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 9-day itinerary is ideal for hikers with a good level of fitness seeking an unforgettable challenge on Africa’s highest mountain.
HOME → Climbing Kilimanjaro → Kilimanjaro via Machame 9 days
1. QUICK FACTS
START POINT
Machame Gate
1,800 meter
END POINT
Moshi
HIGHEST POINT
Uhuru Peak
5,895 meter
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
ACCOMMODATION
Camping
SUCCESS RATE
85 - 90 %
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?
Stunning landscape and divers scenery
SCENIC & BEAUTIFUL
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
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Lodge
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Genes Adventures representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Kilimanjaro Lodge (Supporting Mama Clementina Foundation) in Moshi. After check-in, you can relax, recover from your journey, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
After a long international journey, a full day of rest is the ideal way to prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure. Take time to recover, enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the lodge and allow your body to adjust before beginning the climb. After breakfast, your Head Mountain Guide will meet you for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing. During this meeting, the entire itinerary will be explained, all equipment will be carefully checked and any remaining questions can be answered. Should you require additional equipment, high-quality rental gear is available through Genes Adventures, ensuring you start your climb fully prepared and with confidence.
In the afternoon, you are warmly invited to visit the nearby MCF School (on weekdays when the school is in session). This special visit offers the opportunity to meet the children and teachers and experience first-hand the positive impact of the Mama Clementina Foundation. By choosing to stay at Kilimanjaro Lodge, you are doing more than booking a comfortable place to stay before your climb — a significant portion of your accommodation directly supports the education and future of local children. Since 1988, the Mama Clementina Foundation has been empowering girls and boys through education, giving them opportunities for a brighter future. Please note that school visits are not possible during weekends and school holidays.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Diner
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Lodge
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 an early breakfast, you will be picked up from Kilimanjaro Lodge and transferred to Machame Gate. Following registration, your climb begins through the dense montane rainforest, where giant ferns, ancient trees and abundant wildlife create an unforgettable first impression of Kilimanjaro. By late afternoon, you reach Machame Camp, your first campsite on the mountain.
Start Point: Machame Camp (2,835 m)
Habitat: Moorland
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.
End Point: Shira Cave Camp (3,840 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 4 – 6 hours
Camp: Shira Cave Camp
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: Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 7-9 hours
Camp: Bararfu 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)
Habitat: Arctic Zone
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.
End Point: Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 10-14 hours
Camp: Mweka Camp
Start Point: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
End Point: Moshi
Habitat: Heat &Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Lodge
Before leaving Mweka 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 final descent leads through beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate, where summit certificates are awarded before returning to Kilimanjaro Lodge. Relax, enjoy a refreshing shower and celebrate your successful climb.
Your Kilimanjaro adventure has come to an end. Depending on your international flight schedule, you will be picked up from Kilimanjaro Lodge and transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey back home. As you depart, take with you not only memories of reaching the Roof of Africa, but also the spirit of adventure and the connections made along the way. From all of us at Genes Adventures, thank you for sharing this incredible journey with us — we hope to welcome you back to Tanzania one day.
Note: Should you wish to extend your journey, it is of course possible to add a private safari to Tanzania's iconic national parks and/or a relaxing beach stay on Zanzibar. We are happy to tailor this entirely to your wishes.
Meals: Breakfast
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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All accommodations as outlined in the itinerary
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All transfers 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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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
$ 2,560
2
PERSONS
$ 2,235
per person
4
PERSONS
$ 2,180
per person
6
PERSONS
$ 2,125
per person
