Overview
Known as the "Whiskey Route" due to its challenging nature, the Machame Route is one of the most popular routes up Kilimanjaro. It offers a steeper and more demanding climb but rewards trekkers with stunning views and a rich variety of landscapes. The route begins in the rainforest and transitions through moorland, alpine desert, and finally to the arctic conditions at the summit. Climbers encounter key landmarks such as the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and the Barranco Wall.
Start your adventure with an early morning pick-up from your hotel at 6:30 AM. After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Machame Gate in a 4×4 vehicle, with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro if the weather permits. Upon arrival, meet your experienced guide and porters. After registration, begin your trek through the lush rainforest, hiking for approximately 4 to 5 hours to reach Machame Camp. In the late afternoon, take a short acclimatization walk to a higher altitude before returning for dinner and an overnight stay at Machame Camp.
Walking Duration and Distance: 5-7 hours, 11 km
Overnight: Machame Camp
Meals: Full board
After a hearty breakfast, continue your ascent through short savannah, forest, and other unique vegetation zones. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route before arriving at Shira Camp 2 in the afternoon. Here, you’ll have dinner and spend the night.
Walking Duration and Distance: 4-6 hours, 5 km
Overnight: Shira Camp 2
Meals: Full board
Today’s trek takes you through semi-glacial and sandy landscapes. After a slow and steady hike with a picnic lunch, you’ll reach Barranco Camp in 6-8 hours. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Barranco Camp.
Walking Duration and Distance: 6-8 hours, 10 km
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Full board
Begin the day with a climb up the steep Barranco Wall, followed by a trek along the ridge to Karanga Valley Camp. This shorter trek is designed for acclimatization, ensuring you are well-prepared for the higher altitudes ahead.
Walking Duration and Distance: 4-5 hours, 5 km
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Full board
Proceed along an easy path on compacted scree with panoramic views, gaining altitude steadily to reach Barafu Hut. After lunch, take a short acclimatization walk to the plateau at the base of the southeast valley. Spend the remainder of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent.
Walking Duration and Distance: 4-5 hours, 4 km
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Full board
Awake at 11:30 PM for a light breakfast before beginning your final ascent. Trek to Stella Point in approximately 5-6 hours, then continue to Uhuru Peak, reaching the summit in about 45 minutes. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, descend to Barafu Hut for a brief rest and breakfast. Continue your descent to Mweka Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Walking Duration and Distance: 11-14 hours, 17 km
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Full board
Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign the register and receive your summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates, while those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. Enjoy a celebratory drive back to Arusha for a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and relaxation.
Overnight: Accommodation of your choice in Arusha
Meals: Bed and Breakfast
Estimated Price: Please contact us for an accurate quotation.
Price includes:
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Mountain transfer for the hike and pick-up after the hike
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- All meals as stated in the itinerary
- Camp accommodation during the climb
- Quality, waterproof private mountain tents
- Professional, experienced mountain guides
- All park fees (7 days)
- All camping fees (6 nights)
- Rescue fees (7 days)
- Guides, porters, and cook salaries
- Mess tents with tables and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
- Clean and purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Insurance and ethical treatment of porters
- Camping mattress
- All government taxes
- Emergency evacuation by Flying Doctor Society of Africa
- Certificate award for successful summit attempt (Gold for Uhuru Peak and Green for Stella Point)
Price excludes:
- Tips to the crew
- Visa & flights
- Personal items (souvenirs, laundry, travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, beverages, etc.)
- Optional activities not stated in the itinerary
Safety and Preparedness:
We prioritize your safety and well-being with comprehensive emergency procedures, including first aid supplies, summit supplements, and pulse oximeters to monitor your condition throughout the climb.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
