Kilimanjaro Climb – 6 Days Machame Route
Kilimanjaro climbing through Machame route is popularly known as the “Whiskey” route, begins at Machame Gate, takes 6 days, located in the southern base of mountain, within its green, abundant rainforest. We climb to the Shira Plateau, then traverse the mountain beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Icefield, before summiting from Barafu Hut. Machame is a good choice for people who want to enjoy a scenic hike on a challenging route in the shortest amount of time.
Day: 1 Arrive in moshi
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will arrange a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to moshi, We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance. The Kilimanjaro trekking begins and end at moshi.
Day 2: moshi to Machame Camp
The climb starts from machame gate (1800m) after a short walk through the attractive banana and coffee farms of Machame village. The path follows a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain, and also the zone from where 98% of the water on Kilimanjaro orginates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, partculary if it has rained recently we have lunch at halfway clearing, a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily.
The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3,000m). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. (6-7 hours walking)
Day 3: Machame to Shira Camp
A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as picnic rock. There are excellent views of kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here and it is a good rest point too, the trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3840m) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. (4-5 hours walking)
Day 4: Shira to Barranco Camp
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near lava camp (4540m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3900m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. (4-6 hours walking)
Day 5: Barranco to Barafu Camp
The descent from Horombo to Mandara Hut takes around 3 hours, and the final part of the descent through the forest to Marangu Gate takes another 2 hours. At the Gate vehicles will be waiting to take you back to the hotel.
Day 6: Barafu summit to Mweka Camp
We normally start our ascent by torchlight around midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steeply climb over loose volcanic scree has some graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella point (5735m.), in about 5-6 hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those are still feeling strong can make the 2hours round trip from here along the Crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.
The descend to Barafu campsite is surprisingly fast, and after lunch and other refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3100m.) Most of us will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding the crowed campsite. (11-14 hours walking)We normally start our ascent by torchlight around midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steeply climb over loose volcanic scree has some graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella point (5735m.), in about 5-6 hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those are still feeling strong can make the 2hours round trip from here along the Crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.
The descend to Barafu campsite is surprisingly fast, and after lunch and other refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3100m.) Most of us will be too tired to notice the beauty of the forest surrounding the crowed campsite. (11-14 hours walking)
Day 7: Mweka camp to mweka Gate
A sustained descend on a well maintained trail through lovely tropical forest alive with birdcalls and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds to the National Park Gate at Mweka (1650m.); and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. Where we are transferred to Arusha for dinner and overnight where noted. (4-5 hours walking). After signing out transfer to moshi and overnight.
Day 8: Departure
Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) Private departure transfer is included
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, which are from late June to October and from December to February. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions, with clear skies and minimal rainfall, making the climb safer and more enjoyable. The dry periods also provide better visibility, allowing trekkers to appreciate the stunning landscapes. However, it’s important to note that these months are also the busiest, so if you prefer fewer crowds, consider going during the shoulder seasons, such as late November or early May, when the weather is still manageable, but the mountain is less crowded.