Moshi - Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)

Kilimanjaro National Park - Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters, 3,935 feet
Distance: 10km
At 9am, depart from Moshi to Machame Gate, where the porters, guides, and cooks will join you for the seven-day journey to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Upon arrival, wait at the gate while the climb is registered and the team makes final preparations. The first day’s goal is Machame Camp. Each day, the porters and cooks will advance to set up camp before your arrival. On the first day, trek through the moss-draped trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. As the hike concludes, the forest will thin, revealing heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. If the weather is clear, enjoy views of the surrounding area and your ultimate goal, Kibo Peak.

Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation Gain: 840 meters, 2,760 feet
Distance: 7km
Though considered the easiest day on the Machame Route, today’s trek includes several uphill sections. Carry ample drinking water, as the exposed hike can be warm on a clear day. There are several viewpoints offering views of the plains and forests below, and Kibo and Mawenzi peaks above. As altitude increases, observe the change in vegetation. The trees shrink, giving way to Kilimanjaro’s renowned high-altitude plants, Scenecio kilimanjari and Lobelia deckenii. After lunch, ascend the Shira Plateau, formed when Kibo’s lava flows filled the Shira crater. Proceed to Shira Camp, where you can relax for the remainder of the day. Kibo lies to the west and Mount Meru to the east.

Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Total Elevation Gain: 690 meters, 2,264 feet
Distance: 10km
Although this day involves both ascents and descents, it ends with an elevation gain of only 110 meters. By early afternoon, you will have climbed 690 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before descending to Barranco Camp. This day is vital for acclimatization. After breakfast, hike east on the Shira Plateau before reaching the junction for the Shira and Lemosho Routes. Continue through the barren landscape before stopping for lunch. Shortly after lunch, reach the day’s highest point before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. Faster hikers can take a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation protruding from the mountainside. Barranco Camp, nestled among stands of Senecio kilimanjari, is considered the most picturesque campsite on the Machame Route.

Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet
Distance: 7km
Depart Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5-hour scramble up Barranco Wall. This is the most challenging part of the day, and in some areas, you will need to use your hands to pull yourself up. After reaching the top, make a short descent into the greener Karanga Valley. Typically, camping is done on the ridge above the valley to enhance acclimatization.

Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation Gain: 400 meters, 1,320 feet
Distance: 6km
After breakfast, start the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way, enjoy views of several of Kibo’s glaciers and the junction connecting the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, pass by the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu traverses alpine desert with minimal vegetation, Barafu Camp offers breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep soon after dinner, as you will wake before midnight for the summit hike.

Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters, 9,170 feet
Distance: 18km
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your headlamp. The ascent to the crater rim is the most demanding part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until reaching the crater rim at Stella Point.
The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, have breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet
Distance: 10km
After breakfast, complete the trek with a descent to Mweka Gate. Your final hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi. You will have the opportunity to purchase t-shirts and sodas at the gate.

• Emergency first-aid kit
• Friendly and professional mountain guides
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Private transfer from Kilimanjaro gate to your Hotel in Moshi
• Breakfast
• Private pick up and drop off to Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
• 3 meals daily while on the mountain
• Supportive crew of cook and porters
• 4 Season Mountain tents
• Hot water for washing
• Private transfer from your Hotel Moshi town to Kilimanjaro gate
• Pre-Climb Briefing and Orientation
• Mountain climbing certificates
• Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA)
• Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick

• All National Park fees: (Park entry fees, camping fees, team rescue fees
• West Kilimanjaro Forest fees, and 18% VAT—for both trekkers and the supportive crew)
• Travel Insurance to cover any accident, medical issues and any other unexpected incidents
• Personal trekking gear (clothing, boots sleeping bag and other essentials)
• Portable flush toilet with tent (Optional & available up on request)
• Personal items and toiletries
• Tips and gratuities for your climbing crew (guides, porters, and chef) will be highly appreciated

The Machame route, often referred to as the Whiskey route, is renowned for its challenging ascent, unlike the more accessible Marangu route, known as the Coca Cola route. While the Marangu route offers a gradual incline and hut accommodations, climbers on the Machame route tackle steeper trails over longer distances and camp in tents. The Machame Route can be completed in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.