Machame in 7 days - DreamWorth Safaris

MACHAME 7 DAYS

From USD 1,887 per person

Nicknamed the “Whiskey” route for its challenging terrain and higher cost compared to the Marangu Route, the Machame Route is ideal for adventurous trekkers with some hiking or backpacking experience.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging; steeper than Marangu and Rongai in certain sections but overall manageable.
Scenery: Stunning and varied, passing through five diverse climatic zones, including rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert.
Acclimatization: Excellent, with many opportunities for “walk high, sleep low”, making it easier to adjust before summit day.
Highlights: Expansive Shira Plateau, optional Lava Tower scramble, Great Barranco Wall climb, and traverse beneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field. The south circuit offers multiple summit views along the way.
Popularity: Very popular trail; expect other trekkers along the route.
Extra Tip: Pre-summit climbs can be split to allow for extra rest before the final ascent.

The Machame Route combines challenging trekking with breathtaking scenery, making it one of the best choices for both acclimatization and adventure.

A taste of what to expect…

Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp

The drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes, passing through the charming village of Machame on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.

From the park gate, we enter the rainforest, following a winding trail up a ridge. Trails at lower elevations can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. After a steady climb, we arrive at Machame Camp for the night.

Elevation: 1,830 m / 6,000 ft → 3,050 m / 9,950 ft
Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 h
Habitat: Montane forest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, we leave the lush rainforest glades and ascend along a steep, rocky ridge, crossing the valley as we climb. The trail then turns west, following a river gorge until we reach Shira Camp.

Elevation: 3,050 m / 9,950 ft → 3,850 m / 12,600 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 h
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we head east along a ridge, passing the junction toward Kibo Peak. The trail then turns southeast to the Lava Tower, nicknamed the “Shark’s Tooth” (4,650 m / 15,250 ft). Shortly after, we reach the second junction toward Arrow Glacier, then descend to Barranco Camp.

Although the day ends at nearly the same elevation as it began, this trek is crucial for acclimatization, helping your body adjust in preparation for summit day.

Elevation: 3,850 m / 12,600 ft → 4,000 m / 13,000 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 h
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and ascend the Barranco Wall, continuing through the Karanga Valley to the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. This segment completes the south circuit and offers fantastic summit views from multiple angles.

Elevation: 4,000 m / 13,000 ft → 4,050 m / 13,250 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 h
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

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, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight–2 AM), we begin the final ascent between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, heading northwest through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point, we take a short rest and are rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, snow may cover the trail during the 1-hour climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa.

After summiting, we begin our descent straight to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch. Trekking poles and gaiters are recommended for the loose gravel on the way down. We arrive at Mweka Camp in the evening to enjoy our final night on the mountain.

Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,350 ft → 5,895 m / 19,340 ft (summit), down to 3,090 m / 10,150 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi up, 13 km / 8 mi down
Hiking Time: 5–7 h up, 5–6 h down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After breakfast, we continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate. Trails at lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Shorts and t-shirts are usually sufficient, but keep rain gear and warmer layers handy.

At the gate, a Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3,090 m / 10,150 ft → 1,680 m / 5,500 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 h
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Cost includes

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
All meals while on the Mountain
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Sleeping Mattress
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Hotel before and after the hike

Cost excludes

Tanzania Visa
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
International and domestic flights
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Travel insurance
Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.
Tips and gratuities
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages

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