KILIMANJARO TREK – MACHAME ROUTE

Duration: 6N/7D of trekking
Start point: Machame Gate
Activity: Trekking
Difficulty: Medium
Max Height: 19,340 ft. | 5,895 m
Min. age: 13

Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route overview:

The Kilimanjaro Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey Route” is one of the easier routes to reach the summit. It’s arguably the most popular – and rightly so! The views you see on this route are nothing short of heavenly, while the trail ascends gradually with plenty of time to acclimatise.

The Kilimanjaro Machame route is apt for both beginners and experienced trekkers and offers a budget-friendly option. Be prepared to meet plenty of other trekkers, especially in peak trekking season.

Please note that a minimum of 2 travellers are required to book this trip.

Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route highlights:

The Kilimanjaro Machame route offers sufficient acclimatization time
Attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro at midnight. Special arrangements can be made to summit during the day.
Enjoy spectacular views as you trek the southern and eastern sides of Mt. Kilimanjaro
98% summit success rate with Kili Treks Tanzania.

Pick up point:

Kilimanjaro International Airport

How to get there:

The most convenient airport to arrive to for the Kilimanjaro Machame route trek is the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Our driver and/or guide will be at the airport to greet you upon arrival and drive you to your hotel. Please refer to the itinerary for the accommodation arrangements.

Inclusions:

- Pre climb comprehensive briefing
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Airport & mountain transfers
- Two-night Moshi accommodations (double occupancy)
- VAT, all government & camping, conservation fees
- Emergency oxygen tank
- Private toilet
Sleeping tents and mattresses
All camping equipment and gear
Crew including guide, asst. guide, cook, waiters, and porters

Exclusions:

- International Airfare
- Visas
- Personal spending money
- Extra day(s) on mountain
- Helicopter evacuation
- Personal gear
- Personal medical kit
- Travel insurance
- Emergency transport costs
- Tips to crew (Industry recommendation: $20-$25 / day Head Guide, $15-$20/day Asst. guide, $35/day Cook & Waiter and $8 - $10 /porter/ day)

Sketch itinerary:

- Day 0:Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania
- Day 1:Drive to Machame Gate; trek to Machame Camp
- Day 2:Trek from Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
- Day 3:Trek from Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
- Day 4:Trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp; acclimatization day
- Day 5:Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Day 6:Trek to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point; descent to High Camp via Barafu
- Day 7:Trek from High Camp to Mweka Gate

What to expect:

- Trek through five different climate zones
- High chance to spot and observe different flora and fauna species
- Enjoy stunning night skies studded with thousands of stars
- Explore the lush montane rainforest

What to carry in the daypack:

- Warm, fully covering, and comfortable hiking clothes (avoid bright colours, i.e., white, red, etc.)
- Outer layers like wind cheaters or jackets that can be easily layered on or off according to weather changes
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Gloves
- Warm hat
- Rain gear like a poncho

What to carry:

- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Rain cover for your bag
- One 1Lt / 32oz water bottle and 2lt camel Pak.
- Snacks
- Insect repellent
- Poncho (rain jacket)
- Headlamp or torch
- Trekking pole
- Basic first aid kit
- Medication (if required to carry any)
- Toiletries
- Passport
- Valuables.

When to go:

Dec – Feb and June – Oct. It is also possible to go during March – May and November, but chance of rain is very high.

Photos

Itinerary

Day 1of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route: Arrive Moshi, Tanzania

You will meet a Kili Treks Tanzania staff member at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel. Today, you rest after your travels and recharge for the upcoming trekking days.

Overnight: in Moshi
Meals included: Half board

Day 2of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route: Drive to Machame Gate; trek to Machame Camp (10,000 ft | 2,980 m)

After you’re driven from Moshi to the Machame Gate, you’ll set foot on the beautiful Machame Route. On this popular trail, the walk is at a leisurely pace through lush rainforests as you make your way to your campsite for the night.

Overnight: Machame Camp
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Meals included: Full board

Day 3of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route: Trek to Shira Cave Camp (12,850 ft | 3,890 m)

Watch your surroundings switch drastically from thick greenery to the scarce and stunted shrubbery of the moorland zone. You’ll see heath and giant groundsels lining your trail on this patch of the Machame route. You will conclude your trek for the day at the Shira Cave Camp, your second campsite for the trek.

Overnight: Shira Cave Camp
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Full board

Day 4of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route: Trek from Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp (13,800 ft. | 4,200 m)

After a steadily upward trekking over long ridgelines of the high desert, you will break for lunch at about 15,200 ft (4,600 m) as well as for acclimatization. In the afternoon, you will descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley and reach the Barranco Camp, your campsite for the night.

Overnight: Barranco Camp
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Full board

Day 5of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route: Trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp; acclimatization day

The day begins with a scramble up the steep ‘Breakfast Wall’, then traversing up and down the slopes and valleys which have carved their way into the mountain’s southern face. Kibo’s glaciers loom above to your left as you make your way to the Karanga Camp.

Overnight: Karanga Camp
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Meals included: Full board

Day 6of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route: Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (15,200 ft | 4,600 m)

Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight. Temperatures decline and landscapes grow sparse as you hike the steady incline to Barafu Camp.

Overnight: Barafu Camp

Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Meals included: Full board

Day 7of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route: Trek to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft. | 5,895 m) via Stella Point; descent to High Camp (12,500 ft | 3,810 m) via Barafu

As dawn breaks, start trekking uphill on the scree- and rock-laden path to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. After about 6 hours of trekking, you will come to the edge of the crater – Stella Point – at 18,900 ft (5,795 m). At the rim of this crater is the end of your steep trail, followed by an easier climb to the Uhuru Peak. After some celebratory moments at the summit, you will descend back to Barafu, and onwards to High Camp, your campsite for the night.

Overnight: High Camp
Trekking time: Barafu Camp to Uhuru peak 6-8 hours | 2-3 hours to High Camp
Meals included: Full board

Day 8of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route: Trek from High Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, you will start to descend to the Mweka Gate. Chat up with your guides and fellow trekkers for the last time as you reach the gate. From here, you will be transferred to a day room where you can shower and relax before your evening flight home.

Overnight/day room: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel / AMEG Lodge

Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Full board

Map

FAQ

How many hours will I trek each day on the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek?

On the Machame Route Kilimanjaro trek, you’ll trek between 3 – 7 hours most days. The summit day is a bit longer day, with trekking hours going up to 8-12 hours.

When is the best time to go on the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek?

The best months to go are from December to February and June to October. Though the trek remains operational for the rest of the year, there is a high probability of rain, adding to the difficulty of your trek.

I’m a beginner – am I still eligible for the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek?

Yes! The Machame route is a fairly new route that is well-maintained and paced out. You’ll have enough time to acclimatize and easy climbs with a few tricky patches. Make sure that you are aware of the conditions, seasonal climates, and requirements to prepare yourself for this trek, and prepare and train well in advance.

Will there be network on the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek?

Cellular network is extremely inconsistent on the Machame route. You can check with your guide or porters to know when the occasional signal pops up, but that, too, is infrequent.

How can I prepare for the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek?

You will need to start preparing for your Kilimanjaro climb at least 3 to 4 months in advance. We recommend exercises that help build your stamina, control your breathing, increase your endurance, and get you accustomed to climbing on inclines. You can choose to include hiking up and down hills with weight to make your body accustomed to different terrains and hiking with a full backpack. Try to build up from 3 hour to 8 hours hikes once a week. Taking regular and increasingly longer hikes will help develop the muscles that you need when the day comes for climbing Kilimanjaro. You can also train with cardio exercises, yoga, and frequent runs.

Write to us at info@kilitrekstanzania.com or visit our preparation page for more training recommendations.

What gear is needed while on the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek?

No specialty mountaineering gear is needed (i.e., ice axe, crampons, helmet, etc.) to climb Kilimanjaro. However, basic trekking gear like hiking boots, base layers, fleece hats and gloves, a fleece sweater, etc are required. Once you’ve joined a Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek, you’ll receive a detailed packing list and rental gear list to help you prepare.

What kind of accommodation will be provided on the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek?

During the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek, you’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground sheets to keep you and your gear dry. These tents will be set up each day by our expert crew. Toilet tents, dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided at every campsite.

How to do I get to the start or pick up point of the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek?

The best way to reach Kilimanjaro is to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is frequented by many international airlines from across the world. From the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel (which, as with the transfer back to the airport at the end of your trek, is included in the price of your trek).

Where can I get drinking water throughout the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek?

We provide clean drinking water each night for you to fill up your water bottles for the trek. A trained porter will purify and filter water for you. We recommend you bring two to three 1-ltr bottles.

What kind of food will I eat on the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek?

Our highly trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. Enjoy your meals in our dining tents with fellow trekkers and guides. We are also equipped to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals with advance request.

What medication should I carry on the Kilimanjaro Machame Route trek?

It is important to consult your doctor before departing for the trek for the types of medications you need to carry with you. Make sure you carry any prescription medicines you need. Though all our guides carry a first aid kit, make sure you carry one yourself in case you need immediate help. Carry enough medication to last you the duration of the trek and a few extra in case your trip gets extended.

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