6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb – with Impala Explorer

Climb Africa’s tallest mountain through the famous Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route”. This 6 Days Kilimanjaro trekking itinerary is perfect for adventurers with previous trekking experience and a desire for a challenging and rewarding journey.

With a total trail length of 65 km, the Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular Kilimanjaro climbing routes, offering diverse landscapes—from lush rainforest and alpine meadows to volcanic rock formations and snow-capped summit views.

At Impala Explorer, we recommend the 6-day version of this route for climbers with a good level of fitness and a strong will to summit. For higher success rates and more gradual acclimatization, we also offer a 7-Day Machame Route climb. Join us on this unforgettable expedition to Uhuru Peak (5895m)—the highest point in Africa!

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Moshi

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Impala Explorer driver will meet and escort you to your hotel in Moshi town. After hotel check-in, you'll be briefed about your upcoming trek and your Kilimanjaro mountain guide will inspect your gear. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or exploring Moshi.

Day 2: Moshi – Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m)

After an early breakfast, drive with Impala Explorer to Machame Gate for registration with TANAPA. Begin your trek through the rainforest where you may spot Colobus monkeys and exotic flora. Reach Machame Camp in the late afternoon, where your tents, hot drinks, and dinner await. Hiking Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: ~11 km
Vegetation: Rainforest

Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3840m)

Climb through heather and moorland terrain as you leave the forest behind. Trek up the Shira Plateau with panoramic views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro's Western Breach. Camp at Shira Camp and enjoy a warm dinner prepared by your Impala Explorer mountain chef.
Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: ~9 km
Altitude Gain: 2980m to 3840m

Day 4: Shira Camp – Lava Tower (4630m) – Barranco Camp (3950m)

Ascend toward the dramatic Lava Tower (4630m) for lunch and acclimatization. Many hikers start to feel the effects of high altitude here. After lunch, descend to Barranco Camp to "climb high and sleep low", an excellent strategy for adjusting to altitude. Stunning sunset views await below the Great Barranco Wall.
Hiking Time: 6-8 hrs
Distance: ~12 km
Altitude: 3840m → 4630m → 3950m

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga – Barafu Camp (4550m)

Climb the Barranco Wall, then hike across the Karanga Valley and up to Barafu Camp, your base for summit night. The exposed terrain here demands proper layering and caution. After an early dinner and summit briefing from your Impala Explorer guide, rest up before the midnight ascent.
Hiking Time: 7-9 hrs
Distance: ~9 km
Altitude Gain: 3950m to 4550m

Day 6: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3100m)

Begin your summit attempt at midnight under the stars. Trek to Stella Point (5685m), then on to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the roof of Africa! Capture your once-in-a-lifetime moment at the summit before descending back to Barafu for lunch, and continuing down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Hiking Time: 11-14 hrs
Distance: ~17 km
Elevation: 4550m → 5895m → 3100m

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi

Celebrate with your team after breakfast. Sing, dance, and tip your amazing Impala Explorer crew before descending to Mweka Gate to receive your Kilimanjaro certificate—green for Stella Point, gold for Uhuru Peak. Afterward, drive back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration dinner.
Hiking Time: 3 hrs
Distance: ~10 km
Elevation: 3100m to 1980m

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey home or continue your Tanzanian adventure with a safari or Zanzibar beach holiday with Impala Explorer.

📞 Book Your Kilimanjaro Adventure Now!

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro with confidence. Choose Impala Explorer for a safe, scenic, and unforgettable trekking experience via the Marangu Route.

Rates including VAT

Rates Including VAT
Price (USD)	Per Person	No. of Persons Traveling Together
$1880	Per Person	1
$1760	Per Person	2
$1700	Per Person	3
$1640	Per Person	4
$1600	Per Person	5
$1580	Per Person	6
$1500	Per Person	7 or more

Items Included in the Price & Not Included:

Items Included	Items Not Included
Transport from the arrival point to Moshi	Extras in the hotel
Transport from Moshi to the departure point	Drinks other than water
Accommodation before the climb	Tips to mountain crews
Accommodation after the climb	Meals in Moshi
All accommodations in huts on the mountain	Personal gear like sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.
Park fees on Kilimanjaro	Flights
Rescue fees on the mountain (by car)	Anything not listed above
3 meals daily on the mountain
Sleeping and dining huts
Guide and porters
Cooks and waiters
First aid kit
Service of an English-speaking mountain guide
Transportation to the mountain
Transportation from the mountain
All government taxes
Oximeter on the mountain