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Machame Route
Machame Route
Also known as the 'Whiskey Route', this is the most popular trail on Kilimanjaro. It's one of the most scenic, skirting the southern flank of Kibo. You'll ascend by the Machame trail, which starts on the southern side of Kilimanjaro. The descent is along the Mweka trail further east. It's a camping only route and usually climbed over 6 or 7 days. We recommend taking 7 days as this allows better acclimatisation and two shorter walking days prior to your summit climb.
DAY ONE - MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
altitude 1800m - 3000m
distance 11km
time (approx.) 5 hours
After registering at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate you'll take your first step toward your goal - the roof of Africa. You'll be hiking through the montane forest, a lush, biodiverse zone, and home to the endemic flower Impatiens Kilimanjari. Keep an eye out for blue and colobus monkeys and listen to the birdsong, the avifauna here is prolific. You may even catch a glimpse of Hartlaub's Turaco, a stunning brightly coloured resident. The trail has some steep sections as you climb higher but you may be rewarded with a glimpse of the summit through the trees before arriving at your first camp on the edge of the forest zone
DAY TWO - MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAVE CAMP
altitude 3000m - 3850m
distance 9km
time (approx.) 6-7 hours
Today you'll have another steep ascent up through the heathland, the land of giant heathers with some magnificent views over the plains and across to Kili's little sister, Mount Meru, poking out through the clouds. The heathland gives way to the moorland zone as you approach the Shira plateau, filled with shrubs of everlastings (Helichrisums). Arriving on the plateau its a short walk to camp. Here you can find lots of pieces of obsidian, a black volcanic glass. In the afternoon your guide can take you for a short walk over to Shira Hut for views over the vast Shira plateau or relax at camp.
DAY THREE - SHIRA CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP
altitude 3850m - 3950m via 4600m
distance 12km
time (approx.) 8 hours
A longer day today and great for acclimatisation as you'll trek up to Lava Tower. It's a steady yet prolonged ascent out of camp. Keep looking back to enjoy the views and catch your breath. The trail joins up with the Lemosho route before passing Lava Tower, a basaltic plug over 60m high. If you're lucky you'll have views of the Western Breach. This is your high point today. The trail then descends down into the Barranco valley a magical valley studded with giant groundsels and giant lobelias.
DAY FOUR - BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
altitude 3950m - 4050m
distance 7km
time (approx.) 4 hours
The morning climb today is a highlight for many. Scaling the Barranco wall. It can look daunting from camp, especially when you see the first porters negotiating the scrambles. It's not a difficult ascent and your guides will give you loads of help on the scrambly bits. Once you reach the top you'll hopefully be rewarded with an awesome view of the Kibo massif which suddenly appears alarmingly close. From here it's an undulating trail that leads you to the Karanga valley. There's just the valley to cross and you'll reach Karanga camp. Should the clouds part, you'll enjoy great views over the plains and of Kibo itself.
DAY FIVE - KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
altitude 4050m - 4600m
distance 6km
time (approx.) 3-4 hours
You'll have a short, breathy walk, today following a mostly steady gradient up to Barafu camp. A hot lunch to pack in the energy for the summit bid. Plenty of time to prepare your kit and rest before your dinner and an early night.
DAY SIX - BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MILLENIUM CAMP
altitude 4600m - 5895m UHURU PEAK ! - 3830m
distance 18km
time (approx.) 7-9 hours ascent 6-7 hours descent
This is it ! It's the time to start the final ascent to Uhuru Peak ! It's a very, very early start. You'll begin your summit climb just after midnight. Crunching your way up the scree slopes of Kibo. It's a punishing slog but worth all the pain and effort. Possibly most amazing, sunrise you'll ever see will appear on the horizon behind Mawenzi. You'll probably be around Stella Point (5730m) at this time. It's time for a much needed breather before walking around the top of the crater rim finally reaching Uhuru. Take some time to enjoy the views of the crater and glaciers. Then you'll retrace your steps back to Barafu for breakfast and a rest. You'll then descend down to Millenium camp which will feel oxygen rich after the summit and enjoy a long nights sleep.
DAY SEVEN - MILLENIUM CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
altitude 3830m - 1800m
distance 13km
time (approx.) 5-6 hours
Feeling refreshed this morning, you'll have time to thank your crew after breakfast. Then it's the final descent down to Mweka Gate. You'll pass back through the heath and forest zones. Look out for colobus monkeys ! At the gate your guide will arrange your certificates and our driver will be ready to whisk you away to your hotel for a lovely long hot shower and an evening of celebration.
Prices (quoted per person in USD)
1 participant $2600 2 participants $2125 3 participants $2035
4 participants $1950 5 participants $1915 6 participants $1900
7+ participants $1880
Price includes:
2 nights accommodation in Moshi (B&B plan double occupancy)
airport pickup and drop off (Kilimanjaro International Airport - JRO)
camping equipment - tents, tables, chairs, utensils, etc.
park fees and taxes
meals while on the mountain
transportation from your hotel to/from the park gate
english speaking guide, cook, porters (other languages upon request)
purified drinking water while on the mountain
private toilet tent (private for your group)
oxygen cylinders (for emergency use only
Not Included:
Airfare
Tourist Visa
Meals while not on the mountain
sleeping bag and items listed in the packing list (see before you climb page)
Travel/Medical Insurance (highly recommended)
AFTER YOUR CLIMB
If you've booked a safari, beach holiday or day trip with us you'll have your confirmed onward travel details from us before starting your climb.