The Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful and rewarding trails. It features diverse landscapes—from lush rainforest to the vast Shira Plateau and dramatic Barranco Valley. This 6-day itinerary is designed for physically fit trekkers who want a scenic yet demanding climb with quick acclimatization. Although challenging, the Machame Route offers excellent views, a well-established trail, and strong summit potential for those determined to reach Africa’s highest point.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame → Shira
Day 3: Shira → Lava Tower → Barranco
Day 4: Barranco → Karanga
Day 5: Karanga → Barafu
Day 6: Summit → Mweka Gate
Machame Route 6 Days – Kilimanjaro Climb via the “Whiskey Route”
PRICE PER PERSON
2 Persons
4 Persons
6 Persons
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Start your Kilimanjaro climb at Machame Gate and walk through lush, green rainforest alive with birds, ferns, and ancient trees. The trail gradually ascends, becoming steeper as you approach Machame Camp, your first night on the mountain. This day offers beautiful scenery and begins your acclimatization.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today’s trail climbs a steep ridge leading out of the forest and onto the open moorland. As you gain height, the views open up dramatically. Arrive at the expansive Shira Plateau, with Shira Camp offering wide mountain vistas and your first close views of Kibo Peak.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Hike across the Shira Plateau toward Lava Tower (4,600m) for an important acclimatization climb. After lunch at Lava Tower, descend into the beautiful Barranco Valley. The drop in altitude helps your body adjust and prepares you for the coming summit. Overnight at Barranco Camp beneath towering cliffs.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Begin with an exciting ascent of the iconic Barranco Wall. Though steep, it is non-technical and highly rewarding. After reaching the top, traverse several rolling valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day designed to strengthen your acclimatization.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Climb steadily to Barafu Camp, your high-altitude base camp for the summit. Here the landscape shifts to a stark alpine desert. Rest early, hydrate well, and prepare for the midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Gate
Begin your summit attempt under the stars, ascending steep switchbacks to Stella Point and continuing to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu and continue down to Mweka Gate, where your certificates await before returning to Arusha.
INCLUDES:
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Professional, English-speaking mountain guides certified in WFR (Wilderness First Responder) or equivalent
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Experienced assistant guides, cooks, and porters
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All park fees & taxes, including:
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Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees
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Camping or hut fees
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Rescue fees
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All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Fresh, hot meals prepared daily
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Dietary options available (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, etc.)
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Purified drinking water throughout the climb
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High-quality mountain tents (4-season, all-weather)
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Comfortable sleeping mats
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Dining tent, dining table, chairs
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Private mobile toilet tent (on request or included depending on package level)
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All group equipment, including:
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Cooking equipment
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Utensils
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Safety gear
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Emergency oxygen cylinder
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First-aid kit with pulse oximeter
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Daily health checks for acclimatization monitoring
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Fair porter wages and ethical standards (KPAP compliant option available)
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Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (package-dependent)
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Private transport to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate
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Certificate of achievement for reaching Gilman’s Point, Stella Point, or Uhuru Peak
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Meet-and-greet support upon arrival
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Luggage storage during the climb
EXCLUDES:
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International flights
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Tanzania entry visa
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Travel insurance (mandatory for high-altitude trekking)
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Personal trekking gear, including:
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Sleeping bag
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Hiking boots
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Trekking poles
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Clothing layers
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Headlamp
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Personal toiletries
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Snacks or energy supplements (chocolate, energy bars, gels)
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Alcoholic and soft drinks at hotels or on the mountain
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Private portable toilet (if not included in your package)
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Personal medical supplies
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Tips for the mountain crew (industry standard: $250–$300 per climber)
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Additional nights at hotels before/after the climb (unless included)
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Evacuation by helicopter (covered only if your insurance includes high-altitude rescue)
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Items of personal nature (laundry, phone charging, souvenirs)
