6 days Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route in Tanzania

4.8 (4 reviews) Arusha, Tanzania
Duration6 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English, French, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Machame Route. Also known as the Whisky Route, this trail is both longer and slightly more challenging than the Marangu Route. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. The route is better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route. Provided of its challenge about 85% of hiker makes to the summit of Africa.

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • 2 nights accommodation
  • National Park fees
  • Round-trip shared transfer
  • Dinner
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Landing and facility fees

What to expect

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    12h · Admission ticket included
    Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journeys pass through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, 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 to 3000m, 6000ft to 10,200ft
    Distance: 11km
    Hiking time: 5-7 hours
    Vegetation: Montane Forest
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    12h · Admission ticket included
    After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

    Elevation: 3000m to 3840m, 10,200ft to 12,600ft
    Distance: 5km
    Hiking time: 4-5 hours
    Vegetation: Moorland
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    12h · Admission ticket included
    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.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664 ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

    Elevation: 3800m to 4630m to 3986m, 15,000ft to 13,700ft
    Distance: 11 km
    Hiking time: 5-7 hours
    Vegetation: Semi-desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    12h · Admission ticket included
    After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 13,779 ft), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

    Elevation: 3900m to 4600m, 13,007ft to 15,295ft
    Distance: 9 km
    Hiking time: 8 hours
    Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    12h · Admission ticket included
    Very early in the morning (midnight 12:00am),, we continue our way to the summit. 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 (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).

    From Stella Point, you will encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent.

    Elevation: 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m) 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)
    Distance: 5km ascent / 12km descent
    Hiking time: 6-8 hours ascent / 3 hours descent
    Vegetation: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka gate
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    12h
    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). Twende Africa Tours vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).

    Elevation: 3100m to 1830m, 10,200ft to 6000ft
    Distance: 10 km
    Hiking time: 3-4 hours
    Vegetation: Forest

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Arusha
Arusha, Tanzania
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The traveler will meet a person at the airport wearing a company T-shirt holding a board with your name on it.

End point
Arusha
Arusha, Tanzania
Open in Google Maps

The traveler will meet a person at the airport wearing a company T-shirt holding a board with your name on it.

Pickup details

The traveler will meet a person at the airport wearing a company T-shirt holding a board with your name on it.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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4.8 (4)
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