Tour Overview
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 6-day trek offers stunning views, diverse landscapes, and a slightly more challenging climb than the Marangu Route. Starting from the dense rainforest at the base of the mountain, trekkers ascend through moorland, alpine desert, and finally to the snowy summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m). This route allows for good acclimatization due to its “climb high, sleep low” approach.
Key Highlights:
– Trek through five unique climatic zones.
– Stunning views of Mt. Meru, Kibo Peak, and the Shira Plateau.
– Overnight stays in scenic campsites along the way.
– Summit Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route’s beautiful southern circuit.
Tour Itinerary
- Elevation: 1,800m to 3,010m
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 11 km
- Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, you will drive to Machame Gate. After registration at the gate, your trek will begin through the lush rainforest, where you will likely spot blue monkeys and various bird species. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are helpful. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Machame Camp, where you will have dinner and rest.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner included
- Elevation: 3,010m to 3,845m
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Habitat: Moorland
Today, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and continue the ascent on a steeper path. The trail becomes rocky as you enter the moorland zone. The Shira Plateau offers breathtaking views of Kibo Peak. After a short rest and lunch break, you’ll continue to Shira Camp, where you will settle in for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
- Elevation: 3,845m to 4,630m (Lava Tower), then descend to 3,960m
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Habitat: Alpine desert
This is a crucial acclimatization day. You’ll hike to Lava Tower, an iconic rock formation that stands at 4,630m. The altitude will be noticeably higher, and some trekkers may begin to feel the effects. After lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp for the night. The descent helps your body adjust to the altitude, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Barranco Camp is set in a stunning valley, with views of the Great Barranco Wall.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
- Elevation: 3,960m to 4,640m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 4 km
- Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit. The trail is a short but steep ascent, passing through the alpine desert. Once at Barafu, you’ll rest, prepare your gear, and have an early dinner in preparation for the midnight summit push. You’ll sleep early as the summit attempt begins at midnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
- Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,080m (Mweka Camp)
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
- Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent
- Habitat: Arctic zone to rainforest
At midnight, you’ll begin the final push to the summit. This section is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek. The trail is steep, with switchbacks leading up to Stella Point (5,739m), where you’ll take a short rest and witness the sunrise. From Stella Point, it’s a short but tough hike to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
These inclusions and exclusions provide a comprehensive overview of what’s covered and what’s not in a trekking package.
Request this Trek
| No. of Pax | Price per Person |
| 1 Pax | $ 1750 |
| 2 Pax | $ 1650 |
| 3 Pax | $ 1540 |
| 4 Pax and More | $ 1500 |
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