6 Days Machame Route – Kilimanjaro Climb

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HIKING HIGHLIGHT

The Machame Route, famously known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of Kilimanjaro’s most iconic and adventurous trails. It earned its nickname for being more challenging than the “Coca-Cola” Marangu Route, offering steeper paths, longer trekking distances, and tented camping rather than hut accommodations. Climbers choosing Machame enjoy a dynamic journey through changing landscapes—from lush rainforest to moorland and alpine desert. Although the climb can be completed in six days, HWS Adventures strongly recommends a 7-day itinerary to allow better acclimatization and increase summit success.

Beginning at Machame Gate on the southern slopes of the mountain, the trail ascends through vibrant rainforest before emerging onto the dramatic Shira Plateau. From there, it follows the scenic Southern Circuit, giving trekkers sweeping views of Kilimanjaro from multiple angles. The summit push takes place from the east via Barafu Camp, and the descent is made along the Mweka Route. With its stunning scenery, rewarding challenge, and strong acclimatization profile, the Machame Route remains one of the most popular choices for climbers—one that HWS Adventures proudly recommends to those seeking a true mountain adventure.

FULL SAFARI ITINERARY

We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.

Day 1: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)

One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.

Day 2: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)

Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.

Day 3: Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

Our day starts by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp.

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

Day 6: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.

INCLUDES

  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • 2 Nights’ accommodation in Moshi is or Arusha included
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
  • Quality, waterproof, four seasons private mountain sleeping tents
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • All meals while on the mountain
  • Quality mess tents with table and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean purified drinking water
  • Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance fees
  • All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.

EXCLUDES

  • International or Local Flights
  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance

KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN FAQ’S

Do you arrange airport transfers?

Airport transfers are not included in the price of this tour, however you can book for an arrival transfer in advance. Our representative will be at the airport to greet you. To arrange this please contact our customer service team once you have a confirmed booking.

How much weight of equipment will I carry?

You are expected to carry your own day pack, with only things which should be able to sustain you until you reach the next camp at the end of the day. You do not need to carry your personal backpack/ duffel pack - It will be carried by our porters.

What if I am slower than the other trekkers?

No worries about that - this is a common concern. It is much better for your body if you proceed slowly and guides will permanently remind you about this (“pole-pole” - which means “slowly slowly”). By walking slowly, your body will much better acclimatize to high altitude. There is plenty of time allocated each day for the treks, even for those who like to go very slowly.

What if I cannot make it to the top?

Some climbers may fall short of reaching the summit, but not at the expense of their overall experience. Even for those who never reached the top, the experience of the wonders of Kilimanjaro is very rewarding. If one or more members of the group decide they cannot continue, or if a guide deems it unsafe for an individual (or a group) to continue, they are escorted to the most convenient campsite or Hut. Our guides intimately know the network of shortcuts to escort climbers to safety, and they are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstance.

What is the accommodation like during trekking?

On the Marangu Route, there are simple basic Huts. The first 2 Huts sleep four people each and the last Hut is a dome-style with bunk beds. On all the other routes, you will sleep in 3 dome-style Tents, two people each. The Tents are modern and have an outer flysheet and large vestibules keep equipment from the elements. They are set up, broken down and carried- along with everything else- by our porters. There are public toilets set up at every campsite, but portable toilets are available upon request at the cost of $ 100 per group for the whole tour. Hot water is provided for each person every morning but No showers during trek There will be dining tents with chairs and tables where all meals will be served. Before any meal, we will provide soap and hot water for washing your hands.

What is the food like on the mountain?

For each trek on the Mount a dedicated cook will be part of the logistical team. They are professional chefs and have the ability to prepare different kinds of dishes. Please see a sample page for Dietary Menu.

What if I get sick up the mountain?

You shouldn't worry- You are in safe hands. Our guides are professionally trained to handle all sorts of distress and respond quickly and accordingly. They all have Wilderness First Aid Responder qualification and they will all time bring you to safety. They will directly call for an emergency evacuation if the situation worsens.

When and where does the tour start?

The tours are scheduled to start in Moshi, departing on Daily basis. However, circumstances like clients’ arrival time, activities to be done and client’s preference could affect the program. Our company is flexible for such arrangements and adjustments. Normally the program starts around 7:30 AM

When and where does the tour End?

The tours are scheduled to End in Moshi. You may also wish to be dropped outside Moshi at an extra cost depending on the place of drop off. However, our travel specialists will need to know your specific drop-off point prior to the hike to get aligned with the program

REQUEST TRAVEL PROPOSAL

TRIPS TO INSPIRE | OTHER SIMILAR TOURS YOU MAY LIKE

Experience the thrill of Kilimanjaro with our carefully designed hiking tours. Each tour guides you safely and comfortably to the summit while letting you enjoy the mountain’s stunning landscapes. Whether you are a first-time climber or an experienced trekker, our expert guides and well-planned itineraries make every step of the journey unforgettable.

6 Days
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$ 2,020
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The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize. However, overall, the Umbwe route is not recommended and we discourage its usage for our clients.

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The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking panoramic views from multiple sides of the mountain. As one of the newer and less crowded routes, Lemosho provides an ideal balance of stunning landscapes, peaceful trekking, and a high summit success rate. At HWS Adventures, it is our preferred route, and most of our clients choose Lemosho for their Kilimanjaro climb. Feedback from hikers consistently highlights its beauty, comfort, and unforgettable experience.

The journey begins at Londorossi Gate, situated at an altitude of 2,360 meters, on the western approach to the mountain. The trail winds through lush rainforest, home to some of the region’s most unique wildlife, before continuing to the mountain’s third summit at Shira Ridge. This carefully planned route offers excellent acclimatization, making it both safe and highly rewarding for climbers seeking a memorable adventure to the Roof of Africa.

Tour Type

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7 Days
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The Umbwe Route is a short, steep, and direct trail, known as the most demanding way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Its rapid ascent means it provides limited opportunities for proper altitude acclimatization, making it suitable only for very strong and experienced hikers. While the route sees minimal traffic and offers a sense of solitude, the overall chances of summit success are lower compared to other trails.

At HWS Adventures, we recommend a minimum of six days for the Umbwe Route, with seven days being ideal to improve acclimatization. However, due to its extreme difficulty and limited recovery time, we generally advise our clients to consider alternative routes that provide a safer, more rewarding, and highly scenic experience on Kilimanjaro.

Tour Type

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What customers have to say: about what we do

At HWS Adventures, we’re proud to have earned the trust and smiles of many happy travelers. Our Tripadvisor reviews reflect real experiences from guests who explored Tanzania with us and loved every moment. Here’s what they say about their adventures with HWS!

Zara L
Zara L
2025-12-16
Verified
Dream trip to the roof of Africa Climbing Kilimanjaro was a dream come true and George and his team made our journey to the roof of Africa so enjoyable. The team of guides looked after our group so well. They were all really knowledgeable and made us feel safe and empowered to complete the trek. They regularly checked our oxygen levels, ensured were were drinking enough water and paced us well to acclimatise to the altitude.On summit day George was determined to get me to the top after I fell behind the other two members of my group. He carried my pack, sang to me, comforted me when I cried, and was so patient even when I was walking slower than I thought was humanly possible. I eventually made it to the summit thanks in no small part to him.George always had the safety and comfort of our group in mind. For example, on summit day he made the decision for us to descend to a lower camp than planned for our final night due to the time spent at altitude that day (as I was slow).The whole team of porters were so friendly and professional and felt like family by the end of the trip.I dream of climbing Mount Meru next and will definitely do it with HWS Adventures when I do.
Diane B
Diane B
2025-11-24
Verified
Couldn’t have been better! George provided the best experience possible for my mom and me. From the first meeting and kind, specific instructions and tips, we knew we were in good hands. George’s entire team was experienced, friendly, welcoming and accommodating! The work these people do to provide comprehensive guidance is phenomenal! I would definitely choose George to climb with again. My mom was able to make it to the top at 81 years of age, thanks to George and his brother, Kaburu’s special attention.
Yuhki H
Yuhki H
2025-11-22
Verified
Kilimanjaro Machame Route and Safari This summer, my father and I traveled with HWS Adventures. We climbed Kilimanjaro together and followed it with an incredible safari an experience we still think back to all the time.We chose the Machame route, which turned out to be perfect: stunning scenery, enjoyable hiking, and not overwhelmingly difficult. Our guides were exactly what you’d hope for funny, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. They checked on us every day, made sure we were feeling well, adjusted our pace, and planned breaks so we wouldn’t overexert ourselves. Something we valued greatly about this company is that the porters are paid fairly and their wellbeing is clearly taken seriously.The safari was just as memorable. We spent three days exploring the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, seeing incredible wildlife up close. The lodges were wonderful comfortable and located right inside the parks, so we were surrounded by nature at all times.All in all, it was a fantastic trip for me and my dad one we will never forget.
Dan F
Dan F
2025-11-12
Verified
Excellent adventure to to roof of Africa My kids and I had the pleasure of having George and his team for our expedition to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro via the 7 day Lemosho trail. George and the team were excellent, professional, hard working and saw to our every need while on the mountain. They set up our camp every day, carried our camp bags, cooked all of our meals and even accommodated our food restrictions. He even offered to carry my day pack for me when he saw that I was struggling a bit near the summit. We all successfully summited with their help, encouragement and songs. I can't wait to go back and do the safari next time with George!
Cindy W
Cindy W
2025-11-09
Verified
Amazing experience with George We completed an incredible 7-day trip to Tanzania that included a Kilimanjaro day hike and a safari experience in December 2024. While we didn’t go on safari with George, he was instrumental in organizing and planning every detail of our journey. From the very start, his responsiveness via WhatsApp made it easy to customize our itinerary, and his careful coordination ensured everything ran smoothly.George also personally led us on our Kilimanjaro day hike, guiding us with patience and enthusiasm while sharing local insights that made the experience unforgettable. Though we’re not long-distance hikers, he made sure the route fit our pace perfectly.Thanks to George’s thoughtful planning and the team’s dedication, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure was seamless from start to finish. The Serengeti luxury camp was a highlight, and we can’t recommend this experience highly enough.
Paul C
Paul C
2025-10-30
Verified
Greatest hike of my life The overall experience was so wholesome and fun. We had a great time getting to know all the porters and guides. George and his crew were squared away and very professional! We did a 6 day hike and after we did the safari. I will definitely be coming back to do another trip in the future!

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Our team takes collective decades of experience, local knowledge, and true understanding of the needs of our guests to curate custom safari experiences that keep our guests returning for the trip of a lifetime – time after time!

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