6 Days Machame Route
Duration
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed using six established routes. Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe approach the mountain from the southern side. Lemosho and Shira approach from the west. Rongai approaches from the north near the Kenyan border. All routes descend via the Mweka Route except Marangu and Rongai.
The Machame Route, often referred to as the Whisky Route, is one of the most scenic and widely recommended routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It approaches the mountain from the south and offers a varied and visually impressive trekking experience.
Landscape and Scenery
The route begins in dense rainforest before climbing through heath and moorland zones. From there, it traverses the Shira Plateau and passes beneath the glaciated southern ice fields. The constantly changing landscapes and open viewpoints make Machame one of the most visually rewarding routes on the mountain.
Acclimatization and Success Rate
Machame is typically completed over a longer duration than Marangu, with a more gradual ascent profile. This allows for better altitude adaptation and significantly improves summit success rates.
The route follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, making it well suited for climbers who want stronger acclimatization without extending the climb excessively.
Summit Attempt
The final ascent joins the Barafu Route before the summit push. Climbers ascend to Stella Point and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. While physically demanding, the gradual acclimatization profile supports higher success compared to shorter routes.
Route Characteristics
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Duration: 6 or 7 days
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Difficulty: Medium
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Scenery: Excellent
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Traffic: High
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Accommodation Style: Fully supported camping
Traffic and Overall Experience
Machame is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro and experiences high traffic during peak seasons. Despite this, its varied terrain and expansive scenery help distribute climbers across the route, maintaining a strong overall experience.
Arrival and Pre-Climb Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, climbers are transferred to a hotel near the mountain for overnight accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
Before the climb, the head guide conducts a detailed briefing and equipment check. Any required gear can be arranged locally prior to departure.
Pricing
6 Days | 5 Nights . Price Per Person (USD)
Group Size | Price Per Person
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | USD 1,840 |
Solo & Supplement Charges (USD)
| Charge Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Solo Climber Add-On | USD 350 |
| Single Supplement | USD 300 |
Prices are indicative and subject to current government-regulated park fees at the time of departure.
Typical Crew Composition (2 Climbers)
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1 Lead Guide
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1 Assistant Guide
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1 Cook
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1 Waiter
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1 Toilet Porter
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10 Porters
Included/Exclude
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the agreed itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide (Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified)
- Proper ration and support of the mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Pre- and post-trek accommodation (2 nights, Bed & Breakfast)
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- All meals on the mountain as per the itinerary (full board)
- Safe drinking water throughout the trek
- All National Park fees, hut/camping fees, crew permits, and VAT
- Fair and sustainable wages for all mountain crew
- Gate transfers
- Complimentary oxygen cylinder (for emergency use)
- Private portable toilet with a dedicated porter
- Use of quality, imported trekking equipment
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory – recommendations available)
- Gamow (hyperbaric) bag
- Personal medications
- Tips for porters and mountain crew
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- Energy foods and beverages, including alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear (e.g. trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.)
- Additional accommodation costs in case of early descent from the mountain
Tour Plan
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from 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. Temperatures begin to drop.
You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountains weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
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Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers. It should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation where applicable.
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Trips may be adjusted for safety reasons due to weather or local conditions. Any necessary changes are communicated clearly, with safety always as the priority.
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