Machame Route
About this Tour
- 6 Days
- 5 Nights
Area to Visit
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, one of the most scenic and popular trails on the mountain. Often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is known for its diverse landscapes, dramatic views, and excellent acclimatization profile.
This route ascends through lush rainforest, vast moorlands, alpine desert, and finally the icy summit zone. With its climb-high, sleep-low approach, the Machame Route offers a higher success rate for reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), making it ideal for trekkers seeking both challenge and breathtaking scenery. All nights are spent in tents, supported by an experienced mountain crew.
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Full Itinerary
- Arrival Day – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. You will meet your mountain guide for a full briefing, equipment check, and itinerary review. The rest of the day is free to relax and prepare for the climb.
Meal Plan: Dinner
- Day 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,200 m (1,800 m to 3,000 m)
Habitat: Montane Rainforest
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration before starting your trek through dense rainforest. The trail winds beneath towering trees draped in moss, with chances to spot blue monkeys and forest birds. The ascent is steady, allowing gradual altitude adjustment.
You arrive at Machame Camp in the afternoon, surrounded by forested slopes and misty mountain air. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 840 m (3,000 m to 3,840 m)
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
The trail climbs out of the rainforest into open heathland, revealing expansive views of the Shira Plateau. Vegetation changes to giant heathers and volcanic rock formations as the air becomes cooler and drier.
By afternoon, you reach Shira Camp, set on a high plateau with sweeping views of Kibo Peak. The rest of the day is for rest, hydration, and acclimatization.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3: Shira Camp – Barranco Camp
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 800 m ascent / 680 m descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today follows the climb-high, sleep-low principle. You hike up toward Lava Tower (4,630 m), an important acclimatization point, crossing an increasingly stark alpine landscape. After lunch near Lava Tower, you descend into the scenic Barranco Valley.
Barranco Camp sits beneath the imposing Barranco Wall, surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. This is one of the most beautiful camps on the mountain.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp
Distance: ~9 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 700 m (3,960 m to 4,673 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble offering fantastic views once completed. The route then traverses ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Valley for a short rest.
You continue to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Distance: ~17 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,222 m ascent / 2,800 m descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic Zone
Shortly after midnight, begin the summit ascent toward Stella Point (5,756 m), moving slowly in the cold and darkness. From here, you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, arriving around sunrise.
After celebrating and taking photos, descend carefully to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Hotel
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,600 m (3,100 m to 1,500 m)
Habitat: Montane Rainforest
The final descent leads through lush rainforest, with fresh air and green scenery marking your return to lower altitudes. At Mweka Gate, you complete park formalities and receive your summit certificate.
You are then transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
- Departure – Transfer from Hotel to Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price Includes
Price Excludes
The quoted price includes the following:
Professional English-speaking mountain guide
Porters for luggage (1 porter per 2 climbers)
4×4 transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to hotel and back
Bottled mineral water during the trek
All park and camping fees, including Kilimanjaro National Park entry
Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Summit certificates upon successful climb
All Tanzanian government taxes and service charges
Trekking equipment guidance and assistance (maps, route briefing, safety support)
The quoted price does not include the following:
International flights to / from Tanzania
Visas and airport departure taxes
Personal items (snacks, toiletries, clothing)
Laundry service on the mountain or at the hotel
Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
Alcoholic or soft drinks not listed in the itinerary
Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking)
Optional activities (e.g., cultural visits, extra day excursions)
Any last-minute changes requested by the client
Price Includes
From the moment you arrive until your departure, we make sure you are free to relax and enjoy your safari.
- English-speaking chauffeur/guide
- 4×4 Land Cruiser vehicle
- Bottled mineral water while on safari
- Transfers to /from airport / airstrip upon arrival/departure
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- All park entrance fees
- Activities as specified in the itinerary
- All Tanzanian government taxes & service charges
Price Excludes
The quoted price does not include the following:
- All International flights to / from Tanzania
- Visas
- All items of a personal nature
- Laundry service at your lodges
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks while on safari
- Travel Insurance
- Optional activities (Hot Air Balloon in Serengeti).
- Last-minute changes made by you
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