Overview
The Machame route begins at Machame Gate, at an altitude of 1800 meters, with an approach to the southwest of the mountain. It passes through majestic rainforest on the first day, before continuing up the mountain to reach Shira Camp, where the Lemosho route joins from the west. From here you traverse the southern side of the mountain to Barranco via Lava Tower and climb the Great Barranco Wall on your way to Barafu Camp. After reaching the summit, you will descend by the Mweka trail, rather than retracing your steps along the ascent route.
The Machame route is nicknamed the ‘Whiskey Route’ as it is considered more difficult than the ‘Coca Cola Route’, the nickname for the Marangu route. In reality, it is not more technically difficult but is longer and in places steeper. The longer distance and the opportunity to ‘walk high, sleep low’ offer much better acclimatization and as a result a very high success rate.
The Machame route is a good seven-day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatization, giving a better success rate. Experienced and already acclimatized mountaineers may opt for the more difficult 6-day ascent along the Machame route.
Full detailed Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will welcome you and transport you to Meru View Lodge in Usa River, near Arusha. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax or explore the town of Arusha. In the late afternoon, one of our Kilimanjaro team members will provide a briefing about your upcoming trek. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Meru View Lodge.
After breakfast, you’ll depart from your lodge and head to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. This is where your Kilimanjaro trek begins. As you journey through the lush rainforest, you’ll encounter ancient trees, primeval ferns, and unique flora like the Impatiens Kilimanjaro. Keep an eye out for black and white colobus monkeys. Upon reaching the campsite, relax, stretch, and savor a hearty meal before retiring to your tent for the night.
This leg of the journey involves a relatively early start, not for its length, but to ensure you arrive at Shira Camp in the mid-afternoon. As you ascend, you’ll witness the dramatic shift from lush rainforest to dry moor and heathland. The campsite provides a breathtaking view of the mountain range as Kibo’s glaciers glisten in the setting sun. Enjoy a well-prepared meal and retire to your tent.
Today focuses on acclimatization. The climb covers about 800 meters but the overnight camp is not significantly higher than the previous night. Starting from Shira Plateau, you’ll make your way to Lava Tower, where you’ll take a break before continuing through the Barranco Valley to Barranco Camp. The trek offers approximately 6 to 7 hours of adventure through the alpine desert and the Barranco Valley, adorned with lobelia plants and giant senecios. Enjoy a well-deserved dinner and rest at Barranco Camp.
Today, you’ll face the Barranco Wall, with your guide offering support every step of the way. The route involves numerous ascents and descents, further aiding acclimatization. The path leads you to the mountain ridge, offering scenic vistas of the desert and vegetation contrasts. Eventually, you’ll reach Karanga Camp after a 3- to 4-hour trek. Enjoy your evening meal and an overnight stay at Karanga Camp.
Awaken to the sunlight on Kibo Summit, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and set out for Barafu Camp, your destination for the day. Most of your journey will take you through dry, desert-like terrain with Kibo on your left. After 3 to 4 hours, you’ll reach Barafu Camp. Here, you’ll have an early dinner as the highlight of your trip, the final ascent, is only hours away.
Around midnight, your guide will wake you with tea and biscuits to prepare for the final ascent. Capture the incredible views and your achievement on film. Afterward, begin your descent back to Barafu Camp, where your team awaits with snacks and refreshments. From there, continue to Mweka Camp, your last night on Africa’s highest mountain.
After a delicious breakfast, enjoy a traditional farewell ceremony from your mountain crew before your final descent. You’ll trek through the rainforest, providing another opportunity to spot colobus monkeys. Your journey concludes at Mweka Gate, and you’ll be taken back to Meru View Lodge for relaxation and an evening by the pool. Dinner and overnight stay at Meru View Lodge.
After breakfast, you will be transported to Kilimanjaro Airport, or if you wish, you can extend your trip with a safari or a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
We have improved the readability and flow of your Kilimanjaro trek post by adding subheadings, using shorter sentences, and incorporating more transition words.
- Transfer to and from the pickup/drop-up point
- Accommodation before and after tour bed and breakfast
- 2 people sharing tent/huts on the mountain
- All Park/crater fees
- Rescue fees on the mountain (by car)
- 3 meals daily during the tour
- Sleeping and dining tents (all camping gear)
- Service of cooks, waiters, guides, and porters
- First aid kit
- Transportation to and from the mountain
- All government taxes
- Oximeter on the mountain
- English-speaking Private guide
- Private 4 x 4 safari jeep with pop-up roof for game viewing equipped with ice chest with mineral water, wildlife guidebooks
- Extras at the lodges i.e. telephone, laundry, etc.
- Drinks rather than water
- International flights
- Tips for safari/mountain crews
- Personal gear like sleeping bags, hiking poles on the mountain, etc.
- Other guides languages apart from English – they are available on a separate agreement
- Private portable toilet (available for $100) will need a toilet porter for $15 per day
- Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival, USA and CANADA passport holders USD.100
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (balloon rides USD. 500 per person etc)
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- And all those not listed in the INCLUDES LIST
Hopefully, you are interested
Kindly provide your personal information in the fields below, and our dedicated team will promptly respond to your inquiry at the earliest convenience. Thank you for reaching out to us.