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 breakfast at your hotel, our driver will pick you up and drive you to the trailhead at Machame Gate. Today’s path winds through the rainforest and up the ridge to Machame Camp. You may want to have your gaiters and trekking poles out as this section of trail can get muddy. Day one is done, nice work!
Today’s trek is a shorter one. Leaving the rainforest behind, you’ll enjoy open vistas as the trail ascends the ridge to Shira Camp. Enjoy the tremendous views of Shira Ridge and Mount Kilimanjaro from camp tonight.
Leaving the beautiful Shira Plateau behind, you’ll continue your trek upwards. Grab your camera as you approach the Lava Tower and keep it handy for the scenic view of Mount Kibo at the end of the day. The trail will help you get acclimatized to the elevation as it brings you up over 4500m for the first time on this trek. Not to worry, you’ll have an elevation break tonight at camp, as Barranco Camp sits only slightly higher than where you were last night.
Yesterday you caught sight of the impressive Barranco Wall, and today you will climb over it! Not to worry, you don’t need any technical climbing skills to reach the top. Although you may need to use your hands for balance in some sections, it just takes determination and your feet to reach the top. Enjoy the view, then you’ll be hiking back down the valley to Karanga Camp for the night.
Today will be a shorter day on the trail through the somewhat desolate volcanic desert. You may find the effects of the altitude making the day more challenging as you get acclimatized. Rest well tonight at Barafu Camp, as you’ll have a very early wake up call!
You’ll want to wear your headlamp when you hit the trail sometime around midnight this morning. The early start ensures you’ll arrive at Stella Point for an incredible sunrise. The elevation and tricky footing through heavy scree and snow on the last stretch of your ascent will all be a challenge, but it’ll be worth it soon. When you reach the top of Uhuru Peak you’ll have earned the breathtaking view from the highest point in all of Africa! This afternoon you’ll be hiking back down to a much more comfortable altitude to spend the night at Mweka Camp.
After a good night’s rest and lots of much-needed oxygen, you can begin the final leg of your trek. Dress in layers, as it will warm up as you descend back into the rainforest climate. You’ll be met by the Gladys Adventure driver who will transport you back to our office. Here you will be presented with your climb certificate and you can tip your crew and say your farewell to them.
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.
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2300 USD | 2250 USD | 2210 USD | 2180 USD | 2150 USD | 2050 USD | 1960 USD | 1910 USD | 1830 USD | 1750 USD | 1705 USD | 1690 USD |