Machame Route

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is renowned for its diverse landscapes, stunning views, and higher success rate compared to other routes, although it is considered moderately difficult.

Key Features:

  1. Length: Typically takes 6–7 days to complete, allowing moderate acclimatization.
  2. Scenery: Passes through dense rainforests, moorlands, rocky ridges, and alpine deserts, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
  3. Difficulty: More challenging than the Marangu Route due to steeper trails and longer distances, but manageable with good preparation.
  4. Crowds: A popular choice, so it tends to be busier, especially during peak climbing seasons.
  5. Route Layout: Uses a “climb high, sleep low” strategy, which helps improve acclimatization.

Other Destinations

Tanzania safari tours

8 days Via Lemosho Route

ITINERARY BRIEFING

  • TAILOR THIS PACKAGE
Day 1 : Kilimanjaro international Airport - Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and clearing customs, you’ll be greeted by our friendly driver and guide holding a sign with your name. They will assist with your luggage and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha city.

Once at your hotel, the driver will help with check-in and confirm the schedule for the following day. Depending on your arrival time, a sales representative may provide a brief overview, and your guide will check your climbing gear to ensure everything is prepared. If the briefing doesn’t occur on the day of arrival, it will be scheduled for the next morning before start trekking.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Arusha with bed and breakfast included.

Day 2 : Arusha city, machame gate to machame camp

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred from Arusha to Machame Village, where you can buy bottled water and receive a packed lunch. From there, you’ll travel to Machame Gate (1490m), either by vehicle or on foot, depending on road conditions. At the gate, porters will organize your gear while you and your guide complete the registration with Tanzania National Park.

Your hike will begin with an ascent through the rainforest, characterized by rain, fog, and muddy paths. Watch for Colobus monkeys and other wildlife as you trek. You’ll stop for lunch midway and reach Machame Camp (2980m) by late afternoon or evening

  • Driving Distance: 1640-2835 meters AML
  • Walking Distance: 11km / 5-7 hour
  • Starting/Ending Elevation: 1640-2835 meters AML
  • Nature of Trail: Steep
  • Vegetation: Tropical Rainforest
Day 3: Machame camp to shira cave

After breakfast, we’ll leave the rainforest behind and start our ascent, navigating through a valley and climbing a steep, rocky ridge covered in heath. As we continue upwards, we’ll move beyond the forest glades onto a path leading to the Shira Plateau, passing through heather and open moorlands. To reach Shira 2 Camp, we’ll cross a large river gorge before heading west. Upon arrival, we’ll set up camp, enjoy dinner, and prepare for a restful night.

  • Walking Distance: 5 km / 4 – 6 hours
  • Starting/Ending Elevation: 2835 AMSL – 3810 AMSL
  • Nature of Trail: Steep and rocky
  • Vegetation: Moorland

 

Day 4:Shira cave, lava tower to baranco camp

We’ll continue our trek east from the Shira Plateau, ascending a ridge and passing the junction towards Kibo Peak. Afterward, we’ll shift southeast to the Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after, we’ll reach a second junction leading up to Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet.

From there, we’ll descend to the Barranco Hut, situated at 13,000 feet, where we’ll rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night. Although we’ll end the day at the same elevation we started, this day is crucial for acclimatization, preparing us for the summit.

  • Walking Distance: 10 km / 7-9 hours
  • Starting/Ending Elevation: 3810 – 3976 AMSL
  • Nature of Trail: Steep and challenging
  • Vegetation: Alpine desert

 

Day 5: Baranco camp to karanga camp

After breakfast, we’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, a 257-meter rock face requiring basic scrambling skills to reach the top of Karanga Valley. The trail then involves a series of climbs and descents leading us to Karanga Camp at 3,960 meters, where we’ll stay overnight before heading to Barafu Camp the next day.

  • Walking Distance: 6.5 km / 4 – 5 hours
  • Starting/Ending Elevation: 3976 – 3995 AMSL
  • Nature of Trail: Steep incline and moderate to difficult
  • Vegetation: High alpine desert

 

Day 6: Karanga camp to barafu camp

On day six, we’ll enjoy a short and pleasant trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Base Camp, situated at 4,680 meters. We’ll connect with the Mweka trail along the way, using this easy hike to relax and prepare for the final ascent to the summit.

  • Walking Distance: 3.5 km / 3–4 hours
  • Starting/Ending Elevation: 3995 – 4673 AMSL
  • Nature of Trail : Steep incline and challenging
  • Vegetation: High alpine desertTop of Form
Day 7: Summit Attempt and Descent to Mweka Camp and Gate

We start at midnight with a challenging ascent through scree slopes to Stella Point. After reaching Stella Point, we’ll enjoy the sunrise (weather permitting) before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, we begin the descent, navigating loose gravel with gaiters and trekking poles. We head to Mweka Camp for a full board meal, then continue descending through the rainforest to Mweka Park Gate, where vehicles will take us to our hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

Walking Distances:

  • Summit Attempt: 4.3 km / 6-8 hours
  • Descent: 9.1 km / 3-4 hours

Elevation:

  • Summit Attempt: 4673 – 5895 meters
  • Descent: 3100 – 1640 meters

Trail Nature: Steep and challenging for both the ascent and descent.

  • PACKAGE INCLUDE
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi / Arusha (before & after the climb)
  • Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head.
  • Kilimanjaro National Park Permits, camping / hut fees, rescue fees and Value added Tax
  • Expert guide, assistant guides, chef and porters
  • Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
  • Mountain tents, double occupancy
  • Sleeping pad, foam, sleeping bag & trekking poles.
  • Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
  • Fresh nutrition meals on the mountain
  • Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport
  • All ground Transfers
  •  
  • PACKAGE EXCLUDE
  • International flights
  • Tanzanian Visa
  • Trekking gears rentals
  • Tips for guides and cooks
  • All things of personal nature
  • Extra meals and drinks
  • Extended tours