Quick facts
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Location
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Summit
- Not guaranteed
Overview
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro - The Machame Route
The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accommodations found on the Marangu Route, climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents. The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days on the mountain.
However, it is most often tackled over seven days, for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rain forest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Machame Gate – Machame Camp
10.75K /7MI | 5-6 HRS | RAINFOREST. Elev 1811m to 3021m. Depart Moshi ~45min to Machame Gate, rainforest trail to Machame Camp. Muddy/slippery; gaiters/poles recommended.
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Day 2
Machame Camp – Shira Camp
5.3KM/3MI | 4-5HRS | MOORLAND. Elev 3021m to 3839m. Leave rainforest, rocky ridge, river gorge to Shira campsite.
Accommodation: Shira Camp
Day 3
Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
10.75KM/6MI | 5-6HRS | SEMI-DESERT. Elev 3839m to 3986m (via Lava Tower ~4650m). Climb high sleep low acclimatization day to Barranco Camp.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 4
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
5.2KM/3MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT. Elev 3986m to 4034m. Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 5
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
3.3KM /2 MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT. Elev 4034m to 4662m. South Circuit complete; prepare for summit. Overnight Barafu.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 6
Barafu – Summit – Mweka Camp
Elev 4662m to 5895m Uhuru Peak then down to 3106m Mweka. Midnight-2am start; Stella Point then Uhuru; descend via Barafu lunch to Mweka Camp.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 7
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
9.1KM/6MI |3-4HRS. Elev 3106m to 1633m. Certificates at gate; transfer to Moshi hotel.
Included
- Park fees, camping fees, Hut fees & rescue fees
- Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope with basic first kit
- Oxygen Cylinder
- Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
- 18% Value Added Tax on tour fees & services
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals) and 3 Season mountain tents
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Medically qualified mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
- Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing.
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi. Bed & Breakfast Basis with storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- 4-5 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
- Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.
Excluded
- Flights ( International)
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- 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 $150 per room
Need a custom itinerary?
Tell us your travel dates, group size and interests, and our Moshi team can help plan a tailored Kilimanjaro and/or safari itinerary.
- Standard trip: choose a published itinerary, request it, confirm the details with the team, then pay the confirmed deposit.
- Custom trip: share dates, group size and interests. The team plans the itinerary, sends a quotation, and confirms it before any deposit.
