Machame route Overview

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The Machame route, also referred to as the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro and a favorite for us. Machame route is one of the highest summit success rates given the topography and nature of the route which allows climbers to “trek high & sleep low” hence making it a more favorable route for acclimatization. This route offers some of the most spectacular scenery while on the mountain. The Machame route starts in the south west side of the mountain and proceeds steeply north, traversing the Shira plateau and eventually joining the Shira and Lemosho routes just after the Shira cave camp. The Machame route can be done in minimum 6 days but a 7 day trek is recommended to allow climbers been well rested and acclimatized before making the final ascent to the summit.

6-DAYS CLIMB + 2 DAYS IN HOTEL 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax 7 pax 8+ pax
 MACHAME ROUTE $2,724 $2,176 $2,033 $1,933 $1,873 $1,822 $1,786 $1,754

Itinerary

  • 1
    Day 1 - Arrival.
    Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Aris Treks & Safaris representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

    Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
  • 2
    Day 2 Trekking From Machame Gate To Machame Camp
    A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance: Machame Gate (1,800 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp (3,010 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes, but also your raincoats.

    This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

      - Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine.
      - Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently).
      - Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.
      At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

      Change in Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800 m) — Machame Camp (3,010 m)
      Hiking distance: 5 km
      Hiking time: 5–6 hours
  • 3
    Day 3 Trekking From Machame Camp To Shira Camp
    After breakfast you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp (3,845 m). On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Physically speaking, the trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp you will be served a hot dinner.

    Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

    Trekking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp:
    Change in Elevation: Machame Camp (3,010 m) — Shira Camp (3,845 m)
    Hiking distance: 5 km
    Hiking time: 4–5 hours
    Acclimatization hike:
    Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) — Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m)
    Hiking distance: 2 km
    Hiking time: 1–2 hours
  • 4
    Day 4 Trekking From Shira Camp To The Lava Tower and Descent To Barranco Camp
    After breakfast you will leave Shira Camp (3,845 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be.

    Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail.

    Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters.

    Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) — Lava Tower (4,630 m) — Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
    Hiking distance: 11 km Hiking time: 6–8 hours

  • 5
    Day 5 Trekking From Barranco Camp To Barafu Camp
    Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.

    Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to complete ascend to Barafu Camp (4,640 m) where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.

    Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) — Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
    Hiking distance: 11 km
    Hiking time: 8–10 hours
  • 6
    Day 6 Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
    Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).

    Note: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails. Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
    Hiking distance: 15 km
    Hiking time: 8–12 hours
  • 7
    Day 7 Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
    The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.

    Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) — Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
    Hiking distance: 12 km
    Hiking time: 4–5 hours
  • 8
    Day 8 Departure
    Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

    Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
7-DAYS CLIMB + 2 DAYS IN HOTEL 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax 7 pax 8+ pax
 LEMOSHO ROUTE $3,017 $2,419 $2,253 $2,143 $2,078 $2,024 $1,984 $1,952

Itinerary

  • 1
    Day 1 - Arrival.
    Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Aris Treks & Safaris representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

    Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
  • 2
    Day 2 Trekking From Machame Gate To Machame Camp
    A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance: Machame Gate (1,800 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp (3,010 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes, but also your raincoats.

    This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

      - Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine.
      - Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently).
      - Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.
      At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

      Change in Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800 m) — Machame Camp (3,010 m)
      Hiking distance: 5 km
      Hiking time: 5–6 hours
  • 3
    Day 3 Trekking From Machame Camp To Shira Camp
    After breakfast you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp (3,845 m). On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Physically speaking, the trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp you will be served a hot dinner.

    Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

    Trekking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp:
    Change in Elevation: Machame Camp (3,010 m) — Shira Camp (3,845 m)
    Hiking distance: 5 km
    Hiking time: 4–5 hours
    Acclimatization hike:
    Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) — Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m)
    Hiking distance: 2 km
    Hiking time: 1–2 hours
  • 4
    Day 4 Shira to Barranco Camp via an Ascent to the Lava Tower
    Depart Shira Camp after breakfast and head towards Lava Tower ascending from 3,845 to 4,630 m. The rise-and-fall nature of this trek may present some difficulties. However, the 4,600 m altitude at the Lava Tower itself is crucial for proper acclimatization. The lunch break will take place here in order to give you some extra high-altitude time before descending approximately 650 m to Barranco Camp (3,960 m), which is the next overnight stop on this route.

    Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail.

    Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters.

    Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) — Lava Tower (4,630 m) — Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
    Hiking distance: 11 km Hiking time: 6–8 hours
  • 5
    Day 5 Trekking From Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
    On this day it is best to make an early start to avoid crowding on the way up Barranco Wall. Despite the Wall's seemingly daunting height and steepness the actual climb is rather merciful at a mere hour or so. The top provides a great photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as the backdrop.
    The next part of the day is rife with ups and downs where your guides will choose the best place for individual climbers. A lunch break at Karanga Camp shall be followed by an acclimatisation climb towards Barafu with its highest point being 4,270 m. The group then drops back to Karanga Camp for the overnight.

    Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp:
    Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp 3,960 m — Karanga Camp 4,035 m
    Hiking distance: 5 km
    Hiking time: 4–5 hours
    Acclimatization hike:
    Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) — highest point reached: 4,270 m
    Hiking distance: 2.5 km
    Hiking time: 1–2 hours
  • 6
    Day 6 Trekking From Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
    After breakfast you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m). Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax. After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization climb towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp with its highest point being 4,800 m and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.

    Trekking between Karanga and Barafu Camp:
    Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) — Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
    Hiking distance: 6 km
    Hiking time: 4–5 hours
    Acclimatization hike:
    Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Kosovo Camp (4,800 m)
    Hiking distance: 2 km
    Hiking time: 1–2 hours
  • 7
    Day 7 Summiting on Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
    Summiting starts around midnight from 4,635 m, ending on Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. While the trek itself is fairly simple, rarified mountain air does does pose a challenge. Therefore, a guide who will monitor their condition throughout the climb shall accompany every two climbers ensuring safety above all. Upon summiting, you shall have an opportunity to walk on the nearby glacier. The descent to 3,820 m at Millennium Camp starts after a two-hour rest back at Barafu Camp.

    Note: Descent is deceptively easy with treacherous footing and results in 90% of accidents. Mind your feet if you want to avoid falling and damaged toenails!

    Altitude:: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Millennium Camp (3,820 m)
    Distance: 15.5 km
    Time: 7–12 hours
  • 8
    Day 8 Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
    The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.

    Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) — Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
    Hiking distance: 12 km
    Hiking time: 4–5 hours
  • 9
    Day 9 Departure
    Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

    Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.


The climb cost includes:

- Meeting at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
- Transfer to the hotel*;
- Accommodation prior to the climb (including breakfast; sharing a twin room);
- Transfer to the trail head;
- Professional mountain crew. All guides have "Wilderness First Responder" and "Wilderness First Aid" certificates, along with over 7 years of experience in climbing. Each participant will be provided with a porter (who can carry up to 15 kg of personal baggage);
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits;
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees;
- Camping/hut fees;
- 3 square meals daily. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request;
- Modern The North Face VE-25 tents**;
- Oxygen systems and pulse oximeters;
- First aid kit;
- Warm and comfortable sleeping pads (2 inches thick);
- Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
- Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel;
- Accommodation after the climb (including breakfast; sharing a twin room);
- International certificates for a successful ascent;
- Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.

The climb cost excludes:

- Airline tickets;
- Visa fee;
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the ascent);
- Personal gear rentals;
- Tips for the mountain crew (200–250 USD per person);
- Mountaineering insurance.

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