Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Machame Route

The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro.  This popular route with paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of summit.

Duration: 6 or 7 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High

Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Moshi or Arusha city.

Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to Arusha city.

There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel.

If you have time, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.

Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: at your chosen Lodge/hotel.

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

Drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (30-45 minutes). The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, 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/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
— Distance: 11km/7mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Machame Camp

Day 3: Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

— Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi
— Walking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Shira Camp

Day 4: Hike Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp 

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 southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

— Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
— Distance: 10km/6mi
— Walking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

— Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. 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.

— Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
— Distance: 4km/2mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. 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, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

— Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
— Down to 3090m/10,150ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
— Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
— Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp

Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, and drive to Moshi or Arusha.

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). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

— Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
— Distance: 10km/6mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge

Day 9: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport

Drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure, or continue for your safari.

Meals included: Breakfast

INCLUDED IN THE TREKKING PACKAGE:

• Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
• Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
• Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
• Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
• Airport Transfers
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Drinking water and Full Board Meals
• All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits, and VAT
• Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
• Gate Transfers
• Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
• Portable Private Toilet and Porter
• Quality Imported Equipment

EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:

• Flights
• Visa fees
• Travel  or Medical Insurance  is required and you should ask for Recommendations
• Gamow Bag
• Medication
• Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
• Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
• Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
• Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain are $150 per room