The scenic 'Whiskey Route' up Kilimanjaro.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Style
- Trekking
- Country
- Tanzania
- Format
- Private
7 days · Trekking
2 stops across Tanzania
- 1KilimanjaroDays 1–3
- 2ArushaDay 7
Every day is flexible — we tune the pace, lodges and game drives to you.
Machame Hut Camp
A short drive brings us to the Machame trailhead (~5,380’). After the climbers and crew have checked in with the park rangers, we will hike up through the montane forests, winding up the mossy jungle, and making our way to Machame Hut camp. Overnight: Machame Hut camp.Hiking: 5-7 hoursOvernight Altitude: ~9,350′
Shira Plateau
After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest. We will take our time, soaking in the scenery as we make our way through the moorlands. We will be treated to spectacular views of Kibo Peak. Overnight: Shira Hut CampHiking: 4-6 hoursOvernight Altitude: ~12,500′
Barranco Camp
Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep low. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,190’) for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain. Overnight: Barranco campHiking: 6-8 hoursOvernight Altitude: ~13,044′
Karanga Camp
Today you’ll continue to acclimatize and let your body adjust to these higher altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push. Climb the steep Barranco Wall and then go up and down several ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga camp. There will likely be time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon. Overnight: Karanga CampHiking: 4-5 hoursOvernight Altitude: ~13,106′
Barafu Camp
Today you’ll continue your circuit and arrive at your final camp before the summit (Barafu camp). Some ups and downs along ridges and valleys along the way. You’ll have an early supper, sleep for a few hours, and then rise at about 11:00 PM to start tomorrow’s summit ascent. Overnight: Barafu CampHiking: 3-4 hoursOvernight Altitude: ~15,331′
Summit and Mweka Camp
Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to Stella Point and then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly and will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, descend to Mweka camp.Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descent Overnight: Mweka CampSummit: ~19,341′Overnight Altitude: ~10,500′
Mweka Park Gate (~5,000’) to Arusha
We make the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.Hiking: 3-5 hours frequently asked questions How difficult is the Machame Route? The Machame route is considered to be a moderately difficult trek, with varying terrain and elevation changes throughout the hike. It is rated as one of the more challenging routes to Mount Kilimanjaro due to its steep and rocky sections, as well as the Barranco Wall climb. However, with proper physical preparation and a well-trained guide, the Machame route can be completed by individuals with a good level of fitness and determination. It is important to note that altitude sickness can be a major factor in the difficulty of this route, so it is crucial to acclimatize properly and follow the guidance of your guide. Additionally, the use of porters to carry equipment and supplies can greatly lessen the physical demand on trekkers. Overall, the Machame route offers What is the distance of the Machame Route and how many days does it take? The approximate trekking distance for the Machame Route is 62 km or 37 miles for the entire climb from the trailhead up to the summit and down to Mweka gate. The shortest number of days required for the Machame Route is 6 days, but by the time you have added arrival and departure days, it is 10. However, as it is a much longer approach route it is best done over 7 or 8 days to increase your chances of success. What is the Machame Route Summit Success Rate? Due to its climb-high sleep-low mechanism, summit success rates on the Machame route are very high. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 85% for the 7-day trek and a 73% success rate for the 6-day trek. However, We have a 95% summit success rate for the Machame route. Read more about how many days it takes to climb Kilimanjaro to know why we recommend longer treks. What is the scenery like on the Machame Route? The scenery is extremely varied and you will pass through 5 climatic zones on your way to the summit. The trek begins in the rainforest on the lower slopes before continuing up into the low alpine zone of wild grasslands and moorlands. From there you trek into the high alpine zone before reaching the glacial zone. You will encounter many incredible vistas and visit stunning places such as the Shira Plateau, Barranco, and Lava Tower. When is the best time to Trek Machame Route? July - September is the best as the weather is most stable during this period, and encountering rain is less likely. That said, since it is close to the equator it is possible to climb the mountain at any time of the year. April and May are the rainy season so this period is best avoided.
Rates are in US dollars, per person sharing, based on the lodges in this itinerary. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates and party.
2–6 trekkers
per person sharing
7+ trekkers
per person sharing
Per person, USD; solo climber add-on $320, single supplement $280. Alternate listing in trekking tab: $2,450 per person sharing, single supplement $350. 2022-23 rate: $1,680. Prices are guides and may change with season, availability and exchange rates. See our terms for payment and cancellation details.
Included
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, cooks & porters
- Quality tents, mattresses & mess tent
- All meals & drinking water on the mountain
- Transfers to and from the gate
- Guide & crew wages
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