Machame Route

6 days—Best route for scenic views and summit success on mount Kilimanjaro

$1400-2500 USD

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Safari summary

This 6-day Machame Route trek is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the "Whiskey Route," it offers rich forest trails, breathtaking views, and high summit success rates. Perfect for adventurous hikers, this route includes gradual acclimatization and a diverse landscape—from lush rainforests to the glacier-capped summit of Uhuru Peak. Led by experienced local guides, this climb gives you a real taste of Kilimanjaro’s beauty and challenge.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Hiking | trekking
Cycling | mountain biking—with professional guide

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

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

Itinerary

Hotel to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Machame camp

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 5km/3mi Walking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Machame camp

Shira Camp -LavaTower - Barranc

Kilimanjaro

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp.

Barranco camp

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

Barafu camp

Barafu Camp - Summit - Mweka Cam

Kilimanjaro

Wake up around 11:30 PM for tea and snacks. Begin your final ascent by midnight, trekking slowly in the dark toward Stella Point, then Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. Expect cold, wind, and steep terrain. Our team walks closely with you, offering full support, encouragement, and hot drinks near the summit. After sunrise photos and celebration, descend carefully to Barafu for brunch, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for a well-deserved rest.

Mweka camp

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

Hotel

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