6 Days Machame Route
The Machame route, known as the “Whiskey” route, is considered more challenging and expensive than the Marangu route. It is one of the best options for climbing Kilimanjaro due to its effective acclimatization profile and reasonable cost.
This route is ideal for adventurous trekkers with some hiking or backpacking experience. It offers stunning and varied scenery, but its popularity means it can be crowded. Approaching the summit from the southwest and descending via the Mweka route, it provides spectacular views of the Shira Plateau, an optional climb up Lava Tower, the Great Barranco Wall, and a traverse beneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.
The trail is steeper and more physically demanding than the Marangu and Rongai routes in some sections, but overall, it is more manageable. It offers excellent acclimatization opportunities with a “walk high, sleep low” strategy, helping climbers adjust to the altitude.
The Machame route takes trekkers through five diverse climatic zones, offering breathtaking landscapes. It also allows for a split pre-summit day, giving climbers a chance to rest before the final ascent. However, due to its popularity, expect to encounter many fellow climbers along the way.
Itinerary
Day 0: Pre-Trek Briefing
If you’ve opted for the airport transfer, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi.
Today, we will have a pre-trek briefing at your hotel. It’s recommended to arrive at least one day before the trek begins. We’ll review your equipment and provide any necessary rentals.
Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp
After breakfast, we drive from Moshi to Machame Gate (about 45 minutes). After passing through the village of Machame, we begin the trek. The path takes us through the rain forest, which can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are advised. We will reach Machame Camp for our overnight stay.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
- Distance: 11km/7mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
We leave the rainforest and ascend along a rocky ridge to the Shira campsite. The route heads west, crossing a river gorge, before arriving at Shira Camp.
- Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From Shira, we ascend the ridge towards the Lava Tower (4650m/15,250ft), also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” After passing the tower, we descend towards Barranco Camp, which helps with acclimatization.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
We begin the day with the challenging climb up Barranco Wall. Once we reach the top, we continue towards Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail, where we will rest at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
The trail continues up to Barafu Camp, where we will rest and prepare for summit day. This camp is on the South Circuit, offering magnificent views of Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
We begin the summit push very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am). The climb to Stella Point is challenging but rewarding with a stunning sunrise. After reaching Stella Point, we continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Afterward, we descend to Mweka Camp.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Summit)
- Down to: 3090m/10,150ft (Mweka Camp)
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast, we descend to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. The terrain can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. We’ll drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
Price Includes
- Four-Season Sleeping Tents: Twin-sharing, waterproof mountain tents.
- VAT (18%): Included in the package cost.
- Rescue Fees: Covered as part of park fees.
- Meals on the Mountain: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
- Transfers: Round-trip from Moshi hotel to mountain gate.
- Nutritious Food: Fresh, healthy meals prepared by mountain chefs.
- Professional Guides: Experienced, licensed guides for a safe climb.
- Purified Drinking Water: Provided daily.
- Sleeping Mattress: Comfortable mats for restful sleep.
- Conservation Fees: Included in park fees.
- Mess Tents: Dining tents with tables and chairs.
- Summit Certificate: Awarded to all who reach Stella Point or Uhuru Peak.
- Camping Fees: Included in park fees.
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder: For high-altitude safety.
- Staff Salaries and Fees: Fair wages and park fees for guides, porters, and cooks.
Price not Includes
- Alcoholic and Bottled Beverages: Not included.
- Online Payment Surcharge: 5% on advance and balance payments.
- Tanzania Visa: To be arranged by the traveler.
- Travel Insurance: Not provided.
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, and other personal costs.
- Flights: International and domestic airfare.
- Tips and Gratuities: For guides, porters, and staff.
- Hotel Accommodation: Available as an optional add-on.
- Personal Trekking Gear: Sleeping bags, boots, and clothing (available for rent).
- Unlisted Meals: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Optional Transfers: Available upon request.