Machame route

The second in popularity on Kilimanjaro, Machame
route boasts excellent acclimatization and great views.
7 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2390 1
1 day extra for better acclimatization transition

Kilimanjaro Machame Route - 7 day trek

The second most popular option among the routes on Kilimanjaro is the Machame route, also known as “the Whiskey Route”. This route offers a wide variety of views, landscapes and experiences. The starting point of the route, Machame Gate, is only a 20-minute drive from Aishi Machame Hotel. Located on the southern slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, Machame Gate will lead you to the top of Kilimanjaro along the exciting footpath which starts at the tropical forest, then runs through all the climate zones and finishes with the Arctic desert in the summit area.

Camps along the trek are favorably located for a smooth and gradual acclimatization transition process. On the 3rd day Machame Route converges with Lemosho and Umbwe at Barranco camp.

The seven day climb is the one that is highly preferred due to better acclimatization transition.

DAY 1: Arrival

Pick up from the airport & Briefing

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will a member of out team that will transfer you to your hotel. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

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. 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. The trekking route passes through the rainforest where tropical showers are highly probable, so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also a raincoat.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine;
Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip to discuss potential allergies.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Distance: 5km /3.1 Mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 Hrs

Habitat: Rainforest

Difficulty: Medium

Elevation: 1800m/6000ft to 3010m/9875ft

DAY 3: Trekking From Machame Camp To Shira Camp

After breakfast, you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp. 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. Technically speaking, 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 400-meter (1312-foot) gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp, you will be served a hot dinner.

IMPORTANT NOTE:The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,750m/12303f) Point en route to Lava Tower (4,120m/13517f)

Hiking distance: 2 km (1.2mi)
Hiking time: 1–2 hours

Elevation: 3,010 m to 3,750 m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Moorland

DAY 5: Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

On this day it is best to make an early start to avoid crowding on the way up Barranco Wall. Despite the Wall's seemingly daunting height and steepness the actual climb is rather simple and takes only an hour or so to complete. The top of the wall provides a great photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as the backdrop.

The next part of the day is rife with ups and downs and your guides will choose the best pace for individual trekkers. A lunch break at Karanga Camp will be followed by an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with its highest point of the hike being 4,270m/14009f. The group then hikes back to Karanga Camp for the night.

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (3,995m/13106f) > highest point reached: 4,270m/14009f

Hiking distance: 2.5 km (1.5mi)

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Elevation: 3,960 m to 4,035 m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland

DAY 7: Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

You are sure to enjoy a good night's sleep at the lower altitude, and the sense of satisfaction from reaching the top. Breakfast will be followed by another descent, down to 1,640m/5380f and arrival at Mweka Gate. After a short celebration with the whole of the climbing crew, you will receive your climb certificates and be transported back to your hotel.

Elevation: 3,820 m to 1,650 m
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Rainforest

DAY 7: Summiting on Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

Summiting starts around midnight. You will begin at an altitude of 4,673m/15331f and climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m/19340f. While the trek itself is fairly simple, the high altitude means that even regular physical exercise will feel strenuous. Therefore, climbers will be put in groups of two and assigned a personal guide who will monitor their condition throughout the climb for the entire summit trek. Upon summiting, you will have an opportunity to walk to the nearest glacier. You will enjoy a 2-hour rest at Barafu Camp and then continue descending to Millennium Camp.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The descent is deceptively easy and some areas have poor footing. 90% of accidents occur during the descent. Mind your feet if you want to avoid falling and damaged toenails!

Elevation: 4,640 m to 5,895 m / 5,895 m to 3,820 m
Hiking Time: 7-12 hours
Distance: 15,5 km
Difficulty: High
Habitat: Arctic

DAY 4: Trekking From Shira Camp To Barranco Camp via an Ascent to the Lava Tower

After breakfast, your group will depart Shira Camp and head towards Lava Tower. The rise-and-fall nature of this trek may present some difficulties. However, reaching the 4,600m/15092f altitude at the Lava Tower is crucial for proper acclimatization, which is why we encourage our groups to eat lunch at the top of the Lava Tower. This allows you some additional time at a high altitude before descending approximately 700m/2297f to Barranco Camp, which is the next overnight stop on this route.

Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be hiking it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail and is not intimidating at all.

Elevation: 3,845m to 4,630m / 4,630m to 3,960m

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 11 km

Difficulty: Medium

Habitat: Moorland

DAY 6: Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you will begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp. Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax upon arrival. After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization climb towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp with its highest point being 4,800m/15748f 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 the night summit.

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,673m/15331f) > Kosovo Camp (4,800m/15748f)

Hiking distance: 2 km (1.2mi)

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Elevation: 4,035 m to 4,640 m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Our classic adventures are what the majority of climbers are looking for. The combination of great comfort and high safety standards makes our classic Kilimanjaro hikes enjoyable and memorable. This is the most popular option among our clients.

This climbing package includes everything that a climber may need for the hike - our experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, nutritionist-designed meals. Our safety protocols, though, are the same for all our hiking adventures - only the guides with Wilderness First Responder certification are assigned to lead a party. Other safety measures include a supply of oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

The progress of each trekking party is tracked with GPS device. You may share the link with your family and friends, who will be able to monitor your progress in a real-time mode.

Before and after the adventure you will stay in a good hotel with caring staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.

The climb cost includes:

Transfers:
Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;
Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:
Park Fees: All park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Accommodation:
Accommodation at 3* hotel (Aishi Machame Hotel or Brubru Lodge) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
Accommodation in huts. An average hut fits in 6-8 people. Allocation of huts is ruled by rangers of the national park. We will do our best to arrange separate huts for our groups, but during busy months you’re likely to share huts with climbers from other groups. Marangu huts are fitted with bunk beds. Our comfortable 4-inch thick mats will be put on your bunk beds, and you’ll feel safe and snug in your sleeping bag. During the rainy season huts will provide extra shelter from rain and wind!

Meals:
Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:
4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
GPS-tracking service;
Complete medical kits.

Climbing crew:
Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Taxes:
18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. We are an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The climb cost excludes:

International flights;
Tips (250-300 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
Personal gear rentals;
Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
Portable toilets are not available on Marangu route;
Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.

Package and Quote Details:

The quote will be in USD since all payments in Tanzania will be done in USD. The prices in EUR and GBP are given for indicative purposes only and may vary based on the exchange rate of the day.
Please take the time to read the side tabs of what is included and what is excluded from the quote that will be provided to you. We believe in total transparency and proper communication of all the particulars of your itinerary so orientation with the details of your quote will give you a clear understanding of all associating costs for your trips.

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour

via Marangu route (5 day trek)

Superb Acclimatization

Our climbing itineraries are crafted in a way that ensures the smoothest acclimatization transition.

Overnight Stays in Huts

Marangu is the only route on Kilimanjaro with overnight stays in huts. Excellent for rainy season climbs.

Stunning Sceneries

Mesmerizing scenic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro await you. Visual euphoria and amazing photos guaranteed.

Book with confidence

Machame route

The second in popularity on Kilimanjaro, Machame
route boasts excellent acclimatization and great views.
7 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2390 1
1 day extra for better acclimatization transition

DAY 2: Trekking From Machame Gate To Machame Camp

Distance: 5km /3.1 Mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 Hrs

Habitat: Rainforest

Difficulty: Medium

DAY 3: Trekking From Machame Camp To Shira Camp

DAY 5: Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

DAY 7: Start your Safari, Depart for home or visit Zanzibar

Rest in the hotel, transfer to the airport to depart from home or continue your adventure by starting your safari or relaxing at the white shores of Zanzibar.

DAY 7: Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

DAY 7: Summiting on Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

DAY 4: Trekking From Shira Camp To Barranco Camp via an Ascent to the Lava Tower

DAY 6: Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Tanzania Office

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania
P.O. Box 94158

European Office

2, Byzantium str, 1100 Nicosia, Cyprus

Machame route The second in popularity on Kilimanjaro, Machame route boasts excellent acclimatization and great views. 7 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2390 1 1 day extra for better acclimatization transition

Tanzania Office

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania P.O. Box 94158

European Office

2, Byzantium str, 1100 Nicosia, Cyprus

Machame route

The second in popularity on Kilimanjaro, Machame
route boasts excellent acclimatization and great views.
7 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2390 1
1 day extra for better acclimatization transition

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania
P.O. Box 94158