Tanzania · 6 days · Budget
6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Route
The scenic Machame route — nicknamed the "Whiskey route" for its steeper, tougher character — camping through forest, the Shira plateau and the Barranco Wall to Uhuru Peak, descending by Mweka.
- Duration
- 6 days · 5 nights
- Countries
- Tanzania
- Starts
- Nairobi
- Ends
- Arusha
- Tier
- Budget
- Format
- Guided climb
01 / Overview
The journey in brief.
The scenic Machame route — nicknamed the "Whiskey route" for its steeper, tougher character — camping through forest, the Shira plateau and the Barranco Wall to Uhuru Peak, descending by Mweka.
This 6-day budget itinerary starts in Nairobi and ends in Arusha. Accommodation: Mountain hut/camp.
- Ideal for
- Fit trekkers · Scenic route seekers
- Safari style
- Budget · Climbing & Trekking
Destination guides: Mount Kilimanjaro
Route
Nairobi
Start
Arusha
Stop 1
Machame Gate
Stop 2
Machame Camp
Stop 3
Shira Camp
Stop 4
Barranco Camp
Stop 5
Barafu Camp
Stop 6
Uhuru Peak
Stop 7
Mweka Gate
Stop 8
Arusha
Finish
02 / Highlights
What stays with you.
- 01
Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
- 02
Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall
- 03
Climb high, sleep low acclimatisation
- 04
Camping under the stars
03 / Day by day
Travel it day by day.
6 days · driving times are approximate
Day 1 · Approx. 5–7 hours walking · 11 km
Arusha to Machame Camp
Drive about 50 minutes to the Machame gate (about 1,800 m) via Machame village. Walk through the rainforest on a winding trail — muddy in places, so gaiters and poles help — to Machame Camp (3,000 m).
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Machame Camp (tents)
Day 2 · Approx. 4–6 hours walking · 5 km
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Leave the forest and climb a steep, heather-covered ridge onto the Shira plateau to Shira Camp (3,840 m).
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Shira Camp (tents)
Day 3 · Approx. 6–7 hours walking · 10 km
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Climb east towards the Lava Tower (about 4,630 m), then descend into the Barranco valley to camp at about 3,960 m. Ending the day lower than its high point helps your body acclimatise for summit day.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Barranco Camp (tents)
Day 4 · Approx. 8 hours walking · 13 km
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Scramble up the Barranco Wall, cross the Karanga valley (lunch around 4,000 m) and join the Mweka trail up to Barafu Camp (4,600 m), with views of Kibo and Mawenzi. Early dinner and rest.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Barafu Camp (tents)
Day 5 · Approx. 6–8 hours up · 7–8 hours down
Summit Uhuru Peak and descend to Mweka Camp
Set off around midnight and climb heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim (5,756 m), then about an hour more to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa. Descend to Barafu for lunch and continue to Mweka Camp (about 3,100 m) in the upper forest.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Overnight
- Mweka Camp (tents)
Day 6 · Approx. 3–4 hours walking · 15 km
Mweka Camp to Arusha
Descend through the forest to the Mweka gate to collect your summit certificate, then continue to Mweka village to meet your vehicle back to Arusha.
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch
- Overnight
- End of safari
04 / Where you stay
Budget camps and hotels.
Named properties are the budget stays we use on this route. Where the itinerary says “overnight at the camp/lodge”, your quotation confirms the exact stay.
- On the mountain1 night
Machame Camp (tents)
- On the mountain1 night
Shira Camp (tents)
- On the mountain1 night
Barranco Camp (tents)
- On the mountain1 night
Barafu Camp (tents)
- On the mountain1 night
Mweka Camp (tents)
Quick planning facts
- Duration
- 6 days · 5 nights
- Countries
- Tanzania
- Starts
- Nairobi
- Ends
- Arusha
- Tier
- Budget
- Format
- Guided climb
- Accommodation
- Mountain hut/camp
- Best for
- Fit trekkers · Scenic route seekers
05 / What’s included
Clear from the start.
Included
- Shuttle bus between Nairobi and Arusha
- Two nights' hotel accommodation in Arusha, bed and breakfast
- Transfers to and from the mountain
- Mountain guides, porters and cook
- Tented camping accommodation on the mountain and camping fees
- Three meals a day on the mountain
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Summit certificate
Not included
- Tips for guides, porters and cooks
- Personal climbing gear, clothing and daypack
- Drinks and bottled water
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
06 / Pricing
Honest, complete pricing.
Prices are per person, in US dollars, for the complete 6-day package — not per day.
| Option | Complete package |
|---|---|
| From, per person | USD 1,850 |
Optional extras (not included)
- Extra acclimatisation day at Karanga CampQuoted on request.
07 / Good to know
Questions, answered.
Important notes
- Kilimanjaro climbs require a transfer from Nairobi to Arusha or Moshi the day before the trek (a preliminary day, not counted in the trek days). This is included as described below.
- Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Your guide may turn back if conditions or your health make continuing unsafe. Spending an extra day on the mountain improves acclimatisation and summit chances.
- A good level of fitness, warm layers, waterproofs and a four-season sleeping bag are essential.
- A seventh day (for example at Karanga Camp) is widely recommended for acclimatisation and can be added on request.
How much does this safari cost?
From USD 1,850 pp for the complete 6-day package (per person, complete package). Prices are per person in US dollars. The pricing section lists exactly what is included.
Where does the safari start and finish?
It starts in Nairobi and finishes in Arusha.
Is this a private or shared climb?
Your climb is supported by a dedicated guide, porters and cook. Joining other climbers on the same dates can reduce costs — ask when you enquire.
What accommodation is used?
The accommodation pattern is: Mountain hut/camp. Each night is listed in the day-by-day itinerary.
Can this itinerary be changed?
Yes. Dates, pace, accommodation level and the order of stops can usually be adjusted. Tell us what you have in mind when you enquire.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking for six to eight hours a day on rough ground for several days in a row. Altitude affects people regardless of fitness, so ask us about adding acclimatisation days.
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Ready to make this journey yours?
Tell us your dates, group size and travel style and our Nairobi team will tailor the safari.