6 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Machame Route

Tour overview

The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days, for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rain forest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.

Duration

6 Days

Tour Type

Location

Itinerary summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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No matter where you choose to begin your adventure, Golden Bamboo Tours stands ready to cater to your every requirement. Our specialty lies in crafting personalized itineraries designed for discovering the most remote destinations.

Itinerary Details

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 & Excludes

All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.

Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance fees

Clean purified drinking water

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

International or Local Flights

Optional activities

Alcoholic and soft drinks

Visa fees

Tips

Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.

Travel insurance

Snapshots from Our Tour Experiences

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Travelers Reviews
Oliver R
Oliver R
2023-12-12
Verified
THE BEST TOUR AGENCY FOR KILIMANJARO TREKKING AND WILDLIFE SAFARIES This was the first time I had travelled with Mr Lyimo . The company specialises in expert-led cultural and wildlife tours in Tanzania East Africa. Group numbers are small, accommodation at the hotel in Moshi Kilimajaro was comfortable and food excellent. The expert mountain and safari guide who accompanied us was outstanding - passionate, informative, engaging and entertaining. The itinerary for 6 days Climbing Kilimanjaro and 5 Days wildlife safari was very well thought out, combining leisure time with activity and not-to-be-missed opportunities to swim in the Kikuletwa Hot springs ( Maji Moto) . The client is obviously at the heart of the itinerary planning, and attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting a fun, relaxed, educational holiday with fine food - they will deliver! Thanks Mr Lyimo for your good arrangement.
TRAVEL J
TRAVEL J
2023-11-09
Verified
KILIMANJARO TREKKING , MATERUNI WATERFALLS,KIKULETWA HOTSPRINGS AND WILDLIFE SAFARI We booked a trip to Tanzania East Africa with Mr. Mboya the owner of Golden bamboo tours is the best corporate travel agent i have everworked with ..From a customer experience perspective, hes service is superlative.. He is the most responsive agent i have ever worked with 10 years, and he makes every transaction 100% stress free. This trip was incredible ,from day one our tour guide was amaizing. caring and very knowledgeable ..the hotel and food was good .actual your was also incredible.. Thank Mr Mboya , Lyimo And everyone who made possible this unforgettable experience.
Mary M
Mary M
2023-08-02
Verified
5 DAYS LUXURY LODGE SAFARI AND DAY HIKKING MATERUNI WATERFALL AND CHEMKA The. Trip was very well organised and everything went to plan.. We enjoyed the site's The first hotel was very basic but very friendly and helpful.. The hotel had very friendly staff and lovely room.. Abdi, Exaud, was a great guide, genuinely loved his country and interested in its history. He was very courteous,considerate and informative throughout our travels..he appeared very well read and informed on current affairs generally with a good command of English.. Our trip to Tanzania was amazing! This was our first trip to Tanzania and it been the best trip in our life.. All thanks to the local agent in partnership with Abdi in Tanzania..... Excellent recommendations and customer service,
Pinary T
Pinary T
2023-07-25
Verified
6days Mount Kilimanjaro trekking via Marangu route and Coffee tour at Materuni village.. Thank you Godliving for making the Tanzania trip a wonderful Mount Kilimanjaro trekking experience for us. We had absolutely great time and the hotels were Salinero to stay at. The hotels were is located outside the city and were very easy to commute around. Despite the time difference, you helped us with all the queries and there were no hiccups throughout our trip. We are sure will come back to travel Tanzania East Africa and take your help in the future to book our trips. A big thanks to you once again. wishing you the best. .....
Katerin Jamie
Katerin Jamie
2023-07-19
Verified
Kilimanjaro trekking And Safari We traveled to four locations in Tanzania East Africa.. Kilimanjaro mountain, Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro conservation area., Tarangire national park. Trip arrangement Was good, The hotels in all locations were fantastic. We had a mountain Guide and safari driver Who took us to some wounderfull locations, top of the mountain Kilimanjaro the highest peak of Africa, endless plan area The home of wildlife, (Serengeti national park), we saw some beautiful scenery and wildlife and ate some amazing food.... Thank you so much all are made our trip memorable.......
Marlin Alexander
Marlin Alexander
2023-07-19
Verified
Trekking and wild safari Excellent.....this was the first time to travel with golden_bambootrekkingandsafaris ,it was a wounderfull organized trip to Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti national park Tanzania. The choice of accommodations and the dinning locals never disappoint. It is the best holiday we have ever hard,,many thanks for all..

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