#About the route

The Machame route is also known as the “Whiskey” route, nowadays the most popular route on Mt. Kilimanjaro. The walking days on the Machame route are longer and often steeper, compared to the Marangu route, but the scenery is stunning and the landscape is quite interesting. This route is known to be challenging, which is why it is best suited for people who have previous experience hiking and backpacking.

The Machame route is scenically beautiful and diverse, but due to its popularity is often very crowded. It approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route. Hikers are rewarded with a spectacular view of the extensive Shira plateau and an optional scramble up Lava Tower. A climb up the Great Barranco wall and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field are also bonuses on the Machame route. Climbers sleep in tents at designated campsites; meals are served outside when the weather is favorable, or inside a large dining tent when it is not. The meals are prepared by the Bless Africa staff, as well as putting up and taking down the tents.

This route has a highly successful rate for reaching the summit. On Machame you will climb high and sleep lower, due to the positioning of the campsites, which helps tremendously with your acclimatization and increases your chances of reaching the summit.

#Arrival and Welcome

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Meet our representative guide, Michael, upon arrival at the airport or the Tanzania border.
• TRANSFER: Drive to your hotel in Arusha city. You’ll have some rest before meeting your guide Regan, who will brief you about the climb and Mt. Kilimanjaro, followed by equipment check to ensure that you have all the essentials. If some of your equipment is missing or is in a bad shape, you can request a rental. You’ll have dinner and spend the night here in preparation for the adventure awaiting you. Feel free to ask questions and get acquainted with the itinerary

Start of the Adventure

#Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Hut

You will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha/Moshi at around 8:00 A.M. and transferred to Machame gate, a journey that takes you through Machame village, located on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. After finishing the formalities at the gate, you’ll be provided with lunch boxes and water. The Prized Paka crew will organize all the luggage and food, weigh them, and then get the necessary permit.

You will then begin your hike through the rainforest on a twisted path up the ridge. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so the gaiters and trekking poles could come in handy. You will have lunch along the way, as we continue with our trek to Machame Hut campsite.

• Elevation 1800 meters to 3100 meters
• Distance: 12 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

#Day 2: Machame Hut to Shira Cave Campsite

Hike to Shira Cave Campsite begins after breakfast. The rainforest will be left behind, and we’ll cross the little valley and walk beside the rocky ridge. Lunch will be served along the way, followed by a final hike to Shira cave. Later, in the afternoon, an acclimatization walk commences to help you get used to the altitude. Dinner will be served at Shira cave, where you will rest for the day.

• Machame Camp to Shira Camp
• Elevation 3100 meters to 3840 meters
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

#Day 3: Shira Cave through Lava Tower to Barranco Campsite

Today’s trek to Barranco campsite starts after breakfast, and our path will be towered by Lava Tower (4600 meters), which is also called the Shark’s tooth. Your lunch will be served at the Lava Tower, as you’ll spend some time at this altitude to get used to it. Then we’ll head to Barranco camp, nested at 3950m, and here you will have dinner and spend the night. Despite the fact that this day will end at the same elevation at which it begins, it is very important for acclimatization of your body for summit day.

• Elevation 3840 meters to 4600 meters to 3950 meters
• Distance: 12 km
• Hiking Time: 8-9 hours
• Habitat: Semi-Desert

#Day 4: Barranco Campsite through Karanga Valley Campsite.

We will depart Barranco after breakfast, continuing on a steep ridge at the base of Barranco Wall toward Karanga Valley campsite. Hot lunch will be served at the camp. Later in the afternoon, you should go for an acclimatization walk. Dinner will be served at Karanga valley, where you will also spend the night.

• Elevation 3950 meters to 4002 meters
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

#Day 5: Karanga Campsite to Barafu Hut (Base camp)

You will continue trekking to Barafu after breakfast, from which the view of the summit tends to be different as you shift angles. Once we reach the campsite, you can get an excellent view of the summit, but also enjoy the sight of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Dinner will be served early so that you may have a few hours sleep. and you should rest and prepare for the final ascend

• Elevation 4002 meters to 4600 meters
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

#Day 6: Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Hut Campsite.

Hiking to the summit will begin shortly after midnight, at around 12:30 A.M., as our path twists through a heavy scree towards Stella Point at the crater rim. This part of the hike is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the ascend. Once we reach Stella Point, you will rest and refresh with a warm cup of tea or coffee, accompanied by the views of the magnificent sunrise coming above Mawenzi. Going further up, you might encounter snow storms, although it is dictated by the season you are taking for the hike. The summit, Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Kilimanjaro and all of Africa, is just an hour hike from Stella Point.

From the summit, you will start trekking down to Mweka campsite. Lunch stop will be at Barafu camp, where you can take some rest, before we continue our descent towards Mweka Campsite, which is located in the forest. Here, you will have your last dinner and overnight on the Kilimanjaro.

• Elevation 4600 meters to 5895 meters (and down to 3100 meters)
• Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic

#Day 7: Mweka Hut Campsite to Mweka Gate.

Breakfast will be served before we begin hiking down to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive summit certificates. Paths on the lower elevations can be rather wet and muddy, so the gaiters and trekking poles might come in handy. There will be a vehicle waiting at the gate to take you back to your accommodation in Arusha-Tulia Retreat hotel & spa .

• Elevation 3100 meters to 1800 meters
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

#Price and Inclusions:

• Price: $2,400 per person
• Included:
• Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro Airport
• Park fees, Camping fees, Hut fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT on tour fees and
• Transport to and from the mountain gates before and after climb
• Certified, professional and highly Experienced mountain guides, cooks and porters
• Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
• Warm water to wash every evening at camp
• All meals on the Mountain
• 3 freshly prepared meals daily while on the mountain
• Daily tea and coffee at camp
• Filtered water throughout the trek
• All Camping Equipment.
• 4 season sleeping tents
• Comfortable sleeping mattress
• Crew tents
• Mess tent
• Four Nights accommodation in Arusha ( Before and After Climbing, in between two days of Safari and after Safari).
• Government Climbing Taxes
• Climbing permits
• Daily Briefings
• Safety Equipment:
• Emergency oxygen
• First Aid kits
• Hot drinks at every meal
• Not Included
• Landing visa
• International flight ticket
• Tips for Mountain Guides and Porters,( not less than $50 per day per person for the mountain crew).



• Note: Accommodation availability is subject to change; similar quality alternatives will be provided if necessary.

Additional Information

Is this trip right for me? 

Every trip to Tanzania is different. At Prized Paka Safaris, our job is to help you find a trip that matches your dreams, budget, and appetite for luxury and adventure.

The trip above is one example of what's possible, but get in touch with our team, and we'll help you understand if it's right for you. We can use this trip as a starting point, or we can start with a blank sheet of paper and design a trip that's perfect for you.