About this route
Distance to trek: 62 kilometers
Optional Days to Climb: 6 or 7
The Machame route, often referred to as “the Whiskey Route,” is the second most popular option for climbing Kilimanjaro. This route offers a diverse range of scenic views, landscapes, and experiences. Situated on the southern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Machame Gate provides access to an exhilarating footpath that takes you through various climate zones, starting in the tropical forest and culminating in the Arctic desert at the summit.
The camps along this route are strategically positioned to facilitate a smooth and gradual acclimatization process. On the third day, the Machame Route converges with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes at Barranco Camp.
You have the option to choose between a six-day and a seven-day climb on the Machame Route. The seven-day option is often preferred for a more
Climb Mount Kilimnajaro: Machame Route (62km)
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Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Promised Kilimanjaro & Safaris representative, and transfer to the hotel in Moshi. In the evening there will be a briefing with our guides, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Your journey begins with a one-hour drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. Upon arrival, you'll complete park formalities, meet our team of dedicated porters, and embark on your climb. The initial leg of the route leads you through a lush and enchanting rainforest. While this path is less frequented, it may become somewhat overgrown in places and is often wet and muddy underfoot.
- Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Your journey persists as you ascend through the forest until you reach the steep climb to the Shira Plateau. This leg offers gratifying views of the mountain. Looking back, you'll have the opportunity to see Mt. Meru majestically rising high above Arusha town in the distance.
- Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, before reaching camp. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.
- Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Our day begins with a descent into the Great Barranco, a massive ravine that welcomes us with its stunning natural grandeur. We then face a steep climb up the Great Barranco Wall, a rocky ascent that, although not technically challenging, is indeed long and demanding. As we pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we continue toward the Karanga valley. Our destination for the night is Karanga Camp, nestled at 3963m. For those feeling particularly energetic, there's an option for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek, reaching around 4200m, before descending back to camp to spend the night.
- Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Following a rejuvenating night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we embark on our journey to Barafu camp, situated at an altitude of 4640m. This part of the trek takes us across desolate scree slopes, devoid of vegetation, providing a challenging climb, made even tougher by the effects of high altitude. Upon reaching the camp, we have a nourishing meal and spend the afternoon resting to prepare for the arduous night and day that lie ahead. Staying well-hydrated and maintaining warmth are essential at this stage. An early dinner is served, and we make every effort to get some sleep as we'll be waking between 11pm and 12am to commence the ascent to the summit.
- Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi
- Approx. time taken: 3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Our summit day commences around midnight as we embark on a steep ascent to the summit glaciers. The next 4 to 5 hours involve climbing scree, covering an incredible amount of height in a short distance. The vistas along this climb are truly spectacular. As the first rays of the sun kiss the horizon, we aim to reach Stella Point (5739m) on the crater rim. The surrounding ice cliffs within the crater create a breathtaking sight, and the views extending to the jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are awe-inspiring. After an additional hour of walking, we reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m), a monumental achievement. The descent begins as we return to Stella Point, then follow a scree slope and trail down to Barafu Camp for a well-deserved breakfast. Finally, we continue our descent to Millennium Camp, where we can rest and recuperate.
- Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
On this day, a relaxed trek guides us downhill through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. At the gate, we fulfill the necessary park formalities and receive certificates commemorating your achievement, a well-deserved source of pride. Our vehicles will be waiting to transport us back to the hotel in Moshi, where you can indulge in a refreshing hot shower.
- Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
- Approx. time taken: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Your last day provides a well-deserved opportunity to relax after the trek before your journey home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may choose to explore the charming town of Moshi and perhaps acquire some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
If you're eager to extend your Tanzanian exploration, we offer a range of add-ons, including safaris and trips to Zanzibar, allowing you to continue your adventure in this captivating country.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Note:
Hotel check-out typically occurs at 11:00 AM. If you have an evening flight and require a late check-out, you have the option to prolong your hotel stay for an additional fee.
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
- Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
- Park entry fees,
- Camping fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Government taxes
- Portable oxygen tanks
- Ox meter
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent
- Mountain climbing certificates
- Drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees
- Flights
- Laundry (Available at the hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters and cook (Recommended at 300 USD per traveller for the whole crew)