Tanzania’s Leading Tour Operator
Kilimanjaro via Machame
The Machame Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and adventurous trails. Often referred to as the "Whiskey Route," it offers breathtaking landscapes, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and a rewarding summit experience. From lush rainforest to alpine desert and the glaciers of Uhuru Peak, this route showcases the mountain’s incredible diversity. The 7-day itinerary includes an additional acclimatization day, providing a higher summit success rate.
HOME → Climbing Kilimanjaro → Kilimanjaro via Machame 7 days
1. QUICK FACTS
START POINT
Machame Gate
1,800 meter
END POINT
Arusha or Moshi
HIGHEST POINT
Uhuru Peak
5,895 meter
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
ACCOMMODATION
Camping
SUCCESS RATE
90 - 95 %
2. ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Machame Route offers a spectacular journey through lush rainforest, open moorland, alpine desert, and the iconic Barranco Wall.
Its gradual climb and excellent acclimatization profile make it one of the most successful routes to Uhuru Peak.
3. WHY CHOOSE THIS ROUTE?
SCENIC & BEAUTIFUL
Stunning landscape and divers scenery
EXCELLENT ACCLIMATIZATION
High success Rate
CAMPING ADVENTURE
Sleep under the African stars
MOST POPULAR
Well-trodden path with great support
4. DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Start Point: Machame Gate (1,800 m)
End Point: Machame Camp (2,835 m)
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Camp: Machame Camp
After a short transfer from Moshi or Arusha, your adventure begins at Machame Gate. The trail winds through dense rainforest filled with towering trees, colorful birdlife, and playful colobus monkeys. As the path steadily climbs, the air becomes cooler and the mountain atmosphere begins to take hold. By late afternoon, you arrive at Machame Camp, where your mountain crew welcomes you to your first night on Kilimanjaro.
Start Point: Machame Camp (2,835 m)
End Point: Shira Cave Camp (3,840 m)
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 4 – 6 hours
Camp: Shira Cave Camp
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail climbs steadily into the open moorland zone. As the vegetation becomes smaller, breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the vast Shira Plateau begin to unfold. The landscape feels increasingly remote, offering a true sense of being high on Africa’s highest mountain.After a rewarding day of trekking, you arrive at Shira Cave Camp, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Start Point: Shira Cave Camp (3,840 m)
End Point: Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 6–8 hours
Camp: Barranco Camp
Today follows the important acclimatization principle of "walk high, sleep low". The trail gradually ascends to Lava Tower at 4,630 metres, where you have lunch surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes. From here, the route descends towards Barranco Camp, allowing your body to adapt to the altitude while enjoying spectacular views of the Southern Glaciers and the imposing Barranco Wall.The day ends at one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic campsites.
Start Point: Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
End Point: Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Camp: Karanga Camp
After breakfast, the adventure continues with the ascent of the famous Barranco Wall, one of the highlights of the Machame Route. Although some sections require the use of your hands for balance, the climb is not technical and rewards you with spectacular views across Kilimanjaro's southern slopes. From the top, the trail continues through alpine valleys to Karanga Camp. The shorter hiking day provides valuable time to rest, hydrate, and acclimatize before continuing towards the summit.
Start Point: Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
End Point: Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 7–9 hours
Camp: Barafu Camp
Today's highlight is the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most iconic sections of the Machame Route. The climb is rewarding rather than technical and offers spectacular views across the mountain. Beyond the wall, the trail traverses ridges and valleys before joining the southern circuit. As the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and barren, you continue towards Barafu Camp. After an early dinner, there is time to rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
Start Point: Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
End Point: Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Habitat: Arctic Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 10–14 hours
Camp: Mweka Camp
Around midnight, the summit ascent begins under a sky filled with stars. Guided by headlamps, you make your way towards Stella Point before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 metres. After celebrating this remarkable achievement and taking in the breathtaking views, the descent begins back to Barafu Camp for a short rest. The journey then continues down to Mweka Camp, where a well-earned night’s sleep awaits.
Start Point: Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
End Point: Moshi or Arusha
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Walking Time: 3–4 hours
Before leaving camp, there is time to celebrate your achievement together with the mountain crew. This is also the moment to thank the team and present the tips they have worked so hard to earn. The trail then descends through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where summit certificates are awarded before the transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
5. INCLUSIVE
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All national park, camping and rescue fees
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Professional mountain guides, mountain chef and support crew
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All meals as outlined in the itinerary
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Treated and boiled drinking water, coffee, tea, milk, juice and Milo provided throughout the climb
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High-quality camping equipment, including sleeping tents suitable for alpine conditions, dining tent and cooking equipment
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Private toilet tent with chemical toilet
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Emergency oxygen
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Daily health and safety checks
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Emergency evacuation cover
6. EXCLUSIVE
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International flights
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Visa fees and any applicable travel documentation
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Personal travel insurance covering trekking up to 5,895 metres
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Additional accommodation before or after the climb
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Transfers from/to Moshi or Arusha to/from designated park gate. Should you require them, we are happy to arrange these transfers at an additional cost
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Personal climbing equipment, including sleeping bag and sleeping pad
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Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and other personal drinks
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Personal snacks such as energy bars, protein bars, sweets and crisps
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Tips for the mountain crew (please refer to our Tipping Guidelines)
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Personal expenses and items of a personal nature
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Any government-imposed increases in taxes, park fees, rescue fees, VAT, or other mandatory charges will be passed on accordingly, even if the booking has already been confirmed and paid in full.
7. PRICING
1
PERSON
$ 2,255
2
PERSONS
$ 2,130
per person
4
PERSONS
$ 2,045
per person
6
PERSONS
$ 2,005
per person
