The Scenic Machame Route

9 days—My Machame Route Expeditions

$6710-6820 USD

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Safari summary

his 9-day itinerary (7 days on the mountain, 2 travel days) on Kilimanjaro's Machame Route offers an excellent balance of acclimatization, stunning scenery, and a high summit success rate. Often called the "Whiskey Route" due to its challenging but rewarding nature compared to the easier "Coca-Cola Route" (Marangu), Machame is a popular choice for its diverse landscapes, from dense rainforest to alpine desert, and its "climb high, sleep low" profile, which significantly aids acclimatization. This route provides breathtaking views of the mountain, including the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, and a well-defined trail that culminates in a memorable ascent to Uhuru Peak.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

What’s included?

Accommodation
Internal flights
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
All drinks
Hot air balloons
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival in Tanzania Moshi

Kilimanjaro

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your transfer and taken to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This day is for relaxation, last-minute gear checks, and a pre-trek briefing with your guide. Accommodation: Moshi.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, drive from your hotel to Machame Gate (approx. 1-2 hours). Complete park formalities, meet your porters and support team. Trek: Begin your ascent through the lush Montane Forest. The path can be wet and muddy, but the canopy provides excellent shade. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys! Duration: 5-7 hours of trekking. Habitat: Montane Forest. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro

Leave the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone. The path becomes steeper in sections. As you ascend, you'll start to get your first clear views of Kibo Peak. Duration: 4-6 hours of trekking. Habitat: Moorland. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro

Climb High, Sleep Low: This is a crucial acclimatization day. You'll ascend significantly to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. Trek: The trail becomes more rugged as you enter the semi-desert and rocky landscape. After a challenging ascent to Lava Tower (lunch stop), you'll descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley. Duration: 6-8 hours of trekking. Habitat: Semi-desert. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro

Barranco Wall: Start the day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall, a fun and exciting scramble that requires some hand-over-hand climbing (not technical, but exhilarating!). Your guides will be there to assist. Trek: After the wall, the trail follows a series of ups and downs before a final ascent to Karanga Camp. This shorter day allows for more rest and continued acclimatization. Duration: 4-5 hours of trekking. Habitat: Alpine Desert. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

Trek: A challenging but rewarding day as you trek through rocky terrain to Barafu Camp, your summit camp. The vegetation becomes sparse, and the air thins. Afternoon: Arrive at Barafu, rest, rehydrate, and prepare your gear for the summit attempt. An early dinner, then try to get some sleep. Duration: 3-5 hours of trekking. Habitat: Alpine Desert. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Summit Attempt to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro

Wake up around midnight for a light snack and start your summit push. This is the toughest day. Ascent: Trek in the dark, ascending the scree slopes to Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft) on the crater rim. From Stella Point, it's a gradual but exhilarating walk along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! Summit: Witness an unforgettable sunrise from the "Roof of Africa." Take photos and savor the achievement. Descent: Descending Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

Enjoy a final breakfast on the mountain. Trek: A relatively easy descent through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate. Celebration: Receive your summit certificates at the gate! Transfer: Your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower and celebration dinner. Duration: 3-4 hours of trekking. Habitat: Montane Forest. Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

: Departure from Tanzania

Kilimanjaro

Departure: After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure, taking with you memories of an incredible achievement. Meals: Breakfast.

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