
Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek
Conquer Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route - the "Whiskey Route"
From
$2,486 per person
Duration
9 Days
Summit
5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
Day by Day Itinerary
Your complete journey to the Roof of Africa via the Machame Route
DAY 1: PRE DAY - Arriving in Tanzania
A Hotel/Lodge in Arusha | Dinner
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Relax in the afternoon. Our operations team will meet you for an equipment check and a thorough trek briefing.
DAY 2: Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame Camp (2980m)
Machame Camp (2980m) | Full Board
Drive to Machame Village and on to the Gate. After registering, begin your ascent through the lush rainforest. This is a continuous uphill trek, taking approximately 5-7 hours, where you'll reach Machame Camp in the evening.
DAY 3: Machame Camp (2980m) – Shira Camp (3840m)
Shira Camp (3840m) | Full Board
Start your ascent, leaving the rainforest and entering the heath and moorland zone. The path crosses streams and a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau. Enjoy evening snacks and dinner. Be prepared for a cold night.
DAY 4: Shira (3840m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Barranco Camp (3950m)
Barranco Camp (3950m) | Full Board
Leave the moorland, entering the semi-desert and rocky landscape. After about 5 hours, reach the Lava Tower (4630m) for lunch. The afternoon descent to Barranco Campsite (3950m) is crucial for acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to high altitude.
DAY 5: Barranco Camp (3950m) – Karanga Camp (4235m)
Karanga Camp (4235m) | Full Board
Conquer the Great Barranco Wall (a Class 2 scramble, easier than it looks). At the top, view the Heim Glacier and find yourself above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley—an ideal day for acclimatization.
DAY 6: Karanga Camp (4235m) – Barafu Camp (4600m)
Barafu Camp (4600m) | Full Board
Leave Karanga Camp, intersecting with the Mweka Route (descent trail). Reach Barafu Camp, the final water stop before the summit. Barafu is an exposed camp on a rocky ridge. Prepare your gear and try to get to sleep by 7:00 PM for the summit attempt.
DAY 7: Barafu (4600m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
Mweka Camp (3100m) | Full Board
Midnight Summit Attempt: Begin ascending to Stella Point (5685m) for sunrise. Continue for 2 more hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the roof of Africa! Descend back to Barafu for a short rest and hot lunch, then continue descending to Mweka Hut (3100m).
DAY 8: Mweka camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m) – Arusha
A Hotel/Lodge in Arusha | Full Board
Descend for three hours to Mweka Gate. Receive your well-deserved Green (Stella Point) or Gold (Uhuru Peak) Certificate of Completion. After a hot lunch in Mweka village, drive back to your hotel in Arusha for a long-awaited hot shower and rest.
DAY 9: Drop off at Arusha or JRO Airport
Upon request at extra cost | Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight (e.g., to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, or home country). (Extension tours available upon request at time of booking).
What's Included
- 2 nights pre & post-trek hotel in Moshi/Arusha (B&B)
- Full Board meals throughout trek (Days 2-8)
- Airport transfers (JRO/Arusha)
- Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mattress, camping furniture)
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- All park fees, rescue fees, camping fees, and 18% VAT
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- Porters to carry up to 15kg of personal gear
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
What's Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania Visa ($50-$100 depending on nationality)
- Meals not listed (Breakfast & Lunch Day 1, Lunch & Dinner Day 9)
- Mandatory crew tips: $25/day guide, $15/day cook, $15/day per porter
- Optional rentals: Mountain gear, sleeping bag, portable toilet ($100 extra)
- Personal insurance and medical expenses
- Laundry, souvenirs, and beverages
Holiday Surcharges:
- • Christmas/New Year: +$40 per person per day (Dec 24-26, 31, Jan 1)
- • Easter: +$35 per person (April 3-6)
Ready to Climb the Machame Route?
Book your Machame Route trek today and experience the most scenic path to the summit. Contact us for availability and custom arrangements.