Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route
The Kilimanjaro Machame Route, Favored by adventurous climbers, this route offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush rainforests to high-altitude glaciers, making it one of the most breathtaking trekking experiences in the world. Known for its steeper and more challenging terrain, the Kilimanjaro Machame Route provides better acclimatization due to its longer itinerary and gradual ascent profile. This increases the chances of a successful summit while allowing trekkers to enjoy stunning views of the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and Mount Meru.
From $. 1,771 USD* / 24/7 service / 6 days.
"Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route"
The Kilimanjaro Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic paths for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse terrain, the Kilimanjaro Machame Route is a favorite among climbers seeking a challenging yet rewarding adventure.
The Kilimanjaro Machame Route begins at Machame Gate, winding through lush rainforests before reaching the Shira Plateau. As climbers ascend, they pass through moorlands, an alpine desert, and finally, the icy summit zone. Each section of the Kilimanjaro Machame Route offers unique flora, fauna, and geological features, making the journey as captivating as the summit itself.
Unlike the Marangu Route, the Kilimanjaro Machame Route has longer trekking distances and steeper trails. However, its extended itinerary provides better acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit. Due to its gradual ascent profile, the Kilimanjaro Machame Route is a preferred choice for trekkers looking to maximize their adaptation to high altitudes.
While climbing the Kilimanjaro Machame Route, trekkers stay in well-established campsites, offering an immersive experience under the stars. The route is known for its camaraderie among climbers, with guides and porters providing essential support throughout the trek. This unique aspect of the Kilimanjaro Machame Route enhances the overall adventure.
Due to its popularity, the Kilimanjaro Machame Route can be busy, particularly during peak climbing seasons. However, the stunning scenery—including panoramic views of Mount Meru, the Barranco Wall, and the breathtaking glaciers—makes the Kilimanjaro Machame Route a favorite among those who seek an unforgettable trekking experience.
Though physically demanding, the Kilimanjaro Machame Route rewards determined climbers with awe-inspiring vistas and a profound sense of achievement. For adventurers looking for an exciting and scenic way to reach Uhuru Peak, the Kilimanjaro Machame Route is one of the best choices available.
Arrival in Tanzania: Drive to Arusha town
You’ll meet our ground handling team at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the delightful Accommodation in Arusha. Relax in your thatched cottage, savor the enchanting views of Mount Meru, and unwind on the private verandah. Located just outside the vibrant town of Arusha, and set in its own tropical gardens under the canopy of Mount Meru, the lodge provides a gentle introduction to the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Accommodations:
- Budget (1&2Stars): Nyumbani Hostel
- Standard (3stars): Planet Lodge.
- Semi-luxury (4stars): The Arusha hotel
- Luxury (5stars): Melia Arusha.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
• Distance: 11 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
• Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Heath
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
• Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
• Distance: 3 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us to your accommodation the deserved rest.
Accommodations:
- Budget (1&2Stars): Nyumbani Hostel
- Standard (3stars): Planet Lodge.
- Semi-luxury (4stars): The Arusha hotel
- Luxury (5stars): Melia Arusha.
Departing Tanzania or Going to Safari or Beach Extension:
Depending on your flight details, our driver will pick you from the hotel in Moshi and drive you to Kilimanjaro International airport for your flight back home. / If you choose to extend your Kilimanjaro adventure with Safari or beach extension we will proceed with the plan as your itinerary suggested.
Arrival in Tanzania: Drive to Arusha town
You’ll meet our ground handling team at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the delightful Accommodation in Arusha. Relax in your thatched cottage, savor the enchanting views of Mount Meru, and unwind on the private verandah. Located just outside the vibrant town of Arusha, and set in its own tropical gardens under the canopy of Mount Meru, the lodge provides a gentle introduction to the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Accommodations:
- Budget (1&2Stars): Nyumbani Hostel
- Standard (3stars): Planet Lodge.
- Semi-luxury (4stars): The Arusha hotel
- Luxury (5stars): Melia Arusha.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
• Distance: 11 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from Arusha to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
• Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Heath
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Karanga Camp
• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us to your accommodation the deserved rest.
Accommodations:
- Budget (1&2Stars): Nyumbani Hostel
- Standard (3stars): Planet Lodge.
- Semi-luxury (4stars): The Arusha hotel
- Luxury (5stars): Melia Arusha.
Departing Tanzania or Going to Safari or Beach Extension:
Depending on your flight details, our driver will pick you from the hotel in Moshi and drive you to Kilimanjaro International airport for your flight back home. / If you choose to extend your Kilimanjaro adventure with Safari or beach extension we will proceed with the plan as your itinerary suggested.
Price per Person in Us Dollars:
Group Size | 7 Days Machame Route | 6 Days Machame Route |
2 – 3Pax | $. 2,369 | $. 2,089 |
4 – 5 pax | $. 2,125 | $. 1,860 |
6 – 7 pax | $. 2,028 | $. 1,771 |
8 – 10 pax | $. 1,957 | $. 1,707 |
Number of Crew team based on group size
Crew | 2 – 3 pax | 4 – 5 pax | 6 – 7 pax | 8 – 10 pax |
Guides | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Porters | 9 | 18 | 24 | 28 |
Chef | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Total Crew | 11 | 21 | 29 | 33 |
Price Item Includes:
- 2 Nights’ accommodation at the hotel.(3-stars)
- Return transfers between the hotel to the start / finish point of a climb.
- All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping / hut fees and climbing permits.
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team).
- Chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter.
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).
- Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).
- All mentioned activities unless labeled optional.
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the Climb.
- Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
- Well maintained Camping equipment’s.
- Accommodation after Trekking
- Water for washing up daily.
- Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next camp.
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- All Airport Transfers.
Price Item Excludes:
- International and airport taxes.
- Travel Insurance.
- Passport and travel visa requirements (Tanzania visa is required).
- Customary tips for crew/day from group not from person (average tip is anything from USD $20/Chief guide | USD $15/assistance guide | USD $10/Chef | USD $5/@porter.)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Visa fees.- USD. 50/person
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania.
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Additional Private portable toilet on mountain – $100/group.
Practical information’s
- Children under 10 years are not allowed to Summit Kilimanjaro.
- The duration of transfers/walking are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions and customers fitness.
- A Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when enters Tanzania.
- Visas are available on arrival. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
What to Pack:
Communal equipment (tents, food, utensils, etc.) is provided. You are responsible for bringing the required, recommended and optional personal gear and equipment listed below. The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack. Be selective in what you take with you. Our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs. (15 kgs) of your personal belongings.
Technical Clothing
- Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
- Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down, warm
- Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
- Long Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
- Short Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
- Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper
- Hiking Pants
- Fleece Pants
- Shorts (optional)
- Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- Sport Bra (women)
Equipment
- Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons*
- Camp Pillow, inflatable (optional)
- Trekking Poles, collapsible (highly recommended)*
- Head lamp, with extra batteries
- Duffel Bag, 70L-90L, for porters to carry your equipment
- Daypack, 30L-35L, for you to carry your personal gear (recommended)
Other
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent, containing DEET
- First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer (REQUIRED)
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes (recommended)
- Snacks, lightweight, high calorie (optional)
- Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
- Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Headwear
- Face Mask (REQUIRED)
- Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
- Knit Hat, for warmth
- Balaclava or Buff (recommended)
Headwear
- Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
- Gloves, light
Footwear
- Hiking Boots or Shoes, warm, waterproof
- Socks, wool or synthetic
- Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Paperwork
- Trip Receipt
- Passport
- Visa (available to JRO)
- Immunization Papers
- Insurance Documents
Accessories
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
- Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
- Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
- Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (highly recommended)
- Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or Ziploc-Type Plastic Bags^ to keep gear dry and separate
*These items can be rented on location – payable in USD cash only.
^There is a general ban on plastic bags in Tanzania, but Ziploc-type bags are permitted for tourists.
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