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6 Days
Daily Tour
28 people
English, French, Italian, Spain
Nicknamed the “Whiskey” route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than Marangu route.
On an overall comparison of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take, both in terms of acclimatization and cost.
The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.
In certain sections this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding but is easier overall.
Great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities.
Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones.
Good opportunity to split pre-summit day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting.
Very popular trail.
If you have opted for optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should plan to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today, we will conduct a pre-trek briefing, review your equipment, and rent any necessary gear.
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate (about 45 minutes), passing through the village of Machame on the lower slopes of the mountain.
We start the trek through rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. The lower elevations may be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. After a steady ascent, we reach Machame Camp.
📍 Elevation: 1830m/6000ft → 3050m/9950ft
📏 Distance: 11km/7mi
⏳ Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
🌿 Habitat: Montane Forest
🍽 Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we leave the rainforest and continue along a rocky ridge, crossing a valley before ascending to Shira Camp. This area offers stunning views and is characterized by moorland vegetation.
📍 Elevation: 3050m/9950ft → 3850m/12,600ft
📏 Distance: 5km/3mi
⏳ Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
🌿 Habitat: Moorland
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is crucial for acclimatization. We hike to Lava Tower (4650m), where we stop for lunch. Then, instead of descending to Barranco Camp, we continue directly to Barafu Camp, following the South Circuit, which provides excellent views of Kibo Peak.
📍 Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft → 4650m/15,250ft → 4700m/15,350ft
📏 Distance: 12km/7.5mi
⏳ Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
🏜 Habitat: Alpine Desert
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We start our summit ascent around midnight. The steep climb follows a scree-covered path to Stella Point (5756m), where we rest briefly before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating at the summit, we descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and then continue down to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.
📍 Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft → 5895m/19,340ft → 3090m/10,150ft
📏 Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
⏳ Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 5-6 hours down
🏜 Habitat: Ice-capped summit, Alpine Desert
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we continue descending through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we receive summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi (1-hour drive).
📍 Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft → 1680m/5500ft
📏 Distance: 10km/6mi
⏳ Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
🌿 Habitat: Forest
🍽 Meals: Breakfast
