With a great success rate, the attractive Machame route is undoubtedly the busiest on the mountain. Over 7 days, you'll have a fantastic journey and a great chance of summiting successfully.
The climb begins at Machame Gate, at an altitude of 1800 metres, with an approach to the south west of the mountain. It passes through majestic rainforest on the first day, before continuing up the mountain to reach Shira Camp, where the Lemosho route joins from the west. From here you traverse the southern side of the mountain to Barranco via Lava Tower, and climb the Great Barranco Wall on your way to Barafu Camp. After reaching the summit, you will descend by the Mweka trail, rather than retracing your steps along the ascent route.
The Machame route is nicknamed the ‘Whiskey Route’ as it is considered more difficult than the ‘Coca Cola Route’, the nickname for the Marangu route. In reality, it is not more technically difficult, but is longer and in places steeper. The longer distance and the opportunity to ‘walk high, sleep low’ offer much better acclimatisation and as a result a very high success rate.
The Machame route is a good seven day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatisation, giving a better success rate. Experienced and already acclimatised mountaineers may opt for the more difficult 6 day ascent along the Machame route.
Enjoy a fun acclimatisation day, scrambling beneath glaciers.
Starting in the rainforest, pass through different climate zones all offering incredible experiences.
Achievable by anyone with a good level of fitness, it's a less technical route to the summit.
Kilimanjaro International Airport - KIA (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Airport Road
Makao Mapya
Tanzania
It's best to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). KLM flies to JRO from all major UK airports, with a number of flights from US international airports.
Arrival in Tanzania. Private transfers will be arranged from the airport to the hotel. Representatives will meet participants at the hotel for pre-climb briefings.
Transfer from hotel to Machame Gate for registration. Start the ascent, climbing the forest trail to Machame Camp at 3000m.
Leaving the rainforest, crossing valleys and ridges to follow a river gorge to Shira Camp. Expect temperatures below freezing overnight.
Climb to 4600m to the base of the Lava Tower as an acclimatisation exercise. The toughest day so far, then sees a descent of almost 650m to reach Barranco Camp. Sublime views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall.
A shorter day on foot, scrambling to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. Traverse scree slopes to the Karanga Valley beneath the icefalls of Heim, Kersten and Decken glaciers.
Leave Karanga camp to join the Mweka descent trail, and continue ascending to Barafu camp. At camp there's time to rest, take dinner and prepare for the summit day.
Starting at 2330, to take tea and biscuits in preparation for the climb, start climbing the scree slopes between the Rebman and Ratzel to arrive at Stella Point in time for sunrise at 5732m. Time to appreciate the views, before pushing on to the summit. It's approximately an hour on foot to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak at 5985m. From the summit, descend to Mweka camp side via Barafu for lunch. Later on, enjoy a last meal on the mountain with the group.
Final day trekking, descending to Mweka Gate to collect a well-earned summit certificate. Transfer to the hotel.
Airport transfer to the airport to start the journey home.
This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.
All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.
This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.
Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.
All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.
Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.
This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.
Deposit
£489.80
Price per person (inc deposit)
£2449.00
Everything about the entire trip to Tanzania and Kilimanjaro met and exceeded expectations. The staff, from the office to guides to porters, go above and beyond to ensure guests have a truly remarkable experience. I am already talking with friends and family about a repeat trip! | Mark
My trip to Tanzania and to the top of Kilimanjaro was phenomenal. The guides were helpful all along the way giving great guidance and they made sure that we were prepared to summit Kilimanjaro. And they were funny! And they were wonderful people. It was an awesome experience. | Lowell
If you have any questions or would like to check availability or make a booking, please provide a few details about you, your group size and any preferred dates. A member of the team will then get back to you or you can go ahead and book online.