Why Choose Machame Route?

Scenic Variety

Offers diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert, known as the "Whiskey Route" for its challenging but rewarding nature.

High Success Rate

80-85% summit success due to excellent acclimatization profile with the "climb high, sleep low" strategy.

Popular Choice

Second most popular route after Marangu, offering a good balance of challenge and scenic beauty.

Pricing Options

Choose the duration that fits your schedule and budget

7 Day Trek

Recommended

Ideal balance of acclimatization and duration with good success rate

Good success rate (80-85%)
Optimal acclimatization
Classic Machame experience

Prices:

1 person: $2,200
2-5 persons: $1,800/person
6+ persons: $1,700/person

6 Day Trek

Good option for experienced hikers with limited time

Moderate success rate (75%)
Faster ascent
More challenging

Prices:

1 person: $2,000
2-5 persons: $1,700/person
6+ persons: $1,600/person

Route Overview

Days

62km

Distance

80-85%

Success Rate

Moderate

Difficulty

Route History

The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is one of Kilimanjaro's most scenic paths. It was developed as an alternative to the Marangu Route, offering trekkers a more varied landscape and better acclimatization profile through its climb-high-sleep-low approach.

This route has gained popularity over the years due to its high success rates and stunning scenery. It's considered one of the classic routes on Kilimanjaro, known for its beautiful approach through multiple climate zones.

Why Machame Stands Out

What makes Machame special is its combination of varied scenery, good acclimatization profile, and reasonable challenge level. The route approaches from the southwest and traverses beneath Kilimanjaro's southern ice field, offering spectacular views and excellent acclimatization.

Pro Tip

The 7-day Machame itinerary includes an important acclimatization day with a hike to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending to Barranco Camp (3,970m). This "climb high, sleep low" strategy significantly improves your chances of reaching the summit.

Detailed Itinerary

7-day Machame Route schedule with elevation profile

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you'll meet your guide and have a pre-climb briefing to discuss the adventure ahead.

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Begin your trek from Machame Gate, hiking through lush rainforest to Machame Camp. The forest is rich with wildlife and vibrant plant life, offering a great start to the climb.

Duration

5-7 hours

Distance

11 km

Elevation Gain

+1,200m

Camp Altitude

2,835m

Machame Gate

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Leaving the rainforest, you enter the heather and moorland zone, which provides breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau. Reach Shira Camp and experience the vast, open landscapes.

Duration

4-6 hours

Distance

5 km

Elevation Gain

+850m

Camp Altitude

3,750m

Shira Camp

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Continue across the Shira Plateau towards Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp, nestled between towering cliffs. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy helps with acclimatization.

Duration

6-7 hours

Distance

10 km

Elevation

3,750m → 4,630m → 3,970m

Camp Altitude

3,970m

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Start with the challenging Barranco Wall climb, then continue to Karanga Camp. This day involves some scrambling but rewards you with incredible views and is essential for acclimatization.

Duration

4-5 hours

Distance

5 km

Elevation Gain

+65m

Camp Altitude

4,035m

Karanga Camp

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Hike to Barafu Camp, your final base camp before the summit. Prepare for an early start the next day for the summit attempt. Rest and hydrate at this altitude.

Duration

3-4 hours

Distance

4 km

Elevation Gain

+638m

Camp Altitude

4,673m

Barafu Camp

Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Begin the final ascent around midnight, aiming to reach the summit by sunrise. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, celebrate before descending to Mweka Camp for rest.

Duration

10-12 hours

Distance

15 km

Elevation

4,673m → 5,895m → 3,068m

Camp Altitude

3,068m

Uhuru Peak - Highest Point in Africa

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Complete the final leg of your trek as you descend to Mweka Gate. Here, you'll receive your summit certificates before transferring back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.

Duration

3-4 hours

Distance

10 km

Descent

-1,428m

Gate Altitude

1,640m

Mweka Gate - Journey's End

Trip Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Two nights accommodations in Moshi
Transfer to and from the mountain
18% VAT (Value Added Tax) on tour fees and service
Park fees
4-season mountain tent
Mess tents, lanterns, chairs, tables
Three hot meals daily on the mountain
Hot water for washing
Fair wages for the mountain crew: guides, cook, and porters
Emergency oxygen tank

Exclusions

Visa fees
Flights
Travel insurance
All items of personal nature
Lunch, dinner, and drinks at your hotel
Tips for the team: guides, cooks, and porters

Recommendation Tips:

Guide: $20-$25/day
Cook: $15-$20/day
Porters: $10/day

Additional Costs

Portable flash toilet: $100 for the entire trek
Extra hotel night in Moshi: Double room $100, Single $80
Extra porters for excess gear: $10/day

Requirements:

Good physical condition (for hiking and safaris)
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies
Visa
Appropriate clothing for hot and cold temperatures
Camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing (Optional)

Pricing Information

Our Kilimanjaro pricing is subject to availability and may change without notice. The price is only guaranteed once paid for in full or in installments. Prices quoted are subject to changes outside our control, which may increase the cost of the product or service.

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