6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb
The 'Whiskey Route' — Kilimanjaro's most varied camping route, crossing the Shira Plateau, climbing high to Lava Tower and scrambling up the Barranco Wall before the summit push from Barafu.
About this safari
The 'Whiskey Route' — Kilimanjaro's most varied camping route, crossing the Shira Plateau, climbing high to Lava Tower and scrambling up the Barranco Wall before the summit push from Barafu.
This 6 days private safari starts in Moshi and takes you to Climb-high, sleep-low profile via Lava Tower (4,630 m), The Barranco Wall scramble, Five vegetation zones in six days, Descent on the Mweka trail. Your own vehicle and guide set the pace, and every stay and transfer is confirmed around your dates.
Safari snapshot
A quick look at the route, day by day.
| Day | Place | Highlights | Hotel options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Machame Gate to Machame Camp (2,835 m) | Game drives with your private guide | Machame Camp (tents) |
| Day 2 | Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp (3,750 m) | Game drives with your private guide | Shira Cave Camp (tents) |
| Day 3 | Shira Cave to Lava Tower (4,630 m) and Barranco Camp (3,960 m) | Game drives with your private guide | Barranco Camp (tents) |
| Day 4 | Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp (4,673 m) | Game drives with your private guide | Barafu Camp (tents) |
| Day 5 | Summit night: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), down to Mweka Camp | Game drives with your private guide | Mweka Camp (tents) |
| Day 6 | Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Moshi | Game drives with your private guide | Departure |
Ways to customise this trip
- Add a night in the bush, a cultural visit or a balloon flight
- Upgrade your stays or finish with beach time in Zanzibar
Route
- Day 1Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 2Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 3Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 4Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 5Mount Kilimanjaro
- Day 6Mount Kilimanjaro
Day by day
Here is how the days run. We can adjust the route around your dates and the pace you want.
1Day 1Machame Gate to Machame Camp (2,835 m)Machame Camp (tents) / Lunch, Dinner
A 45-minute drive from Moshi brings you to Machame Gate (1,800 m), where you register and meet the full crew. The trail climbs steadily for five to seven hours and about 11 km through dense, often misty rainforest with moss-draped trees and ferns. A packed lunch is eaten on the trail. The porters go ahead and have the tents pitched when you reach Machame Camp on the edge of the forest. Hot water for washing, popcorn and tea, then dinner in the mess tent and your first health check.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Machame Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
2Day 2Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp (3,750 m)Shira Cave Camp (tents) / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The path steepens straight after breakfast, climbing a rocky ridge out of the forest and into heath with giant heathers and wide views back over the lowlands. It is a shorter day — about 5 km in four to six hours — but steady uphill. You reach the edge of the Shira Plateau by early afternoon and camp near Shira Cave, with Kibo filling the skyline to the east. Take a short walk in the afternoon to help acclimatise, and enjoy the sunset over Mount Meru.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Shira Cave Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3Day 3Shira Cave to Lava Tower (4,630 m) and Barranco Camp (3,960 m)Barranco Camp (tents) / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An important acclimatisation day. You climb east through alpine desert to the volcanic plug of Lava Tower, where lunch is served at 4,630 m — many climbers feel a headache here, which is normal. You then descend for two to three hours into the Barranco Valley, passing groves of giant senecios, to camp beneath the towering Barranco Wall. Climbing high and sleeping lower is one of the best ways to prepare for summit night. Around 10 km and six to eight hours.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Barranco Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4Day 4Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp (4,673 m)Barafu Camp (tents) / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Straight after breakfast you tackle the Barranco Wall, a 250 m scramble that uses hands as well as feet but needs no technical skills — the guides show you every step. From the top, the trail rolls through the Karanga Valley, where you stop for lunch and water, then climbs a stony ridge to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit. Seven to eight hours in total. Dinner is early, followed by the summit briefing; prepare your kit and sleep until about 11 pm.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Barafu Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5Day 5Summit night: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), down to Mweka CampMweka Camp (tents) / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You set off at midnight by head torch up the long scree slopes between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. After six to seven hours you reach Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim, usually at sunrise, and the walk around the rim to Uhuru Peak takes about another hour. After summit photos, you return to Barafu for a short rest and brunch, then descend through the moorland to Mweka Camp (3,100 m). It is a 12- to 15-hour day, and the guides monitor every climber closely all the way.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation
- Mweka Camp (tents)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6Day 6Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and MoshiBreakfast, Lunch
A final morning walk of three to four hours and about 10 km through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), often muddy so walking poles help. Before leaving camp, the crew usually gathers to sing for you — a good moment for thanks and tips. At the gate you receive your summit certificate, then drive back to Moshi or Arusha for a shower, a cold drink and a well-earned rest.
- Main stop
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Where you stay on this trip. We can move the comfort level up or down when we plan your dates.
Day 1Machame Camp (tents)
Day 2Shira Cave Camp (tents)
Day 3Barranco Camp (tents)
Day 4Barafu Camp (tents)
Day 5Mweka Camp (tents)Tour rates
Your price depends on your dates, group size and the stays you choose. We confirm it in writing once we have checked availability.
Prices are per person and assume shared rooms. Season, park fees, group size, flights and lodge availability all affect the final quote.
Get my exact quoteWhat’s included
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping or hut fees and rescue fees
- Professional mountain guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain and treated drinking water
- Tents, sleeping mats and mess tent (camping routes)
- Daily health checks with a pulse oximeter
- Transfers between Moshi or Arusha and the park gates
- Summit certificate
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel nights before and after the climb (we can add them)
- Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear (available to rent)
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Visa fees
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Read guideFrequently asked questions
Can this 6 days itinerary be changed?
Yes. We can review your dates, daily pace, room preferences and interests, then build a specific proposal. Changes to flights, activities or park nights may affect cost and availability.
Which accommodation will I stay in?
Your proposal will name the properties and room categories for each night. Any stays shown here are planning options and remain subject to availability; alternative properties are agreed before confirmation.
What wildlife will we see?
Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and the animals themselves. Your guide plans around local conditions, but particular species, migration movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I change the route and accommodation?
Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.
What determines the final price?
The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.
Can the safari finish in Zanzibar?
A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.
When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?
Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.
How many days do I need?
Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.
Is the safari private?
Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.
What vehicle will we travel in?
Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.
Is a safari suitable for children?
Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.
What should I budget for tips?
Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.
Will there be Wi-Fi and charging?
Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.
How far in advance should I book?
For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.
A few details.
A good beginning.
Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.
- Planned around your dates and interests
- Midrange or luxury, at your pace
- A personal conversation with our local team