Machame Route
9 Days (Arrival + 7 Days Trek + Departure) - Group Joining
Destinations: Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp,Mweka Gate
Style: Group Joining - Kilimanjaro Mountain
Known as:
“Whiskey Route”
Difficulty:
(Challenging)
Success Rate:
Very High
Scenery:
Exceptional – rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and glaciers
Overview
Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It approaches the mountain from the south-west, offering diverse landscapes, excellent acclimatization, and a rewarding traverse beneath Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
This route follows the classic “climb high, sleep low” principle which increases summit success. It is ideal for trekkers looking for a beautiful, adventurous and slightly challenging climb with spectacular views every day.
Meals on the mountain include freshly cooked breakfasts, hot lunches, and nourishing dinners, prepared by professional mountain chefs. Your crew includes WFR-certified guides, cooks, and porters who ensure your safety and comfort throughout the expedition.
Day by day
Detailed Machame Route Itinerary (9 Days)
Day 1:
Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Arusha
Accommodation: Iliboru Safari Lodge (Dinner Included)
Driving Time: 1 hr from JRO → Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be welcomed by our team and transferred to Iliboru Safari Lodge in Arusha.
The evening includes:
- Pre-climb briefing by your lead guide
- Gear inspection & rental arrangements
- Explanation of altitude safety and climb expectations
- Dinner & rest before the adventure
Day 2:
Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration. The trail begins with a gentle climb through a lush tropical rainforest, rich in birdlife and towering trees covered in moss. The path can be muddy, especially during rainy seasons.
You will steadily ascend until reaching Machame Camp, located at the edge of the forest.
Overnight at Machame Camp.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m → 3,030m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 11 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 3:
Machame Camp → Shira Camp
Today’s trek leads out of the forest and onto the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful features. The vegetation transitions from heather to moorland, with dramatic views of Kibo Peak ahead. The trail is steep in sections but rewarding.
Arrive at Shira Camp where you will enjoy views of the plateau and Mt. Meru in the distance.
Overnight at Shira Camp.
- Elevation: 3,030m → 3,840m
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Habitat: Moorland
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:
Shira Camp
Day 4:
Shira Camp → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp
A crucial acclimatization day. You will climb gradually towards the Lava Tower, reaching an altitude of 4,630m where you stop for lunch. This is your first time reaching high altitude, helping your body adapt.
After resting at Lava Tower, descend into the Barranco Valley, one of the most scenic areas of the mountain, surrounded by giant groundsels and towering cliffs.
Overnight at Barranco Camp, with a stunning view of the Barranco Wall.
Elevation: 3,840m → 4,630m → 3,976m
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Semi-desert / Alpine Desert
Accommodation:
Barranco Camp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
The day begins with climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling but non-technical scramble offering incredible photo opportunities. At the top, the trail gently undulates with breathtaking views of Kibo Glacier.
Arrive at Karanga Camp, a key acclimatization point before the summit.
Overnight at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation: 3,976m → 4,035m
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation:
Karanga Camp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6:
Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
A steady climb over rocky terrain brings you to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. You will rest, have an early hot dinner, and prepare for the night ascent.
Your guides will brief you thoroughly on summit night expectations and safety.
Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation: 4,035m → 4,673m
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation:
Barafu Camp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7:
Summit Day – Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Your climb to the summit begins around midnight. The ascent is steep and challenging but incredibly rewarding as you climb under the stars, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise.
From there, a gentle walk along the crater rim leads you to the Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa.
After photos and celebrations, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp in the forest zone.
Overnight at Mweka Camp.
- Elevation: 4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m
- Total Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Accommodation:
Mweka Camp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8:
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha / Safari
A final descent through the lush rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificates.
Transfer to Arusha for rest or continue directly to your safari extension (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti).
Overnight in Arusha OR begin safari.
- Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation:
Iliboru Safari Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast & Lunch
Day 9:
Departure / Safari Extension
Depending on your schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home OR continue your safari adventure.
Price per Person
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What to know before climbing Kilimanjaro.
Excellent rating
Based on 122 reviews
- Tripadvisor
omar75
Solo
After a lot of research and contacting multiple operators for a Kilimanjaro trek, I settled on African Zoom. I found them via the Forbes Kilimanjaro glamping article. I found other operators by internet search and others by youtube fame. Maggie was my main point of contact throughout. She was always responsive and very helpful.
omar75
Solo
The price was reasonable compared to some of the outrageous prices with some of the “luxury” operators. But I would say we had enough comfort to make the adventure as comfortable as being in the harsh environment of a mountain as can be.
Our guides Godluck and Gabriel were great, our cook papa john!
omar75
Solo
After a lot of research and contacting multiple operators for a Kilimanjaro trek, I settled on African Zoom. I found them via the Forbes Kilimanjaro glamping article. I found other operators by internet search and others by youtube fame. Maggie was my main point of contact throughout. She was always responsive and very helpful. My friend and I ended up deciding on a private adventure each with a private tent. The price was reasonable compared to some of the outrageous prices with some of the “luxury” operators. But I would say we had enough comfort to make the adventure as comfortable as being in the harsh environment of a mountain as can be.
Our guides Godluck and Gabriel were great, our cook papa john! Cooked amazing meals and I absolutely can’t say enough about the porters. If you ever decide to go to Kilimanjaro you will see that the porters are a special kind of people.
We had an airport to airport trip. We were picked up by our main guide from the airport and taken to a nice 4 star hotel in Arusha. Godluck checked us in and came next day to take us in a tour in the city. We realized we have a day that we can go for a safari in. Maggie made that happen with one day notice. We spent a day in Terngeri saying all kinds of animals. It is not the Serengeti but we had a one day so we can’t complain.
We did an 8 day Lemosho climb. On the mountain we had 3 meals and a snack. The meals were excellent, the nightly briefing for next day was accurate and what we needed. We summitted successfully on day 7 and were out of the gate back to the hotel day 8. It was the most out of ordinary thing I’ve done in my life and African Zoom made it happen. I won’t hesitate to recommend them to any of my friends.
It is difficult to find reviewes for Kilimanjaro Climb operators on trip advisor, google reviews and others, I am not sure why.
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Mount Kilimanjaro
Our Trekking Packages
Our safari packages are crafted with care to suit different interests, travel styles, and durations—whether you’re here for the thrill of the great migration, a romantic escape, or a professional photography adventure.
Lemosho Route
8 Days | 7 Night
Machame Route
7 Days | 6 Night
Marangu Route
6 Days | 5 Night
