
Tanzania
Tanzania - Kilimanjaro - Machame Route
Tanzania - Kilimanjaro - Machame Route
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Smoke
Tour type
Individual
Level
Very demanding
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping
Overview
For many, the Machame or "Whiskey" Route is the most attractive route up Kilimanjaro. From the west and along the South Circuit it leads through rainforest, moorland, heath and alpine desert via Shira, Barranco and Barafu – with superb views of Kibo all the way to the summit.
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 and later along the South Circuit guarantees breathtaking scenery and superb views of Kibo. 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 a dream peak, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route to the summit is incredibly diverse, leading through various landscape zones. Your tour begins in a tropical rainforest, followed by a plain that later gives way to a unique, moon-like landscape. Near the summit, you will 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
You follow the path through the sparse vegetation of the alpine desert zone, where only a few plants can survive and temperatures often reach freezing. Today you'll reach the striking Lava Tower (4,630 m), an imposing relic from Kilimanjaro's volcanic past. Afterwards, you'll descend into the Barranco Valley. The descent takes you along a vast gorge – the Grand Barranco. The camp is located there, offering a breathtaking view of Kibo. You should use the rest of the day for rest and acclimatization.
Shira Camp - Barranco Camp (3.845 hm - 3.950 hm)
Day 4
Camping
You follow the path through the sparse vegetation of the alpine desert zone, where only a few plants can survive and temperatures often reach freezing. Today you'll reach the striking Lava Tower (4,630 m), an imposing relic from Kilimanjaro's volcanic past. Afterwards, you'll descend into the Barranco Valley. The descent takes you along a vast gorge – the Grand Barranco. The camp is located there, offering a breathtaking view of Kibo. You should use the rest of the day for rest and acclimatization.
Day 5
Barranco Camp - Snow Camp (3,950 hm - 4,600 hm)
Camping
On the eastern side of the valley lies the so-called Barranco Wall. This 300-meter-high "wall" of volcanic rock will be your first challenge. Besides good physical condition, sure-footedness is essential here. After the exertion, a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro's ice awaits you at the top. The trail continues into the Karanga Valley, which lies at the foot of Kibo. From the Karanga Valley, a steep path leads to Barafu Camp. Walking gradually becomes more difficult as the air thins noticeably, and the landscape becomes increasingly barren. The final section of the trail up to Barafu Camp is quite steep once again. The camp is your base camp for the last part of the climb.
Barranco Camp - Snow Camp (3,950 hm - 4,600 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 be your first challenge. Besides good physical condition, sure-footedness is essential here. After the exertion, a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro's ice awaits you at the top. The trail continues into the Karanga Valley, which lies at the foot of Kibo. From the Karanga Valley, a steep path leads to Barafu Camp. Walking gradually becomes more difficult as the air thins noticeably, and the landscape becomes increasingly barren. The final section of the trail up to Barafu Camp is quite steep once again. The camp is your base camp for the last part of the climb.
Day 6
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 6
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 7
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 7
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 8
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 8
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:
During your tour, you'll stay in tents, offering a true adventure experience immersed in nature. The route's varied elevation profile takes you through a diverse range of landscapes that will continually captivate you. You'll have the opportunity to experience both enchanting forested areas and the stark, high-alpine zones of Kilimanjaro. The gradual ascent ensures proper acclimatization, allowing you to approach the summit safely and well-prepared. A particular advantage of the route is the option to choose between two different paths for the ascent and descent, providing a diverse perspective on the surroundings. In some sections, you'll encounter rocky passages where sure footing is essential for safe and trouble-free progress.
Differences to the other routes:
During your tour, you'll stay in tents, offering a true adventure experience immersed in nature. The route's varied elevation profile takes you through a diverse range of landscapes that will continually captivate you. You'll have the opportunity to experience both enchanting forested areas and the stark, high-alpine zones of Kilimanjaro. The gradual ascent ensures proper acclimatization, allowing you to approach the summit safely and well-prepared. A particular advantage of the route is the option to choose between two different paths for the ascent and descent, providing a diverse perspective on the surroundings. In some sections, you'll encounter rocky passages where sure footing is essential for safe and trouble-free 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
€2,447.00
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.
