MACHAME ROUTE | KILIMANJARO DOUBLE - ROUTE TREK 2025
6 days Kilimanjaro hiking up via Machame route and hiking down via Marangu route probably has a slight edge on the scenery in large part because the route up and down is different, Regardless, both routes are scenic and traverse the same range of ecosystems from tropical jungle, to mountain heath, alpine and finally apex or arctic. But the challenge comes when client select this option will be required to pay the double fees which might be expensive compared to the normal 6 days Machame route package, where you descend via Mweka
ASCEND VIA MACHAME ROUTE – DESCEND VIA MARANGU ROUTE
The Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route, is the most popular and beautiful route to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. The climb begins in the lush rainforest and follows a path that offers occasional views of Mt Meru, Shira Ridge as well the main summit of Mt Kilimanjaro – Kibo. The six-day variation combines days four and five, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga. The Machame route contains more steep passages and higher altitudes than the Marangu and the Rongai route and is slightly more demanding.
Machame 8 days Itinerary
Below is the itinerary for 6 days double route kilimanjaro trekking via Machame. Normaly climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Machame takes 7 days reach to the the top.Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker (day three) which kickstarts the body’s adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires that a person be in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses. The seven day Machame variation is the ideal schedule for this route.
DAY 0: ARRIVAL AT ARUSHA/KILIMANJARO AIRPORT – MOSHI
Upon arrival at Arusha /Kilimanjaro Airport you will meet your Burigi Chato Safaris guide who will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi Tanzania (for budget hotels we recommend KILIMANJARO WHITE HOUSE HOTEL). Settle into your accommodation, relax and get used to the African atmosphere. Ready to start your 6 DAYS KILIMANJARO HIKING TOUR VIA MACHAME ROUTE (DESCEND VIA MACHAME ROUTE AND DESCEND VIA MARANGU ROUTE) the next day.
DAY 1: MOSHI – MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP
After breakfast you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate. While your guide is busy with the registration forms, you can be preparing yourself for the climb and once this is all done, your Kilimanjaro adventure will begin. In no time you will be deep within the magnificent mountain rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. You will hear and with a little luck, even spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After 5 to 6 hours, you will reach Machame Camp which is situated just above the tree line. Here, at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, you will have your first dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA 2 CAMP
After an early morning start, the path steepens. The landscape changes into heath and moorland and the open landscape allows you to see the impressive mountain range. Today’s stage is shorter than the previous day and you will arrive at the New Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp has a breath-taking view of the mountain and during sunset, the evening sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo.
DAY 3: SHIRA 2 CAMP – LAVA TOWER - BARRANCO CAMP
Today you will climb about 800 m but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatize as a height of over 4,500 m will be reached over the next two days.
The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower. From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft.
The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. The route passes through the sweeping Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp.
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP - BARAFU CAMP
Today’s stretch starts with the climb of the Barranco Wall. We leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Safety is paramount and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge as it traverses up and down, you can enjoy the splendid views of the south glacier of Kibo. In the Karanga Valley you will have lunch, followed by a 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp.
At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. Once at the camp, you can relax, have dinner and call it an early night.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP – UHURU PEAK – HOROMBO HUT
After a cup of hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep at Horombo Hut.
DAY 6: HOROMBO HUT - MANDARA HUT - MARANGU GATE - BACK TO MOSHI
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
Machame Price Inclusion
General
Accommodation
During the climb you will spleep in Tents
Food
Other
Not Included
The Booking Form
Machame
6 days Booking
A good percent of climbers choose this route, because it is scenery, yet pocesses
the most challenging climb.
Machame route is done in 6days
N.B: After you send your booking we will get back to you with in 24 hours.