Hiking Machame Route
6days Kilimanjaro’s Hiking Machame Route
From
$1800 USD
pp
Safari summary
The Machame Route, often called the Whiskey Route, is renowned for its challenging terrain compared to the easier Marangu Route, known as the Coca-Cola Route. While the Marangu Route offers a gradual ascent with hut accommodations, the Machame Route features steeper trails, longer distances, and tent camping. Climbers typically spend a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain, though the route is often completed over seven days (six nights) for improved acclimatization.
The trek starts at Machame Gate on the southern base of Kilimanjaro, within its lush rainforest. From there, the route ascends towards the Shira Plateau, then takes a southern circuit around the mountain, providing stunning panoramic views. The final ascent to the summit is approached from the east, and the descent is made via the Mweka Trail.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | January, February, June, July, August, September, October, November, December | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- All drinks
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Kilimanjaro
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters, and start to climb. The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden, so it can get somewhat overgrown in places, and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
Machame Camp
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Kilimanjaro
Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance. Elevation: 3010m to 3845m Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles) Difficulty: Moderate Habitat: Moorland
Shira Camp
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Kilimanjaro
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, and finally reach 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. Elevation: 3845m to 3960m Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Kilimanjaro
Our day starts by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu Camp.
Barafu Camp
Uhuru Peak &down to Millennium Camp
We start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak. We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then to Barafu Camp finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Millennium Camp
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Kilimanjaro
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. Elevation: 3790m to 1630m Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) Difficulty: Moderate Habitat: Rainforest
Lodge/Hotel
Depart Tanzania
Kilimanjaro
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi or Arusha town and grab some gift shops before heading to the airport. Safari, Cycling Adventures and other add-on are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
No Accommodation
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