Embarking on the Mount Kilimanjaro ascent through the Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, promises an extraordinary adventure. This route is one of the most captivating and scenic paths to conquer. All participants lodge in tents (inclusive of tents) and relish meals in a dinner tent or al fresco. Renowned for its high summit success rates, the Machame route’s unique topography encourages the practice of “trek high & sleep low,” fostering favorable acclimatization conditions.

Starting on the southwestern side of the mountain, the Machame route ascends steeply northward, traversing the Shira plateau and converging with the Shira and Lemosho routes at the Shira camp. The descent follows the Mweka trail, culminating at the Mweka or Millennium camp as the final night on the mountain.

DAY 1: KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP

• Altitude: 1800m/5,961ft to 3000m/9950ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 11km
• Walking/Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Machame Camp

Embark on your hike by driving from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1 hour). The journey transits through Machame village on the mountain’s lower slopes. Proceed from the park gate through the rainforest on a winding ridge trail. Lower elevations might feature muddy and slippery terrain, prompting the use of gaiters and trekking poles. The day concludes at Machame Camp.

DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP

• Altitude: 3000m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 5km
• Walking/Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Environment: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira Camp

Post breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and ascend via a rocky ridge to the Shira Plateau. Along the steep ascent onto the plateau, revel in stunning vistas, including the sight of Mt. Meru towering over Arusha City in the distance.

DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP

• Altitude: 3850m/12,600ft to 3900m/13,000ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 10km
• Walking/Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Environment: Semi-desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Progress to hike from the Shira Plateau eastward along a ridge, passing the junction to the peak of Kibo. Change direction to the South East towards the Lava Tower (elevation 4600m/15,250ft), then continue downward to Barranco Camp. The day’s high altitude, up to 4600m, adheres to the principle of “walk high, sleep low,” aiding acclimatization.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

• Altitude: 3900m/13,000ft to 4000m/13,250ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 5km
• Walking/Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Environment: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp

After breakfast, ascend the steep Barranco Wall ridge to Karanga Valley, connecting with the Mweka Trail. This short day is designed for acclimatization.

DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

• Altitude: 4000m/13,250ft to 4600m/15,350ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 4km
• Walking/Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Environment: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Continue to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit for diverse summit views. Camp at Barafu, rest, dine, and prepare for summit day.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT, DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP

• Altitude: 4600m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft, then down to 3090m/10,150ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 5km up / 13km down
• Walking/Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 5-7 hours down
• Environment: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Embark on your summit ascent around midnight, aiming for Stella Point. Witness a magnificent sunrise from Stella Point or the summit. Descend to Mweka Camp, passing Barafu for lunch. Prepare for gravel descent using gaiters and trekking poles.

DAY 7: HIKE DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE AND DRIVE TO ARUSHA

• Altitude: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 10km
• Walking/Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Environment: Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast

Descend to Mweka Park Gate to collect summit certificates. Lower elevations may be wet and muddy; gaiters and trekking poles are valuable. Continue to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will transport you to your Arusha hotel (approximately 2 hours).

Our pricing is based on per-person sharing, unless specified otherwise. Kindly consider the provided rates as indicative and subject to change:

All rates are contingent upon availability and are susceptible to alterations without prior notification. Additional charges for single accommodations may be applicable. Feel free to request a personalized quote or engage with our Tanzania Safari Experts to obtain the latest and most accurate rates.

THE PRICE FOR THIS ITINERARY INCLUDES:

• Accommodations as per itinerary
• Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Tours and entrance fees as per itinerary
• Transportation and transfers as per itinerary
• National Park gate fees
• Transport between Arusha and trailhead
• Camping fees
• Certified, experienced guides, cooks, and porters
• Salaries for all crew members
• Rescue fees as required
• Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, utensils
• Oximeters
• Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)

THE PRICE FOR THIS ITINERARY EXCLUDES:

• International and domestic flights
• Meals not listed
• Beverages and alcohol
• Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
• Single room supplement
• Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
• Tips for guides, porters, cooks
• Sleeping bags and personal gear