7 Days

Trekking via Machame Route

Trekking Overview

This tour also referred to as the whiskey route, is rightly regarded as the most beautiful on Kilimanjaro.

Trip Type

Trekking

Activities

Climbing, Hiking, Trekking

Group Size

10 Pax per group

Area To Visit

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

You will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, passing through the village of Machame, located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave park gate behind, our walk starts through the rain forest on a winding trail up the ridge. At some sections the trail can be muddy and slippery, so the gaiters and trekking poles are a good to bring. At the end of our today’s trek lies Machame Camp, where we stay for the night.

Distance: 11 km Hiking  Time: 5-7 hours  Habitat: Rain Forest 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast and a briefing from your guide, drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Park Gate (2250m, 1.5 hours). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2000m, 11Km. 45minutes) and a possible campsite. Walk along beautiful forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2750m, 3hours).

Distance: 11 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Today’s route turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower. Lunch will be served in a designated area before ascending the rocky path to Lava Tower. After lunch you descent again to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, you will feel actual benefit of acclimatization. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.

Distance: 10 km Hiking  Time: 6-8 hours  Habitat: Semi-Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

A steep climb up the eastern wall leads us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. We then take a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo, the trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, finally we have a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.

Distance: 5 km Hiking  Time: 4 – 5 hours  Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and cross the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail, used for descend from the mountain later. From here we continue up to the Barafu Camp. Here we will rest, have dinner and prepare for the summit day. From Barafu you can enjoy the view of two volcanic cones Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, and that view is quite spectacular and you should not miss it.

Distance: 4 km Hiking  Time: 4 – 5 hours  Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. The last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. At the rim we will reach Stella point, from where we have further hour to Uhuru Peak. After a short stop for taking photos we descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on past Millenium camp down to Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with the strength left from the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent  Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent  Habitat: Arctic

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Distance: 10 km Hiking  Time: 3-4 hours  Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Book This Tour


Price Includes

  • Airport transfers
  • Qualified guides with mountain crew
  • National park fees
  • Hut/camping fees and tents
  • Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils.
  • Rescue fees (required by the National Park)
  • Pulse oximeters
  • First aid kit
  • Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
  • Boiled water on the mountain
  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain

Price Excludes

  • International / Domestic Flight
  • Personal gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent!
  • Items of personal nature (expenses)
  • Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
  • Meals and drinks not specified
  • Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)
  • Emergency Oxygen
  • Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit).
  • Visa fees & travel insurance.

Related Trekking Routes

Trekking Via Marangu Route
Trekking Via Marangu Route
Trekking Via Machame Route
Trekking Via Machame Route
Trekking Via Machame Route
Trekking Via Lemosho Route
Trekking Via Lemosho Route
Trekking Via Rongai Route
Trekking Via Shira Route