Trail Safari Explorers
Machame Route Kilimanjaro Trek
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro / 6 Days / Classic Scenic Climb / 5,895m Summit
Overview
The Machame Route, nicknamed the "Whiskey Route", is beloved for varied scenery and a great acclimatisation profile when stretched to 7 days. Trek through rainforest, heath, moorland and alpine desert before the final summit push from Barafu.
- Most popular route for good acclimatisation and summit success
- Scenic traverse via Lava Tower and Barranco Wall
- Great for trekkers with reasonable fitness levels
Itinerary Route
Detailed Itinerary
Pre-Trek Briefing · Moshi/Arusha
Briefing, equipment check and crew introductions. Arrive at least one day before departure.
Elevation: — | Distance: — | Time: —
Machame Camp
Drive 45 minutes to Machame Gate then enter the rainforest on a winding ridge trail. The forest can be muddy and atmospheric — gaiters and poles are useful from the start. Camp is at the moorland edge.
Elevation: 1,830m – 3,050m | Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–6 hrs
Shira Camp
Leaving the rainforest glades, the path crosses a steep rocky valley before turning west onto a river gorge, arriving at the open, wind-swept Shira Plateau campsite.
Elevation: 3,050m – 3,850m | Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–5 hrs
Barranco Camp
The acclimatisation centrepiece of the Machame route: climb to Lava Tower (4,650m) for the altitude stimulus, then descend to Barranco Camp. The Barranco Wall looms impressively at camp.
Elevation: 3,850m → 4,650m → 3,950m | Distance: 10 km | Time: 5–6 hrs
Barafu Camp
Tackle the Barranco Wall scramble then cross the Karanga Valley junction. The trail continues through alpine desert to Barafu high camp.
Elevation: 4,000m – 4,700m | Distance: 9 km | Time: 6–8 hrs
Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Midnight start through loose scree to Stella Point, then on to Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Descend the full length to Mweka Camp.
Elevation: 4,700m – 5,895m – 3,090m | Distance: 18 km | Time: 12–15 hrs
Mweka Gate
Final descent through forest to Mweka Gate for summit certificates, then vehicle transfer to Moshi.
Elevation: 3,090m – 1,680m | Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hrs
Seasonal Rates
Low Season (Apr–May)
Quieter trails, lower rates — prices per person (USD)
| 2 persons | $2,610 |
| 4 persons | $2,220 |
| 6 persons | $2,230 |
High Season (Jan–Mar & Jun–Dec)
Best weather windows — prices per person (USD)
| 2 persons | $2,790 |
| 4 persons | $2,380 |
| 6 persons | $2,390 |
Suggested Gratuities
Recommended daily gratuities per climber:
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- All required park entry and conservation fees
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Experienced mountain crew — certified guides, porters & cook
- Full camping setup
- Emergency rescue coverage
- All meals on the mountain
- Emergency oxygen
What's Not Included
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
- Hotel stays before and after the trek
- Tips & gratuities
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal gear
Quick Navigation
Ready to Summit Kilimanjaro?
Experience the classic Machame Route.
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