MACHAME ROUTE – OVERVIEW
Machame route known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenic and popular mountain routes and offers adventurous climbers stunning scenic outlooks. With paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to late sunsets at Shira Plateau to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of summit.
Duration: 6 or 7 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High
DAY 0: ARRIVAL KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Machame route known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenic and popular mountain routes and offers adventurous climbers stunning scenic outlooks. With paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to late sunsets at Shira Plateau to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of summit.
Duration: 6 or 7 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High
DAY 1: MACHAME GATE - MACHAME CAMP
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
10.75k /7mi | 5-6 hrs. | Rainforest
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude gained: 1210m
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP - SHIRA CAMP
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest 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. Temperatures begin to drop.
5.3km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m
DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP - LAVA TOWER - BARRANCO CAMP
After breakfast, the trek continues through heathland to the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Maintain a steady pace to conserve energy for the summit. Upon reaching camp, have lunch, rest, avoid strenuous activity, and stay hydrated. The day’s journey covers 10 km (6 mi) over 6-8 hours, with an elevation gain from 3,690 m (12,100 ft) to 4,700 m (15,400 ft).
10.75km/6mi | 5-6hrs | Semi Desert
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 147m
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP - KARANGA CAMP
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see your crew’s power, agility, and strength zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
5.2km/3mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained: 48m
DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP - BARAFU CAMP
We continue up toward Barafu Camp and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
3.3km /2 mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m
DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT - MWEKA CAMP:
The passage describes the climactic portion of a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, starting between midnight and 2 a.m. This part of the journey is both mentally and physically demanding, as hikers ascend between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers towards Stella Point, where they can witness a stunning sunrise. After a short rest, hikers continue to the summit, Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where they celebrate their achievement. Following this, they begin a steep descent to Mweka Camp, pausing at Barafu for a brief rest and lunch. The day concludes with a final overnight stay at Mweka Camp.
4.86km /3mi up | 5-7hrs | 11.5km /7.2mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP - MWEKA GATE – MOSHI
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!!
Overnight your hotel in Moshi before being transferred to your journey home, safari or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
9.1km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
DAY 0: DEPARTURE
Today we will transfer you to airport for your flight back home.
INCLUDED
EXCLUDED
- Gratuities/tips
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bag and clothing
- Favored beverages (soda and alcohol at hotels)
- Additional accommodation or meals resulting from early descent
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Domestic or international flights
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Low Season (April 1st – May 19th)
| Type of Accommodation | 2 persons | 4 persons | 6+ persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVER | $3,048.00 USD* | $2,469.00 USD* | $2,275.00 USD* |
| GOLD | $3,615.00 USD* | $3,006.00 USD* | $2,803.00 USD* |
| PLATINUM | $4,300.00 USD* | $3,701.00 USD* | $3,501.00 USD* |
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
Mid Season (The Rest of the Year)
| Type of Accommodation | 2 persons | 4 persons | 6+ persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVER | $3,245.00 USD* | $2,599.00 USD* | $2,384.00 USD* |
| GOLD | $3,971.00 USD* | $3,294.00 USD* | $3,069.00 USD* |
| PLATINUM | $4,699.00 USD* | $4,033.00 USD* | $3,811.00 USD* |
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
MAKE YOUR DREAM TRIP COME TRUE WITH ALPINE CHAT ADVENTURE
At Alpine Chat Adventure, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
