Moshi - Tanzania
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24/7 Customer Support
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The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and take you to your hotel in Moshi. Do not worry if you are slow clearing customs, our driver will be waiting for as long as necessary. After you settle in at your hotel, we will go through an equipment check with you. If any items are lacking, they can be rented at this time. Your guide will meet you for a thorough pre-climb briefing where all questions will be answered. For night time arrivals these things can be done the early the next morning.
After registration at Machame Gate, the trail begins through dense rainforest with rich flora and fauna, including towering fig trees and colobus monkeys. The trail is often muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are useful. You’ll gradually ascend through humid jungle terrain before arriving at Machame Camp on the edge of the forest zone.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Machame Camp
Elevation: 9,927 ft / 3,026 m → 12,355 ft / 3,766 m
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today, you ascend through a steeper trail crossing a valley and ridge into moorland. The vegetation changes to low heathers, lobelias, and giant groundsels. The Shira Plateau unfolds ahead, giving you your first clear views of Kibo peak.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Camp
Elevation: 12,355 ft / 3,766 m → 15,190 ft / 4,630 m → 13,044 ft / 3,970 m
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is a critical acclimatization day. You’ll climb gradually to Lava Tower, a striking 300-ft volcanic rock formation. After lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the lush Barranco Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” approach improves your chances of a successful summit. The descent into Barranco reveals breathtaking views of the Great Barranco Wall and Kibo’s glaciers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft / 3,970 m → 13,106 ft / 3,995 m
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
You’ll begin the day by climbing the iconic Barranco Wall — a steep but non-technical scramble with sweeping views. Once atop the ridge, you’ll traverse glacial valleys and ridges to reach the scenic Karanga Camp. This day is vital for acclimatization and a perfect chance to rest before ascending higher.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp
Today’s route is a gradual but steady climb through desolate, wind-swept alpine desert. You’ll pass lava ridges and barren hillsides on your way to Barafu Camp. The air grows thinner and the landscape starker. You’ll arrive in time for an early dinner and rest, as you’ll begin your summit push just before midnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
Elevation: 15,331 ft / 4,673 m → 19,341 ft / 5,895 m → 10,065 ft / 3,068 m
Distance: 17 km / 10.6 miles (5 km / 3.1 miles ascent, 12 km / 7.5 miles descent)
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
You’ll start your summit attempt around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically demanding portion of the trek. After 6–7 hours of climbing on volcanic scree, you’ll reach Stella Point (18,885 ft / 5,756 m) just before sunrise. From there, it’s a 1-hour trek along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. After celebration and photos, descend to Barafu for rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp
Elevation: 10,065 ft / 3,068 m → 5,380 ft / 1,640 m
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your final descent is through lush montane rainforest, filled with exotic birds and colorful wildflowers. The trail may be muddy but offers a tranquil end to your adventure. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your official summit certificate. You’ll then be transferred back to Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the hotel is included in the climb package. Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport. If you have booked a safari, we typically will leave just after breakfast. Checkout time at the hotel is 10am. If you have a flight departing later in the day, we will try to obtain a late checkout for you or arrange for a day room if you desire.
We do not compromise on safety and quality, so our prices are not the cheapest. However, it is also not as high as other companies. We take great pride in the value for money we provide to every customer.
The per person prices below are based on the number of people booking the trip together.
