Kilimanjaro Trekking
Machame Route
Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is relatively brief but still presents a challenging climb. It isn’t technically challenging, but it is quite demanding, featuring numerous steep paths that need additional strength and physical fitness to navigate.
However, Machame is a highly rewarding path, featuring stunning landscapes like Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and Shira Plateau, which is why it is regarded as the most picturesque route. There are 6- and 7-days option to trek Machame route, the shorter option does not include acclimatization day to get used to the high-altitude conditions. Unlike other routes, accommodations along the Machame route are in tents and this requires extra strength to complete.
Number of Days
6 Days
Price
From $ 1750
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Tour Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Tour Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel to Machame gate. As soon as you arrive, your guide will begin the formalities (entrance forms) while you watch the various teams and mountain crew prepare for their expedition. Clients always find it fascinating to observe the loading of all the various items for the journey. Once all is ready, your adventure to climb Kilimanjaro will commence.
Today’s goal is to arrive at the Machame Camp, which you should reach in approximately 5 to 6 hours. Along the way, you will encounter a magnificent rainforest featuring ancient trees, primordial ferns, lianas, and lichens, to name just a few. Another favorite to observe on this day is the black and white thumbless colobus monkeys. Upon reaching your campsite for the evening, you can take some time to unwind before savoring a well-deserved meal made by our personal chef. Morning Meal, Midday Meal, Evening Meal.
- Elevation: 1790m to 3010m
- Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Experience the rich biodiversity of the rainforest
- Wildlife: Look out for monkeys, birds, and other forest creatures.
Day 2: Machame camp to Shira Camp
The stretch today is shorter than yesterday, you will reach today’s destination around midafternoon. As we find our way to Shira Camp the landscape changes dramatically from the green mountain rainforest into moor and heath land. From your campsite located at the Shira Plateau, you will enjoy a stunning view of the mountain range. The Kibo glacier also illuminates as the sun goes down in the evening. Morning meal, Midday meal, Evening meal.
- Elevation: 3010m to 3845m
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Moorland Zone: Explore alpine meadows and unique vegetation.
- Mountain Views: Panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the valleys below.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower Hut to Barranco Camp
Today is an ideal day for the body to adapt for the upcoming days. You will ascend about 700m but will rest at an elevation not significantly greater than the previous night. We will begin at Shira Plateau and ascend to Lava Tower, standing at approximately 4640m; after a break, we’ll proceed through Barranco Valley until we arrive at our daily goal, the stunning Barranco Camp.
- Elevation: 3845m to 4640m to 3960m
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Alpine Desert: The terrain becomes drier and rockier.
- Barranco Wall: Admire the dramatic Barranco Wall (climb it tomorrow).
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
The first section for today is to climb the ‘Barranco Wall’. Utilize your hands and feet. Safety is crucial, and you will be protected if needed, though it appears more intimidating than it truly is. The path goes on with several rises and dips, fording some streams, meandering and ascending, pausing for lunch in the Karanga Valley.
Following lunch, there will be an additional 2 to 3 hours of climbing until you arrive at Barafu Camp (4640m). This evening, hydrate well, make an effort to eat, and turn in early to ensure you rest adequately before the trek to the summit tomorrow. Morning Meal, Midday Meal, Evening Meal.
- Elevation: 3960m to 4640m
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Barranco Wall: Tackle the famous rock climb.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy incredible views of the mountain and valleys.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
You will be awakened during the midnight hours with a cup of tea and a cookie. Bundled up warmly and equipped with a headlamp and your daypack, you will begin your journey in the dark. After 5 to 7 hours of climb, you will arrive at the crater’s edge, Stella Point. An additional one to two hours of leisurely walking along the crater’s rim will lead you to the top – Uhuru Peak (5895m).
Gazing down at the landscape beneath you in the early morning light will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. You have now arrived at the ‘Roof of Africa’. The descent ought to be simple yet dusty, since the volcanic ash will have thawed by now. Retracing your steps, you will reach Barafu Camp in a matter of hours, where the porters will have food and tea ready for you. After resting for one or two hours, you will proceed to Mweka Camp (3080m) for your overnight accommodation.
- Elevation: 3960m to 4640m
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Summit Push: Begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak at midnight.
- Descent: After summiting, descend back to Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to your hotel
Following breakfast, you will have a traditional farewell event organized by your entire mountain team. Following a brief 2–3-hour trek through the rainforest, our driver will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate. You will next return to Stella Maris Lodge for a well-deserved shower, a refreshing drink, a debriefing session, and the presentation of your achievement certificate. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and contemplate this unique experience you’ve had.
- Elevation: Final descent
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
- Highlights: Celebrate your success at Mweka Gate before heading back to Arusha.
