Mt. Kilimanjaro Machame Route
7 Days 6 Nights
From
$2200
/pp
Overview
The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route”, is a favourite among trekkers seeking a challenging yet rewarding climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Unlike the easier Marangu Route (nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route”), Machame is steeper and more physically demanding, but also far more scenic.
- 🌿 Diverse Landscapes: The trail winds through lush rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and the dramatic Barranco Valley, offering ever-changing views and terrain.
- 📈 Excellent Acclimatization Profile: With its “climb high, sleep low” approach, Machame provides better altitude adaptation, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
- 🏕️ Camping Adventure: Unlike Marangu, with hut accommodation, Machame is a full camping experience, with tents set up at designated campsites each night.
- 🌄 Stunning Highlights: Trekkers pass through iconic spots like the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and the Barranco Wall, making every day a visual treat.
Included
- 🚐 Airport Transfers: Pickup and drop-off from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your hotel in Moshi (day before and after the trek)
- 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: One night in Moshi before your trek and one night after your descent
- 🎒 Baggage: Our dedicated porters will carry up to 14 kg of your personal gear
- 🍽️ Meals: All meals during your Kilimanjaro trek are fully included in the package price
- 🚰 Drinking water
- 🚙 Park Transport: Round-trip transfers to and from Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
- 🎟️ Park Entry Fees: All required permits and entrance fees
- 🚶 All itinerary activities
- 🧑🤝🧑 24/7 on-ground support: Experienced mountain guides, dedicated porters, and a skilled chef
- 🏕️ Camping Gear: Tents, sleeping mats, and sleeping bags provided
- 🚑 Emergency Support: Mountain rescue via ambulance if needed
Not Included
- ✈️ International flights
- 🛡️✈️ Travel Insurance
- 🛂 Tanzania entry visa
- 🏨 Extra hotel nights beyond those listed
- 🚐 Airport transfers if arriving more than 2 days before or leaving more than 2 days after the trek
- 🧺 Laundry services
- 🍺 Alcoholic beverages
- 💰 Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and chef (customary and appreciated)
- 🚁 Helicopter rescue services
- Any additional items not explicitly listed
Tour Details
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be greeted by your Kilimanjaro guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Once settled, your guide will conduct a detailed briefing and gear check to ensure you are fully prepared. Spend the evening at leisure, resting from your journey and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Meals Included: Dinner
Machame Camp Elevation: 2,835m / 9,301ft
Distance: 11km / 6.8miles
Duration: ~5 hours
After breakfast at your hotel, you will set off for a short drive to Machame Gate, the official starting point of your Kilimanjaro adventure. From here, begin your trek through the lush rainforest, where the trail winds beneath a canopy of towering trees and vibrant vegetation. This first day offers a gentle introduction to the mountain, with chances to spot monkeys, exotic birds, and unique flora. After a rewarding hike, you will arrive at Machame Camp, nestled in the forest zone, where a warm dinner and your first night under the stars await.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shira Cave Camp Elevation: 3,750m / 12,303ft
Distance: 5km / 3.1miles
Duration: ~6 hours
After breakfast, continue your ascent through the upper rainforest, where the vegetation begins to thin and give way to heath and moorland. The trail gradually opens up, revealing expansive views of the mountain and surrounding valleys.
As you cross the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic formations, you’ll be treated to breathtaking alpine scenery. Along the way, enjoy a short break and light snacks while soaking in the views.
You will arrive at Shira Cave Camp in time for a hot lunch, with the rest of the afternoon free to relax, explore the area, and acclimatize at higher altitude.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lava Tower Elevation: 4,600m / 15,091ft
Distance: 7km / 4.35miles
Duration: ~5–6 hours
Barranco Camp Elevation: 3,900m / 12,795ft
Distance: 3km / 1.86miles
Duration: ~2 hours
After breakfast, your journey continues southwest across the alpine terrain toward the striking Lava Tower, a volcanic formation standing tall at 4,600m (15,091ft). This challenging stretch covers 7km (4.35miles) and takes about 4–6 hours, offering a valuable acclimatization opportunity, a key strategy known as "climb high, sleep low" to help your body adjust to the altitude. At Lava Tower, enjoy a hot lunch and soak in the dramatic surroundings before descending to Barranco Camp. The 2 hour descent brings you to 3,900m (12,795ft), where you will be welcomed with dinner and a restful overnight stay beneath the towering Barranco Wall.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Karanga Camp Elevation: 3,995m / 13,106ft
Distance: 6km / 3.72miles
Duration: ~5 - 6 hours
After breakfast, gear up for one of the most thrilling sections of the climb, the Barranco Wall. This steep ascent takes about 3 hours and includes a memorable pass by the Kissing Stone (Jiwe la Kubusu in Swahili), a favourite photo spot for trekkers. At the top (4200m / 13779ft), enjoy a short break and light snacks while soaking in the panoramic views. Continue your trek with a 3km (~3hours) walk to Karanga Camp, where a hot lunch and a well-deserved rest await.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barafu Camp Elevation: 4,673m / 15,331ft
Distance: 4km / 2.5miles
Duration: ~4 hours
After breakfast, the journey resumes with a final push to Barafu Base Camp (4,673m / 15,331ft), covering 4 km (~4 hours). At Barafu, you will enjoy lunch, dinner and overnight rest, preparing for the ultimate summit attempt ahead.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Uhuru Peak Elevation: 5,895m / 19,341ft
Ascent Time: ~ 7 - 9 hours
Millennium Camp Elevation: 3,950m / 12,959ft
Descent Distance: 4km / 2.5miles
Your summit adventure begins just after midnight with a warm cup of tea or coffee and light snacks. Equipped with headlamps and determination, you will ascend steadily toward the Crater Rim, reaching Stella Point (5,756m / 18,884ft) in time for a breathtaking sunrise—a moment of awe and reflection as the sky ignites above the clouds. After a short break and photo stop, continue for less than an hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5,895m / 19,341ft). Celebrate your achievement with photos and a few unforgettable moments at the Roof of Africa. Then, begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and a well-earned meal. After recharging, continue down to Millennium Camp (3,950m / 12,959ft) for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 13.5km / 8.4miles
Duration: ~5 - 6 hours
After breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush and vibrant rainforest, where the trail winds beneath a canopy of ancient trees and the sounds of exotic birds fill the air. A gentle 2-hour trek brings you to Mweka Camp, where you will pause for a short break and snacks. From there, continue your descent for another 3 hours, to reach Mweka Gate where you will receive your summit certificates and celebrate your incredible achievement.
Your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and well-earned relaxation awaits.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
FAQ
🎒 Baggage & Packing
How much baggage can porters carry for me? Our dedicated porters will carry up to 14 kg of your personal gear, ensuring your trek is more comfortable and manageable.
What type of bag should I bring? For ease of transport, we recommend using a soft duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase.
Can you help me with packing? Absolutely! We provide a comprehensive kit list and expert guidance on essential items for a successful climb. Gear rental options are also available if you prefer not to purchase everything yourself.
Can I leave belongings not needed on the trek? Yes. Any items not required for the climb can be safely stored at the hotel until your return.
🍽️ Meals & Nutrition
Are meals included in the trek package? Yes. All meals are fully included in the package price, freshly prepared by our experienced mountain chefs to keep you energized throughout the journey.
What kind of food is served on the mountain? Expect hearty breakfasts, nutritious lunches, and warm dinners designed to fuel your climb. Meals are varied and balanced to meet the demands of trekking at altitude.
Can I bring my own snacks? Definitely. While we provide all main meals, you are welcome to bring extra snacks or personal favorites such as energy bars, nuts, or sweets for an added boost between meals.
High Season (June-October, December-March)
| Package | 1 Person | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2,000 | ||
| Classic | $2,200 | ||
| Premier | Upon request |