7 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route

  • 5.0/5 (20 + Reviews)
Edit Content

The Machame Route

A Scenic and Acclimatization-Focused Adventure on Kilimanjaro

The Machame Route, affectionately known as the “Whiskey Route,” has captured the hearts of many adventurers. This route offers a camping experience that allows trekkers to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Kilimanjaro, including breathtaking views of Mt Meru, the picturesque Pare Mountains, and the serene lakes Chala and Jipe.

Itinerary Choices: While it’s entirely possible to complete the Machame trek in six days, there’s a compelling argument for choosing the seven-day Machame climb. This extended itinerary dedicates an extra day to acclimatization and rest before the demanding summit day, a strategic decision that significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness and maximizes your chances of reaching the summit.

Whether you’re drawn to the scenic beauty of Kilimanjaro or seeking the benefits of thoughtful acclimatization, the Machame Route offers a memorable journey filled with both natural wonders and strategic advantages, making it a favored choice for those who aspire to conquer Africa’s highest peak.

Edit Content

Day 1

  • Arrival
  • ✈️ Airport Pick-Up: We’ll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport.
  • 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel.

🛌🏻 Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night’s stay.

🚌 Note: Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.

Day 2

  • Hotel – Machame Gate – Machame Campsite.
  • After breakfast, our vehicle will transport you from the hotel to Machame Gate, where you will complete the necessary registration procedures.
  • Begin the trek through the rainforest to Machame Camp, where your tents will be already set up for you. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the campsite.

Day 3

  • Machame Hut Campsite to Shira Campsite
  • After breakfast, leave the camp and continue ascending by crossing little valleys and steep rocky ridges covered with heather plants.
  • Head to the western side of the mountain where the camp is situated. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy the spectacular view of Mount Meru, Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak, and the beautiful sunset.
  • Have dinner and spend the night at this camp, surrounded by breathtaking views.

Day 4

  • Shira Campsite to Barranco Campsite
  • Begin your important acclimatization day with an early breakfast.
  • Continue trekking east to a junction leading to Lava tower rock at 4600m for acclimatization. Enjoy lunch at Lava tower and then descend to Barranco camp.
  • Barranco camp is located in the bottom valley of Barranco wall, where you will stop for dinner and spend the night.

Day 5

  • Barranco Campsite to Karanga Campsite
  • Today is a short day walk. In the morning, you’ll start by climbing Barranco wall and reach an elevation of 4200m for acclimatization.
  • Continue your journey by crossing ridges and valleys to reach the Karanga campsite for a hot lunch. After lunch, take a break and further acclimatize by trekking up the scree slopes towards the southern ice field.
  • Return to the camp for supper and spend the night there.

Day 6

  • : Karanga Campsite to Barafu Campsite
  • On this day, trek up to the Barafu Ridge campsite, which can be challenging due to the high altitude.
  • The walk may only take a few hours because of the short distance, but it is steep, so maintain a slow pace to avoid fatigue.
  • rek across an alpine desert, and be prepared for the possibility of a strong, cold wind blowing from Kibo peak and its ice.
  • Have dinner at an elevation of 4620 meters and rest until midnight when you will begin your summit ascent.

Day 7

  • Barafu Hut Campsite / Uhuru Peak / Mweka Campsite Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m
  • Wake up at midnight and have a light breakfast to prepare for your summit climb.
  • Start your climb before dawn to reach Uhuru Peak around sunrise, passing through switchbacks on steep scree or snow.
  • Reach Stella Point at 5,861m between 4 and 5 AM for stunning views of the crater and glaciers.
  • Continue hiking for an hour along the Kibo crater rim to Uhuru Peak. Take photos as desired.
  • Descend to Barafu campsite, have lunch, rest, collect equipment, and continue down through moorland and heath zones to Mweka campsite. Enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Day 8

  • Mweka Campsite to Mweka Gate
  • Begin your last day on the mountain after breakfast, descending down to Mweka park gate.
  • Walk through the Montane forest during the 3-4 hour descent. At the gate, sign out and prepare to board the vehicle for the transfer back to the hotel.
  • Receive your certificate and celebrate your successful trek.
Edit Content

MACHAME ROUTE 7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS : Price/per

No. of Persons Days Luxury($) Mid-Range($) Budget($)
1 7 2899 2564 1896
2 2479 2157 1713
3-4 2308 2010 1630
More than 4 Contact us Contact us Contact us

Your Package Categories:

Luxury Mid-Range Budget
Park fees Park fees Park fees
Rescue Fee Rescue Fee Rescue Fee
Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Airport transportation is not included, can be arranged for an additional fee.
Two-night stay at a luxurious hotel such as the Mount Meru Hotel

Two-night stay at a mid-range hotel such as the Tulia Boutique Hotel

Accommodation before and after the climb is not provided and can be arranged for an additional fee. For budget-friendly options, consider Merves Hotel for accommodation

3 luxury meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 mid-range meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 budget meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, big luxury tents, luxury tent table and chairs, luxury mattress and camping beds  Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, mid-range tents, mid-range tent table and chairs and mid-range mattress Equipment offered: budget tent, tent with table and chair. Add-ons available for extra charges: oxygen tank, private toilet.
camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters
  • If you would like to have an overview about all our price packages, please check our entire price package list.
  • Click here to get more details about the price categories.
Edit Content

Included

Excluded

Edit Content
  • Book your flights to the airport in Arusha or Kilimanjaro and share with us your flight details
  • Transfer from and back to the hotel is included in your package and we will organize it to you.

$1,500 to $2,600 pp. (USD)

[]
1 Step 1
Book Now
keyboard_arrow_leftPrevious
Nextkeyboard_arrow_right

Excellent
Based on 15 reviews
Tom M
Tom M
2023-06-25
Incredible experience made all the more special by Honest and his team We couldn’t endorse Honest and his team more. Immediately after meeting, we were made to feel extremely welcome, safe, and informed, which remained throughout the duration of our adventure.We first climbed Mount Meru where Honest took us to spots to see Giraffes in the wild as well as many monkeys, warthogs, and other animals. This served as the perfect preparation for Kilimanjaro.The team we had for Kili was exemplary. The whole time there was a real bond between the entire group. We’d regularly spend time beyond meal times talking with Honest and Justin about life and the adventure we were currently on which was extremely insightful. The food also far surpassed our expectations with exactly the type of fuel we needed such as pastas, fruits, eggs, etc. Our chef was called the “stomach engineer” for very appropriate reasons!Throughout the climb, Honest ensured we maintained an enjoyable tempo and there wasn’t a moment we felt too slow or rushed. The culmination of this was being fresh for summit morning and being the first team to summit, just as the sun was rising. With minor altitude sickness in the team on descent, Honest gave appropriate nutrition and instruction to manage the situation. Thereafter, there was a party atmosphere within the group, even having music and dancing on the last morning of the descent where we exchanged gifts and final stories.Overall, it was the trip of a lifetime made all the more special by Honest and his team. Perfectly prepared and executed that set us up for success. The relationship with Honest was tremendous, so much so that we are still in regular contact today and when a return trip is due, there are no hesitations in going straight to Zanzi Trekking and Safaris.
Toumi I
Toumi I
2023-05-23
The amazing trip We had an amazing experience with zanzi trekking and safaris ,they took care of every detail of our trip .we are so delighted to have organised everything with them .
Ghizlane Z
Ghizlane Z
2023-05-20
Professional and amazing Organizers very professional trip organizers. The guides are all ear and take care of every single details. Zanzibar was an amazing adventure full of adrenaline, new experiences and heartwarming people. I only can recommend and will definitely plan a Safari with Zanzibar trekking. The best is yet to come Much love !
Slim M
Slim M
2023-02-25
Wonderful experience! It was an amazing experience! We had so much fun, everything was very well organised.Thank you Zanzi
Eero
Eero
2022-11-18
Kilimanjaro Professional, yet easy going and well organized trek, with fantastic main guide Honest and his crew. Lots of good memories, laughter anf singing. Hieno kokemus kaikenkaikkiaan, asante sana!
renata C
renata C
2022-08-13
Wonderful adventure The climb to Kilimanjaro was well organized, all the people were very friendly and acommodating. A safari to remember. I would love to repeat this adventure😊
Laurent D
Laurent D
2022-07-20
Expérience parfaite ! Honest et son équipe ont été d’excellents guides, très sympathiques et très professionnels. Ils nous ont conduit au sommet du Kilimandjaro sans le moindre problème. Merci encore Honest pour cette magnifique ascension !
Benoit_JPA
Benoit_JPA
2022-07-19
Super guide et équipe ! Super expérience avec Honnest et son agence. L’accompagnement était top du début a la fin aussi bien pour l’ascension di Kilimandjaro que le safari. Un grand merci a notre guide et son équipe.
Steph M
Steph M
2022-07-17
Wonderful experience We had a wonderful experience with Honest back on 2017 who organized a trip for the ascent of Kilimanjaro and two Fays of safaris
Hemery Chris
Hemery Chris
2022-07-14
Best expedition of kilimandjaro Que du bon souvenir ! Honest nous a accueilli avec beaucoup d’attention, une équipe pour l’expédition de preniere ordre, la qualité aux services de l’ascension du plus haut sommet d’Afrique, le fameux kilimandjaro !A faire avant qu’il n’y ait plus de glacier en haut Et dans la foulee, nous sommes allee dans la jungle avec Honest pour voir ces anomaux en libertéJe recommande vivement !