About Machame Route
Nicknamed the "Whiskey" route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than Marangu route.
On an overall comparison of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take, both in terms of acclimatization and cost.
The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.
In certain sections this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding but is easier overall.
Great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities.
Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones.
Good opportunity to split pre-summit day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting.
Very popular trail.
About 6-Day Machame Route Climbing Tour
The Machame Route is another popular trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes. It's often referred to as the "Whiskey" route and is considered more challenging than the Marangu Route. This 6-day Machame Route Kilimanjaro climbing tour allows for a slightly longer and more gradual ascent, increasing acclimatization and improving your chances of reaching the summit. Here's an overview of what you can expect from a typical 6-day Machame Route tour package:
6-day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour Itinerary
Arrival Day Arrival and pick Up with Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1 Hotel to Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the Mountain.
We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
- Elevation: 1830m to 3000m, 6000ft to 10,200ft
- Distance: 11km
- Hiking time: 5-7 hours
- Vegetation: Montane Forest
Day 2 Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of 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.
- Elevation: 3000m to 3840m, 10,200ft to 12,600ft
- Distance: 5km
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation: Moorland
Day 3 Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
- Elevation: 3800m to 4630m to 3986m, 15,000ft to 13,700ft
- Distance: 11 km
- Hiking time: 5-7 hours
- Vegetation: Semi-desert
Day 4 Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
- Elevation: 3900m to 4600m, 13,007ft to 15,295ft
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking time: 8 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Day 5 Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the Mountain.
- Elevation: 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m) 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)
- Distance: 5km ascent / 12km descent
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours ascent / 3 hours descent
- Vegetation: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 6 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
- Elevation: 3100m to 1830m, 10,200ft to 6000ft
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
- Vegetation: Forest
Machame Route Map
Pricing Table For This Tour
| Solo Trekker | 2-4 people | 5-7 People | 8-10 People | 11-Above People |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1800 | $1750 | $1650 | $1600 | $1550 |
Price Includes & Excludes 6-Day Machame Route Climbing Tour
Price Includes
- All transfers to the Mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced, Mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- 2 nights hotel before and After climbing
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Prices Excludes
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- transfer from arusha to moshi (extra cost)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
