Home Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6-Day Trekking Itinerary
Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6-Day Trekking Itinerary

6 Days 📍Mount Kilimanjaro 👤Private, 2-7 people
From $1,985 USD per person*

Overview

Machame route: 6 days, begins and ends at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel. The route is known as the “Whiskey Route", it begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern part of Mount Kilimanjaro, within its green, abundant rainforest. We climb to the Shira Plateau, then traverse the mountain beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Icefield, before summiting from Barafu Huts. Machame 6-day route is recommended for experienced trekkers since it doesn't provide an additional acclimatization day like on 7 days trekking.
Like every itinerary Millennia Safaris runs, this one is a starting point rather than a fixed package — tell us your dates and what matters most to you, and we'll adjust the route, pace and accommodation level to fit.
Route this trip's real destinations, in order
Mount KilimanjaroDestination
Tour Features
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Tailor-madeAccommodation level and pace adjusted to you.
Can be customizedRequest changes to this itinerary any time before booking.
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Private tourOrganized for you and your group only.
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Can start any daySubject to availability.
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Private vehicleYour own 4x4 safari jeep and driver-guide.
Start / EndMount Kilimanjaro to Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation & Meals
AccommodationConfirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with.
MealsFull board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary.
Next: Day by Day →

Day by Day (7 days)

Day 0

ARRIVE IN TANZANIA

We stay at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel, which is a beautiful Hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and is a perfect place to prepare you for adventure. We will gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.

⛰ On-mountain night — camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation to choose on the mountain itself.
Day 1

MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME HUT (FULL BOARD)

The climb starts from Machame gate (1830m), we walk through the lush lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Slowly gaining altitude while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the rain forest, you will arrive at the first Machame Hut, situated at 3000m above sea level
It is a clear day we may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.
Machame Gate to Machame Hut (3,000 m): 6-7 hours walking.

⛰ On-mountain night — camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation to choose on the mountain itself.
Day 2

MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP (FULL BOARD)

A shorter day climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as a picnic site, and continue up a gentler ascent through the lower alpine moorland, which is known for beautiful wild alpine flowers. The most spectacular views of the Kibo peak can be seen from Shira Camp.
Machame Hut to Shira Camp (3,840m); 4-6 hours walking.

⛰ On-mountain night — camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation to choose on the mountain itself.
Day 3

SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO VALLEY (FULL BOARD)

Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.).
Shira Camp to Barranco valley (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours walking.

⛰ On-mountain night — camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation to choose on the mountain itself.
Day 4

BARRANCO CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP (FULL BOARD)

A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. After a short break for a hot lunch, we take a steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted scree with wide views through this empty and dry landscape up to Barafu Camp. The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen from Barafu Camp. After a hot lunch at the Camp, The remainder of the day is spent resting as we prepare for the final ascent before an early night summit walk.
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 7-9 hours walking.

⛰ On-mountain night — camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation to choose on the mountain itself.
Day 5

BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA CAMP (FULL BOARD)

Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5,735m. We will rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to the main peak (5,895 m), which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Barafu is amazingly fast, and we stop at Barafu Camp for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Mweka Camp.
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.

⛰ On-mountain night — camping (or huts on the Marangu route). Every climber stays the same way each night; there's no accommodation to choose on the mountain itself.
Day 6

DESCENT – MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE TO ARUSHA (FULL BOARD)

A gentle walk takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka gate successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, we drive back to Arusha at Green Mountain Hotel.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.
DEPARTING DAY:

✈ Departure day — no accommodation booked for tonight.
Next: Rates →

Rates Per Person

Important to know: exact pricing depends on your travel dates, group size and accommodation level. The figure below is a starting estimate, not a fixed quote — international flights, visas, tips and personal expenses are never included.
FROM
$1,985 USD
per person, based on Private, 2-7 people

See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.

Next: Inclusions →

Inclusions

Included

  • Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
  • Park entry and conservation fees
  • Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
  • Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
  • Airport pickup and drop-off

Excluded

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
Next: Getting There →

Getting There

📍

Tour Start & End

This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.

Airport Information

Kilimanjaro International Airport and Mwanza Airport are the most common arrival points, depending on your route.

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Transfer Information

Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.

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Accommodation Before/After

Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.

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