame Route?
- Scenic landscapes: Enjoy spectacular views and diverse mountain environments.
- Challenging adventure: Ideal for fit trekkers seeking a shorter climb.
- Acclimatization: Includes the climb-high, sleep-low approach near Lava Tower.
- Camping experience: Stay at designated mountain camps with a dedicated support team.
- Private climbs: Choose your preferred dates and travel solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends.
Route details: 6 days on the mountain | Challenging difficulty | Camping accommodation | Summit at 5,895 m | Descent via Mweka Route.
The six-day itinerary is demanding and offers less acclimatization time than the seven-day option. Good fitness and proper preparation are essential.
With Kilimark Adventures, enjoy experienced local guides, dedicated porters, freshly prepared meals, and personalised support throughout your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
Registration at Machame Gate. Trek through dense montane rainforest with colobus monkeys. Gradual ascent. Camp in moorland zone. (5-7 hours, 11 km, +1,200m)
Leave rainforest, enter heather and moorland zone. Spectacular views of Kibo peak and Western Breach. Arrive at Shira Plateau. (4-6 hours, 5 km, +840m)
KEY ACCLIMATIZATION DAY! Climb to Lava Tower (4,630m), then descend to Barranco. "Climb high, sleep low" principle. (6-8 hours, 10 km, +790m/-670m)
Conquer the famous Barranco Wall (not technical but exciting). Traverse series of valleys and ridges to Karanga. Short day for additional acclimatization. (4-5 hours, 5 km, +75m)
Short but steep climb to Barafu Camp (base camp). Rocky, barren landscape. Rest, early dinner, sleep before midnight summit attempt. (3-4 hours, 4 km, +605m)
Midnight start. Reach Stella Point at sunrise, then Uhuru Peak. Descend to Mweka Camp. Longest day. (12-16 hours, 17 km)
MIDNIGHT START. Ascend in darkness to Stella Point (5,681m) at crater rim. Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise - roof of Africa! Descend to Mweka Camp. LONGEST DAY. (12-16 hours, 17 km, +1,255m/-2,795m)
Final descent through rainforest. Collect summit certificates. Celebrate! Transfer to hotel. (3-4 hours, 10 km)
Final descent through lush rainforest. Collect summit certificates at Mweka Gate. Celebrate your achievement! Transfer to hotel for hot shower and rest. (3-4 hours, 10 km, -1,460m)
Prices by Group Size
All prices are shown in USD per person. Choose your group size or contact us for a tailored quote.
| Climbers / Travellers | Price per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,160 |
| 2 people | $1,920 |
| 3 people | $1,750 |
| 4 people | $1,650 |
| 5 people | $1,650 |
What's Included & Excluded
Included
Enjoy two hotel nights, one before and one after your climb. Choose from our selected Moshi hotels or request an alternative within the same budget.
All required park fees for your selected route are included, covering applicable conservation, camping or hut, and rescue fees.
Our experienced guides monitor your wellbeing throughout the climb. Safety equipment includes first aid, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeters, and communication devices.
We support fair wages, responsible porter loads, proper meals, quality tents, suitable equipment, and safe working conditions for our mountain crew.
Enjoy four-season tents, comfortable sleeping mats, a dining tent, a private portable toilet, and a warm camping shower.
Enjoy three freshly prepared meals daily, purified drinking water, and hot drinks to keep you energised throughout your climb. Special diets can be arranged in advance.
Transfers specified in your package, including transport between your hotel and the mountain gate, are arranged for a smooth trekking experience.
Our team supports you throughout your summit attempt. Your package includes applicable VAT and a climbing certificate for eligible climbers.
Not Included
International flights to and from Tanzania are not included.
Visa fees and other applicable immigration charges are not included.
Travel insurance is not included. Comprehensive insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
Crew tips are not included and are appreciated in recognition of their hard work and support.
Personal gear, including hiking boots, warm clothing, waterproofs, sleeping bags, gloves, and trekking poles, is not included unless specified.
Laundry, telephone calls, snacks, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, and other personal purchases are excluded.
Extra hotel nights and transfers outside your confirmed itinerary are not included unless agreed upon.
Equipment rental, upgrades, and optional services are excluded unless confirmed. Additional costs arising from itinerary changes or unforeseen circumstances will be discussed with you where applicable.
