6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Climbing Experience

Embark on a 6-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, one of the most scenic and popular trails to Africa’s highest peak (5,895m/19,341ft). Known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame offers stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a high success rate for reaching Uhuru Peak.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Pre-Trek Briefing

• Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
• Meet & greet by a Severius Adventures and Travel representative.
• Private transfer to a luxury lodge in Arusha or Moshi.
• Trek briefing by the head guide.
• Gear check and rental of any missing equipment.

Luxury Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha / Kibo Palace Hotel

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

• Altitude: 1,800m (5,905ft) → 3,000m (9,840ft)

• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

• Distance: ~11 km (7 miles)

• Habitat: Rainforest

• Morning:

  • Depart Arusha/Moshi for Machame Gate (~1.5-hour drive).
  • Register with Kilimanjaro National Park.
  • Begin trek through lush rainforest, encountering monkeys, birds, and unique flora.

• Afternoon:

  • Arrive at Machame Camp (~3,000m).
  • Rest and acclimatization.

Overnight: Machame Camp (Tented Camp)

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

• Altitude: 3,000m (9,840ft) → 3,840m (12,600ft)

• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

• Distance: ~5 km (3 miles)

• Habitat: Moorland

• Morning:

  • Trek through steep ridges and open moorland.
  • Spectacular views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak.

• Afternoon:

  • Arrive at Shira Camp (~3,840m).
  • Short acclimatization hike available.

Overnight: Shira Camp (Tented Camp)

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

• Altitude: 3,840m (12,600ft) → 4,630m (15,190ft) → 3,950m (13,000ft)

• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

• Distance: ~10 km (6 miles)

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Morning:

  • Trek to Lava Tower (4,630m) for high-altitude acclimatization.
  • Scenic views of Western Breach and Kibo Glacier.

• Afternoon:

  • Descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m).
  • Crucial acclimatization day—hike high, sleep low.

Overnight: Barranco Camp (Tented Camp)

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via Karanga Valley

• Altitude: 3,950m (13,000ft) → 4,640m (15,223ft)

• Hiking Time: 7-9 hours

• Distance: ~9 km (5.5 miles)

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Morning:

  • Climb the Barranco Wall (fun, non-technical ascent).
  • Trek through Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp.

• Afternoon:

  • Rest and prepare for summit attempt.
  • Early dinner and sleep by 7:00 PM.

Overnight: Barafu Camp (Tented Camp)

Day 6: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak & Descend to Mweka Camp

• Altitude: 4,640m (15,223ft) → 5,895m (19,341ft) → 3,100m (10,170ft)

• Hiking Time: 12-16 hours

• Distance: ~17 km (10.5 miles)

• Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

• Midnight:

  • Start summit push at 12:00 AM.
  • Trek via Stella Point (5,739m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
  • Sunrise at the top of Africa! 🌅

• Morning:

  • Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for rest.

Overnight: Mweka Camp (Tented Camp)

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha

• Altitude: 3,100m (10,170ft) → 1,640m (5,380ft)

• Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

• Distance: ~10 km (6.2 miles)

• Habitat: Rainforest

• Morning:

  • Final descent through the rainforest.
  • Arrive at Mweka Gate to receive summit certificates.
  • Transfer back to Arusha/Moshi for celebration dinner.

Luxury Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha / Kibo Palace Hotel

Inclusions:

✔ Experienced mountain guides, porters, and chef
✔ All park fees and permits
✔ Luxury tented accommodation on the mountain
✔ All meals and drinking water
✔ Private airport transfers
✔ Kilimanjaro summit certificate

Exclusions:

✖ International flights
✖ Personal gear rental
✖ Travel insurance
✖ Gratuities

Why Choose the Machame Route?

✅ Best scenery – Rainforest, moorland, glaciers
✅ Higher success rate – Gradual acclimatization
✅ Adventure & challenge – Steeper but rewarding

This 6-day Kilimanjaro expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for trekkers seeking an unforgettable summit experience. Are you ready to conquer Africa’s tallest peak? 🏔🎉