Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
The Machame Route is known as the “Whiskey Route” in comparison to Marangu’s “Coca Cola Route”. This is because Machame is a more difficult route, and does not have sleeping huts for accommodation. Machame is the second most popular route on the mountain.
What's included
Private transportation
Hot Water For Wash
Filtered water throughout the trek
Lunch
All Fees and Taxes
Dinner
Breakfast
Sleeping mountain tents
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
Flights, Visas & Insurances
Items of Personal Nature
Laundry Services
Tip for your Mountain Crew
Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages
Personal Trekking equipment not included in the itinerary
What to expect
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Machame
5h
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
You will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, passing through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave park gate behind, our walk starts through the rain forest on a winding trail up the ridge. At some sections the trail can be muddy and slippery, so the gaiters and trekking poles are good to bring. At the end of today’s trek lies Machame Camp, where we stay for the night.
Day 2: Machame Camp To Shira Camp
Machame
6h
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The second day continues through increasingly sparse trees and bushes into moorlands. The day finishes with Shira Camp, which is on a small plateau in the high moorlands and features views of Kibo in the northeast and Mount Meru towards the west. White-necked ravens can be seen throughout the day. There is also a set of small caves a short walk from the campsite known as the Shira Caves.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Machame
8h
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
Today’s route turns east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower. Lunch will be served in a designated area before ascending the rocky path to Lava Tower. After lunch, your descent again to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, you will feel the actual benefit of acclimatization. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Machame
5h
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, finally, we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Machame
4h
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, finally, we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit Uhuru Peak, and Descend to Mweka Hut
Machame
8h
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. The last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. At the rim, we will reach Stella point, from where we have a further hour to Uhuru Peak. After a short stop for taking photos, we descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on past Millenium camp down to Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with the strength left from the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha
Machame
3h
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at the village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Meet at The Hotel
End point
Meet at The Hotel
Additional information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
