
Tanzania
Tanzania - Kilimanjaro - Machame Route (with extra day)
Tanzania - Kilimanjaro - Machame Route (with extra day)
Duration
9 days
Start/End
Smoke
Tour type
Individual
Level
Very demanding
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping
Overview
The Machame or "Whiskey" Route is considered the most attractive route up Kilimanjaro. From the west it leads through rainforest, moorland and heath via Shira and Barranco into the Karanga valley and to Barafu Camp – the extra day improves acclimatisation before the summit day to Uhuru Peak.
The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is considered by many to be the most attractive of all Kilimanjaro routes. Climbing from the west guarantees breathtaking scenery and superb views of Kibo (with an extra day for acclimatization). For centuries, Kilimanjaro has impressed people from all over the world. It rises imposingly from the endless African savannah. At 5,895 meters, it is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. For many mountaineers, it is one of their dream peaks, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route to the summit is incredibly diverse, leading through various landscape zones. The tour begins in a tropical rainforest, followed by a plain, which later gives way to a unique, moon-like landscape. Near the summit, you reach the icy glacier region. After reaching Uhuru Peak, you can witness the rising sun painting the area around Kilimanjaro a vibrant red. This is an experience you will surely never forget. The descent follows the Mweka route, giving you the opportunity to experience two different paths.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania (Moshi)
Hotel
You will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel in Moshi. After arrival, you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Arrival in Tanzania (Moshi)
Day 1
Hotel
You will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel in Moshi. After arrival, you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2
Machame Gate - Machame Camp (1.800 hm - 3.000 hm)
Camping
The drive to the park gate takes approximately one hour and passes through the town of Machame. Once you're ready, the ascent through the rainforest begins on a winding path that can be muddy and slippery. Overnight accommodation is at Machame Camp at an altitude of 3,000 meters.
Machame Gate - Machame Camp (1.800 hm - 3.000 hm)
Day 2
Camping
The drive to the park gate takes approximately one hour and passes through the town of Machame. Once you're ready, the ascent through the rainforest begins on a winding path that can be muddy and slippery. Overnight accommodation is at Machame Camp at an altitude of 3,000 meters.
Day 3
Machame Camp - Shira Camp (3.000 hm - 3.845 hm)
Camping
Today you'll also gain some altitude, enjoying beautiful views of the rainforests, as well as Kibo and Mawenzi. The higher you climb, the more clearly you'll see the landscape changing. The trees become smaller, and the typical Kilimanjaro flora appears. The trail then leads across the Shira Plateau to Shira Camp, where you can relax for the rest of the day.
Machame Camp - Shira Camp (3.000 hm - 3.845 hm)
Day 3
Camping
Today you'll also gain some altitude, enjoying beautiful views of the rainforests, as well as Kibo and Mawenzi. The higher you climb, the more clearly you'll see the landscape changing. The trees become smaller, and the typical Kilimanjaro flora appears. The trail then leads across the Shira Plateau to Shira Camp, where you can relax for the rest of the day.
Day 4
Shira Camp - Barranco Camp (3.845 hm - 3.950 hm)
Camping
After breakfast, you'll reach the striking Lava Tower (4,630 m). From there, you'll descend into the Barranco Valley. The camp is located there, offering a breathtaking view of Kibo. Use the rest of the day for rest and acclimatization.
Shira Camp - Barranco Camp (3.845 hm - 3.950 hm)
Day 4
Camping
After breakfast, you'll reach the striking Lava Tower (4,630 m). From there, you'll descend into the Barranco Valley. The camp is located there, offering a breathtaking view of Kibo. Use the rest of the day for rest and acclimatization.
Day 5
Ravine Camp - Karanga Camp (3,950 hm - 4,250 hm)
Camping
On the eastern side of the valley lies the so-called Barranco Wall. This 300-meter-high "wall" of volcanic rock will present your first challenge. Besides good physical condition, sure-footedness is essential. After the exertion, a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro's ice awaits you at the top. The route then leads back down to the Karanga Valley, where you can spend the rest of the day.
Ravine Camp - Karanga Camp (3,950 hm - 4,250 hm)
Day 5
Camping
On the eastern side of the valley lies the so-called Barranco Wall. This 300-meter-high "wall" of volcanic rock will present your first challenge. Besides good physical condition, sure-footedness is essential. After the exertion, a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro's ice awaits you at the top. The route then leads back down to the Karanga Valley, where you can spend the rest of the day.
Day 6
From Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp (4,250 hm - 4,600 hm)
Camping
You can take it a bit easier today. After breakfast, hike to the Barafu Hut, located at an altitude of 4,600 m. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the views of Mawenzi and Kibo. Use this day to rest and acclimatize in preparation for tomorrow's summit attempt.
From Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp (4,250 hm - 4,600 hm)
Day 6
Camping
You can take it a bit easier today. After breakfast, hike to the Barafu Hut, located at an altitude of 4,600 m. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the views of Mawenzi and Kibo. Use this day to rest and acclimatize in preparation for tomorrow's summit attempt.
Day 7
Summit day Barafu Camp (4,600 hm) - Uhuru Peak (5,898 hm) - Mweka Camp (3,100 hm)
Camping
At midnight, you begin your summit ascent. You traverse a seemingly endless, steep scree slope that leads you between the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers to Stella Point (5,740 m), located directly on the crater rim. From here, it's not far to Uhuru Peak (5,898 m). After a long climb, you reach the highest point in Africa just as the sun rises – an unforgettable moment, despite all the effort. The descent follows the Mweka Route and leads largely across lava fields. After a lunch break at Barafu Camp, the descent continues at 3,100 meters to Mweka Camp, where you can recover from your exertions.
Summit day Barafu Camp (4,600 hm) - Uhuru Peak (5,898 hm) - Mweka Camp (3,100 hm)
Day 7
Camping
At midnight, you begin your summit ascent. You traverse a seemingly endless, steep scree slope that leads you between the Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers to Stella Point (5,740 m), located directly on the crater rim. From here, it's not far to Uhuru Peak (5,898 m). After a long climb, you reach the highest point in Africa just as the sun rises – an unforgettable moment, despite all the effort. The descent follows the Mweka Route and leads largely across lava fields. After a lunch break at Barafu Camp, the descent continues at 3,100 meters to Mweka Camp, where you can recover from your exertions.
Day 8
Mweka Camp - Moshi
Hotel
The final leg takes you back to Mweka Gate. Here you say goodbye to your crew and Kilimanjaro. A transfer will then take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Mweka Camp - Moshi
Day 8
Hotel
The final leg takes you back to Mweka Gate. Here you say goodbye to your crew and Kilimanjaro. A transfer will then take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Day 9
Farewell to Tanzania
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport, from where you can begin your journey home or extend your stay. We would be happy to assist you in planning a safari and/or a beach extension in Zanzibar.
Farewell to Tanzania
Day 9
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport, from where you can begin your journey home or extend your stay. We would be happy to assist you in planning a safari and/or a beach extension in Zanzibar.
Differences to the other routes:
Overnight stays are in tents, providing a true sense of adventure and allowing you to experience nature up close. The varied elevation profile makes the hike particularly appealing. You'll be guided through a multitude of landscapes, each impressing with its beauty and diversity. At the same time, the route offers excellent opportunities for acclimatization, ensuring you reach the summit safely and well-prepared. A special advantage of the tour is the option to use two different routes for the ascent and descent, making the experience even more exciting and varied. In some sections, you'll encounter rocky passages where sure footing is essential for safe progress.
Differences to the other routes:
Overnight stays are in tents, providing a true sense of adventure and allowing you to experience nature up close. The varied elevation profile makes the hike particularly appealing. You'll be guided through a multitude of landscapes, each impressing with its beauty and diversity. At the same time, the route offers excellent opportunities for acclimatization, ensuring you reach the summit safely and well-prepared. A special advantage of the tour is the option to use two different routes for the ascent and descent, making the experience even more exciting and varied. In some sections, you'll encounter rocky passages where sure footing is essential for safe progress.
Zanzibar extension
Extend your Tanzanian adventure with a break on the Indian Ocean! White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the unique flair of the "Spice Island" offer the perfect contrast to your action-packed days on the mainland. Whether you simply want to soak up the sun, stroll through the winding alleys of Stone Town, or experience the exotic scents of the spice plantations – we'll create your personalized beach extension in Zanzibar, tailored to your exact wishes.
Zanzibar extension
Extend your Tanzanian adventure with a break on the Indian Ocean! White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the unique flair of the "Spice Island" offer the perfect contrast to your action-packed days on the mainland. Whether you simply want to soak up the sun, stroll through the winding alleys of Stone Town, or experience the exotic scents of the spice plantations – we'll create your personalized beach extension in Zanzibar, tailored to your exact wishes.
Price from
€2,751.00
Services
What's included
Full board during the trek, breakfast at the hotel
Transfers according to tender
English-speaking guide
Accommodation as per tender
Support team including cook and porters
All entrance fees
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Character of the trip
Fitness
Very demanding
Altitude
Very high
Culture / nature
Pure nature
The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is one of the most popular and varied ascent routes on Kilimanjaro. It offers impressive changes in landscape, from rainforest to moorland and heathland, to alpine desert and the snow-covered summit area. While not technically difficult, the route requires excellent physical condition, sure-footedness, and stamina.
Daily hiking times typically range between 6 and 8 hours, with summit days lasting up to 12–14 hours. The constant alternation of ascents and descents makes acclimatization particularly effective on this route, increasing the chances of a successful summit attempt.
The Machame route is suitable for athletic mountain hikers who are prepared to take on challenging daily stages at high altitude and want to experience Kilimanjaro intensely.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
You can choose your travel time freely.
Prices vary depending on group size and season.
Notes on the trip
Weather Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the best time to visit is during January, February, and early March. Visibility on the mountain is particularly good during this period. From late March to May, however, it is the rainy season in Tanzania, characterized by overcast skies and snowfall in the higher regions of Kilimanjaro. In June and July, hikers can expect mostly clear skies and cold nights, while August, September, and October are the warmest and most sought-after months. October, November, and December may see clouds and brief thunderstorms, and snow at higher elevations – a breathtaking setting that promises a white Christmas at the highest point in Africa.
