Machame Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

  • Duration 7 days

Tour Overview

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.

Itinerary


If you have opted for the 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 be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.


Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner


After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner



From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/6mi
Climbing Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

African Sportless Safari vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Prices

No. of People 1 Person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7+ people
Price per Person $1,900 $1,880 $1,850 $1,700 $1,780 $1,750 $1,700


Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions
    CREW
  • Lead Guide(s), Assistant Guide(s), for 2+ people.
  • English Speaking & Wilderness First Responder Trained
  • Cook, Porters, equipment, personal client luggage (15 kg per client)
  • The ratio of porters per client is 4 to 5.

    • EQUIPMENT
  • Sleeping tent, 3-person size for 2 people
  • Sleeping mat, 2-inch foam
  • Pillow
  • Walk-in dining tent and table
  • Backed chairs
  • Wash basins with hot water each morning and evening

    • FOOD & DRINK
  • Three meals per day & afternoon snack during the trek
  • Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free upon request
  • Treated drinking water (minimum of 3L per day while trekking with additional water available at camp)
  • Coffee and tea during the trek

    • HEALTH & SAFETY
  • Pulse oximeter
  • Altitude sickness checklists
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency oxygen

    • PREPARATION & FEES
  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees and VAT.
  • Camping/hut, rescue, conservation and taxes
  • Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
  • Pre-trek briefing with your guide

    • ACCOMMODATION & TRANSFERS
  • Round-trip airport transfer between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Moshi
  • Round-trip transfer between Moshi and the park gate
  • Hotel stays in Moshi pre- and post-trek (2 nights total) on bed & breakfast.
Exclusions
  • Gratuities/tips
  • Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bag and clothing
  • Favored beverages (water, soda and alcohol at hotels)
  • Additional accommodation or meals resulting from early descent
  • Tanzania entry visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Domestic or international flights
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • NOTE, Additional accommodation nights for acclimatize is $ 150 for one room bed breakfast