The Machame Route is one of the most popular on Kilimanjaro, offering both great scenery and challenges. At a total length of 65km, Machame (Whiskey Route) is one of the most popular for Kilimanjaro climbers
Embark on a stirring, thrilling hiking adventure through the wilderness to the roof of Africa.
Breathtaking adventure on the slopes of the highest mountain of Africa - Kilimanjaro.
Have a lifetime of memories of the mesmerising panoramic vistas on Africa at its rawest from Uhuru Peak
Itinerary in brief
Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 2: Trekking from Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Day 3: Trekking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Day 4: Shira to Barranco Camp via an Asscent to Lava Tower
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga
Day 6: Karanga to Barafu Camp
Day 7: Summiting on Uhuru Peak and descent to Millennium Camp
Day 8: Mellennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Day 9: Depart Kilimanjaro
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
Take a few extra days and visit Arusha, Serengeti and Ngorongoro in Tanzania
Combine Tanzania with neighbouring Kenya and experience the Serengeti & Masai Mara with our Best of Kenya and Tanzania package
If you are up for some more trekking you cant go past seeing the Uganda Gorillas
Or if you just need some time relaxation time why not have some beach time with a side trip to the Island paradise of Zanzibar which is home to some of the most idyllic, unspoiled beaches in the world
Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport
You will be collected by one of our staff at Kilimanjaro Airport for transfer to your hotel as per the programme booked. After some rest at the Hotel where you can avail yourself of all its amenities including hot showers, comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi and swimming pool, a briefing and pre-climb check of your readiness will be conducted by your climb manager.
no meals included
Day 2: Trekking from Machame Gate to Machame Camp
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro
National Park's entrance:
Machame Gate (1,800 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp (3,010 m). The first stage of climbing Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes, but also your raincoats.
Change in Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800 m) -Machame Camp (3,010 m)
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Day 3: Trekking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp (3,845 m). On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Physically speaking, the trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking.
When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 300 meter gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp you will be served a hot dinner.
Trekking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp:
Change in Elevation: Machame Camp (3,010 m) - Shira Camp (3,845 m)
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m)- Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m)
Hiking distance: 2 km
Hiking time: 1–2 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Day 4: Shira to Barranco Camp via an Asscent to Lava Tower
After breakfast you will leave Shira Camp (3,845 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be.
Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail.
Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) - Lava Tower (4,630 m) - Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga
Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry; our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then descent back down to the camp.
Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp:
Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) - Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) - Destination point en route to Barafu Camp (4,270 m)
Hiking distance: 2.5 km
Hiking time: 1–2 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Day 6: Karanga to Barafu Camp
In the morning after breakfast you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m), the starting point for a night summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax.
After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.
Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp:
Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) - Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Hiking distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) - Kosovo Camp (4,800 m)
Hiking distance: 2 km
Hiking time: 1–2 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Day 7: Summiting on Uhuru Peak and descent to Millennium Camp
Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of climbing Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions.
After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).
Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) - Millennium Camp (3,820 m) Hiking distance: 15 km
Hiking time: 8–12 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Day 8: Mellennium Camp to Mweka Gate
The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m).
After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.
Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) - Mweka Gate (1,650 m)
Hiking distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Day 9: Depart Kilimanjaro
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Breakfast included.
Departs - Daily
Accommodation
Camping
Walk-in 2.5 metre x 1.8 metre tents, Altezza Tents, specifically adapted for Kilimanjaro adventures
The North Face VE-25 tents, tested in Everest expeditions
Fully catered camping - professional mountaineering chefs, cutlery, crockery, chairs and tables included
All meals included
Portable showers and toilets available upon request
Aishi Machame Hotel
The hotel is situated at the foothills of the Mount Kilimanjaro. The ambiance here is unique – surrounded by the African wilderness, this place is a real hideaway from bustling civilization and a perfect place to unwind.
Aishi Machame Hotel features cosy garden view rooms, a swimming pool with a lounge zone, bar, restaurant and free Wi-Fi.
Altezza Lodge
Located 700 m from Police Academy Tanzania and offering an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi, Altezza Lodge provides accommodation in Moshi. There is a fully equipped private bathroom with bath and free toiletries. A continental or American breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. At the lodge you will find a restaurant serving African and European cuisine. At Altezza Lodge guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. A terrace can be found at the accommodation, along with a garden. Sport Stadium is a 19-minute walk from Altezza Lodge, while Kilimanjaro Hospital (Private) is 1.7 km from the property. Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.0 for a two-person trip.We speak your language!