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Kilimanjaro Climb
Machame Route
The Most Scenic Route on Kilimanjaro
About
Known as the "Whiskey Route," Machame is one of the most beautiful and diverse routes on Kilimanjaro. It passes through multiple ecological zones — rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacier terrain — offering a visually stunning experience at every stage.
The route provides excellent acclimatisation through the "climb high, sleep low" approach, giving trekkers strong summit success rates. The 7-day version adds an extra acclimatisation day at Karanga Camp, further improving chances of reaching the summit.
Key Information
Duration
6 or 7 days
Best Season
January – March, June – October
Starts At
Moshi, Tanzania
Success Rate
90%
Group Size
1–8 people
Itinerary
Day 1 of 7
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate. Once registration is complete, the trek begins through lush rainforest.
The trail can be steep and muddy, with roots and uneven terrain. You may spot monkeys and unique plant life along the way.
Machame Camp sits above the forest with views of the plains below.
1,828m to 3,032m
10.75km
4-5 hours
Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
The trail climbs steeply out of the forest into moorland. The landscape opens up with volcanic rock formations and giant heather.
Views of Kibo and Mount Meru may appear if the weather is clear. The pace slows to support acclimatization.
3,302m to 3,850m
5.3km
4-6 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
This is an important acclimatization day. You hike across the Shira Plateau toward Lava Tower (4,530m), where lunch is taken.
Afterwards, you descend to Barranco Camp, following the "climb high, sleep low" principle.
3,850m to 3,986m
10.75km
6-8 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
You begin by climbing the Barranco Wall, then continue through Karanga Valley before reaching Barafu Camp.
This is your summit base camp. The environment is dry and exposed. Early dinner and rest are essential.
3,986m to 4,640m
8.5km
6-8 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Night 4: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Summit climb starts at midnight. The ascent is slow and steady, reaching Stella Point at sunrise.
From there, continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
4,640m to 5,895m
4.86km
7-8 hours
Day 5: Summit to Mweka Camp
Descend to Barafu for breakfast, then continue down to Mweka Camp via the Mweka route.
5,895m to 3,106m
11.5km
6-7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Certificates are awarded before transfer back to your hotel.
3,106m to 1,633m
9.1km
3-4 hours
Breakfast & Lunch
Pricing
Per person in USD.
| Group Size | 6 Days |
|---|---|
| 1 person | USD 3,333 |
| 2 people | USD 2,540 |
| 3 people | USD 2,270 |
| 4 people | USD 2,060 |
| 5 people | USD 2,014 |
| 6 people | USD 1,993 |
| 7 people | USD 1,967 |
| 8+ people | USD 1,945 |
| Group Size | 7 Days |
|---|---|
| 1 person | USD 3,676 |
| 2 people | USD 2,844 |
| 3 people | USD 2,546 |
| 4 people | USD 2,319 |
| 5 people | USD 2,270 |
| 6 people | USD 2,242 |
| 7 people | USD 2,216 |
| 8+ people | USD 2,191 |
Prices include all services listed under "What's Included". International flights and personal equipment are not included.
What's Included
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- All airport and Two nights accommodation on a bed & break fast basis (one night before the trek and one night after the climb)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
- Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and permits
- Camping or hut accommodation fees (depending on the route selected)
- Crater camping fees (where applicable)
- Emergency rescue service fees
- Premium-quality four season mountain tents
- Comfortable high-density sleeping mattresses
- Experienced, professional and friendly mountain crew, including certified Wilderness First Responder guides, cooks and porters
- Three freshly prepared and nutritious meals per day during the trek
- Safe, filtered, and treated drinking water throughout the climb
- Hot water for basic washing during the expedition
- Fair wages and Ethical treatment of all mountain staff in accordance with KINAPA & KIPAP standards
- All government taxes and statutory charges
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Certified English-speaking mountain guide (other language available upon request)
- Pulse Oximeter and first aid kit
- Private portable toilet with privacy tent
- Mountain communication radio for safety and emergency support
- Official Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate
Not Included
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania visa fee (approx. $50–100 depending on nationality)
- Travel insurance (altitude coverage required)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment rentals
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended $250–350 per participant)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Photos
FAQ
Why is Machame called the Whiskey Route?
The nickname comes from the contrast with the Marangu "Coca-Cola" Route. Machame is steeper and more challenging, hence the stronger drink. Despite being harder, its scenic beauty and acclimatisation profile make it one of the most popular routes.
What is the difference between 6 days and 7 days on Machame?
The 7-day version adds an extra night at Karanga Camp between Barranco and Barafu. This additional day significantly improves acclimatisation and is our recommended option for most trekkers.
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Quick Facts
- Duration6 or 7 days
- Best SeasonJanuary – March, June – October
- Starts AtMoshi, Tanzania
- Success Rate90%
- Group Size1–8 people