Kilimanjaro Machame Trek
A 7-day trek on 'The Whiskey Route' to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
Fondly known as 'the Whiskey Route', the Kilimanjaro Machame Route takes hikers through a wide variety of landscapes and offer incredible views.
The route begins at Machame Gate and takes trekkers along an exciting footpath through a tropical forests, moorlands, a lunar landscape and ends in an Arctic desert climate near the summit.
This trek gives hikers the opportunity to explore the secluded areas of the Northern Circuit, and experience panoramic views of the Lemosho and Machame mountain regions.
Summary
DURATION
9 days
LOCATION
Tanzania
START & ENDS
Moshi, Moshi
DIFFICULTY
Easy Moderate Challenge Hard
Highlights
Itinerary
FOOD
No Meals
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel
ACTIVITY
Airport transfer
ELEVATION
Moshi (890m)
You will be collected by one of our staff at Kilimanjaro Airport for transfer to your hotel.
After settling in you will be briefed about the climb and then a pre-climb check for your readiness will be conducted by your climb manager.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Tented
ACTIVITY
Hiking 5 - 6 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
Moshi (890m) to Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,010m)
After a quick briefing we travel to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance, the Machame Gate.
We gather our permits and register with search and rescue, we begin our trek to Machame Camp.
This first stage includes passing through a tropical rainforest. As we climb to a higher altitude, keep in check with your guide if you feel any symptoms of altitude sickness.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Tented
ACTIVITY
Hiking 6 - 7 hours
ELEVATION
Machame Camp (3,010m) to Shira Camp (3,845m) and Lava Tower Camp (4,120m)
After our breakfast we start trekking to the second high-altitude camp. Today we emerge from the rainforest and experience stunning views of the Shira Plateau.
When we reach camp, we'll have lunch, rest up and go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp. There's a 300m gain in altitude. This hike is designed to help with acclimatization for the trek going forward.
When we get back down to Shira Camp a hotmeal for dinner will be served.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Tented
ACTIVITY
Hiking 6 - 8 hours
ELEVATION
Shira Camp (3,845m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)
We leave Shira Camp after breakfast and make our way to Lava Tower where we stop for lunch.
Stopping for lunch at Lava Tower, sitting at 4,600m, is crucial for proper acclimatization.
Following lunch we descend to Barranco Camp where we spend the night. From here you can see the famous Barranco Wall that you will be hiking tomorrow.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Tented
ACTIVITY
Hiking 5 - 6 hours
ELEVATION
Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
We have an early start today so we can avoid the crowds up Barranco Wall. The steep wall may seem daunting but the trail is merciful. The photo opportunities from the top are unforgettable with Kibo Peak in the background!
Your guides will choose the best climbing spots and the rest of the route is full of ups and downs.
We have lunch at Karanga Camp, where we will be staying overnight, and we go for an acclimatization climb towards Barafu during the day.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Tented
ACTIVITY
Hiking 5 - 6 hours
ELEVATION
Karanga Camp (4,035 m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Today we head to Barafu Summit Camp where our tents will be set up ahead of time!
After a rest we complete an acclimatization climb towards Kosovo Summit Camp, it's highest point being 4,800m.
We then head back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. Spend this time resting before your trek to the summit which begins at midnight.
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Tented
ACTIVITY
Hiking 8 - 12 hours
ELEVATION
Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Millennium Camp (3,820m)
Our summit hike to Uhuru Peak starts at midnight. The mountain air can pose a challenge to some, therefore a guide will monitor your condition the whole way.
When we reach the summit you have the opportunity to see a glacier nearby before we head back to Barafu Camp and then begin our descent to Millennium Camp. The trail here is deceptively slippery, watch your footing!
FOOD
Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
Tented
ACTIVITY
Hiking 4 - 5 hours
ELEVATION
Millennium Camp (3,820m) to Mweka Gate (1,650m)
You should wake today feeling much better. Sleeping below the forest line and having conquered the summit will provide much respite.
We have breakfast upon arrival at Mweka Gate, have a short celebration with your entire climbing crew and receive your climb certificates.
Congratulations! After this, we will take you to your hotel for the night.
FOOD
Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel
ACTIVITY
Airport transfer
ELEVATION
Moshi (890m)
Today we transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport and say farewell. Until we meet again!
Dates & Prices
Below are our open group dates for the Kilimanjaro Machame Trek. Single supplements apply.
Please note: April and May are the rainy months in Tanzania. We don't operate treks during this period.
If the dates below don't suit, please get in touch as we can open a new group on any day as long as you have at least 2 people in your party.
What's Included
Included
Not Included
FAQ
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Packing List
Clothing
- 2-3 x hiking shirt + 3-4 x long-sleeve hiking shirt
- 1 x hiking shorts and 2 x trekking pants
- 1 x warm trousers / storm pants
- Mid-weight fleece jacket
- Hard shell rain jacket
- Warm insulating down or synthetic jacket / gilet
- 2 x thermal underwear
- Light, but warm gloves
Headwear
- Sun hat + Sunglasses
- Beanie
- Neck warmer
Footwear
- Hiking boots
- 4-5 hiking socks + 1 x thermal socks
- Trainers for camp
- Gaiters
Bags
- 20-25L daypack
- 90-100L Duffel Bag (waterproof)
- Plastic bags to protect sleeping bag and other gear from rain
Other Essentials
- Four season sleeping bag
- Trekking Poles
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Snacks
- Water bottle / hydration bladder
- Water treatment tablets
- Camera
- Sun cream
Rental Gear
There are a number of good rental gear shops in Moshi where one can rent / buy most items listed above.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend getting travel insurance for your trip. We recommend World Nomads as they provide comprehensive cover for adventurous activities and are very affordable. Get a quote below.
Accommodation
3-Star Hotel in Moshi
In Moshi, you will stay in 3-star hotel accommodation with complimentary breakfast.
Tented Accommodation
During the trek you will be staying in tented accommodation.
Reviews
Best Adventure Yet
Thanks Mountain IQ and Altezza for arranging our climb. It is by far the best adventure holiday I have ever experienced, the toughest too! Our guides and the entire support were truly amazing – I don’t think I would have made it without their support and encouragement! Thanks again!
Tip top trekking experience
Visiting the Annapurna Sanctuary has been one of the highlights of my life. I was very nervous joining this trek as I was a solo female and had never trekked at altitude. The team at Mountain IQ were fantastic at answering all my questions and putting my concerns to rest. Once in Nepal, Upendra and the Himalayan Leisure team were just amazing. Our guide, Dorchi, was an absolute hoot and very caring. The whole experience from beginning to end was awesome. Thanks again!
Simply magnificent!
We joined this trek with short notice. Upendra was very responsive and accommodating to our needs. The tour from pick up to drop off was professional and fun. Would highly recommend joining this tour!
An once in a lifetime experience!
This was by far the most amazing adventure we’ve ever had. We can’t thank the team at Himalayan Leisure and at Mountain IQ enough for arranging such an incredible trek for myself and my girlfriend. From the very get go, the support from Mountain IQ and Upendra was top notch. All our questions were answered quickly and in detail. Once we arrived in Kathmandu we were warmly welcomed. The pre-trek briefing was excellent and we immediately liked our guide Dawa, and felt confident putting our safety in his hands. The trek itself is truly amazing – the views throughout were spectacular. The high pass was a big challenge but the whole group managed it without too much strain. We can’t wait to return to Nepal to complete the EBC trek via Gokyo and will definitely be going with HL again!
Epic experience with Dawa and his team
Just a quick note to say thank you to Himalayan Leisure for an amazing trekking experience to EBC. We felt well looked after throughout and really enjoyed the company of our guide Dawa. I highly recommend booking this adventure!
A superb trekking experience
We had an absolutely amazing experience with Himalayan Leisure on this trek in the Langtang region. The Langtang is a lot quieter than the popular trails to Everest. If you are looking to get off the beaten path then I highly recommend this trek and HL!
Superb Tour!
This tour company is excellent. From the time they met us at Cusco airport, their interaction with us was first class. They were able to accommodate the tour changes we requested. Our guide, Percy, was excellent, very knowledgeable and took the time to explain and answer questions. I highly recommend Inkayni. I would advise anyone who wants to see Cusco and Choquequirao to select this tour company.
A great experience all round!
If you go to Peru and want to visit Machu Picchu I highly recommend this tour. My friends and I went with Jonathan from Inkayni and we loved it! We did a lot of activities and Jonathan was very attentive and available, with insightful explanations about the places we visited and the Peruvian culture. A great experience all round!
Amazing experience!
Touring around Cusco, Salkantay and Machu Picchu with Franco was more like touring around with a friend than someone I had just met! He was extremely personable and knowledgeable. I learned a ton, saw beautiful sights and had great conversation.
Elbrus Normal Route
Absolutely PRO experience! RMH are on top of everything. From organisation before the trip, responses to questions before, during and after, to organisation, security, food, lodging and guiding – they are amazing. Going to Russia to do this is not without insecurity. We felt we were in safe hands throughout the trip. I would highly recommend Vitaly and is team to anyone who desires to climb Elbrus.
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BOOKING TERMS
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LOCAL TOUR OPERATOR
ALTEZZA TRAVEL
This tour is operated by Altezza Travel. The Altezza team are a specialist Mount Kilimanjaro tour operator with an impeccable track-record for safety and summit success. They aim to make your Tanzanian experience as comfortable and memorable as possible.