The Machame Route in summary
A popular Kilimanjaro trail is the Machame route, sometimes referred to as the Whiskey Route. It is among the most well-liked routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. There are two versions of the Machame route: a 6-day version and a 7-day one. The latter has a considerably higher summit success rate and acclimatization profile. Even novices may enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Machame 7. Hiking Kilimanjaro’s five climatic zones, scaling the stunning Barranco Wall, and taking in the strange-looking Dendrosenecio Kilimanjari are all enjoyable experiences. – truly unique plants that are not found anywhere else in the world.
Machame Route: Professional Guidance
When deciding between the 6- and 7-day Machame route itineraries, exercise caution. The 6-day version is only appropriate for seasoned hikers or those who have already acclimated to the altitude and have substantially lower summit success percentages. This is due to the fact that the shortened route omits the intermediate stay at Karanga Camp, which increases the difficulty of adequately acclimating to the high altitude and increases the likelihood of summiting. “Budget” tour providers frequently advertise this option, but we don’t advise novices to take it.
7 Days Machame Route - Summit Success Rate
The success rates of each Kilimanjaro route to the summit are of interest to many travelers. Since 2017, Jairos Adventure has started gathering precise data from our Mount Kilimanjaro summits. The success rates of our Machame route excursions at the summit are as follows:
Crater Rim of Machame 6: 92.0%; Uhuru Peak: 87.3%
Safari Overview
There’s a reason the Machame Route 7 Days is our most requested tour package: the scenery and trekking experience are unmatched. From tropical rainforests and scorched desert plains to stunning arctic landscapes, you’ll get to experience it all. Don’t miss out on your chance to climb the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Book early to secure your place! The Machame Route’s exhilarating ascent up to the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro will satisfy even the most adventurous climber. Your trek will approach from the southwest of the mountain and pass the vast expanse of the Shira Plateau, the heights of the Lava Tower, and the depths of the Southern Ice Field. On the way, you’ll glimpse rare and exotic wildlife in their natural habitats. The 7-day Machame Route is the perfect choice for both experienced and first-time trekkers. Although the journey can be completed in 6 days, an extra day is often preferred for better acclimatization. If you climb Africa’s tallest mountain only once, make the experience unforgettable.
Day 1 | Moshi to Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) Walking Time: 6-7hrs Distance: 9km Altitude Gain: 1200m/3935ft
Wake up fresh and invigorated for the first leg of your journey to the foot of majestic Kilimanjaro. After eating a warm hotel breakfast, you’ll depart Moshi for the Machame Gate. The 45-minute drive will take you off the beaten path through a panorama of coffee plantations and local villages. After arriving at the park gate, you’ll register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities while our team prepares and checks all your gear. Then journey onwards to the final destination of the day: Machame Camp. You’ll experience the first of many scenic hikes through tropical rainforest and savannah terrain. Venture through moss-covered timbered underpasses and catch glimpses of rare wildlife and botanical species. Emerge from high grasses into fields of heather and sprouting wildflowers. Stop and marvel at a view of Kibo Peak, the mighty summit at the end of your climb. Meanwhile, your porters and cooks will prepare a hot steaming meal ahead of your arrival.
Day 2 | Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) Walking Time: 4-6hrs Distance: 7km Altitude Gain: 840m/2,760ft
Today will be the most scenic leg of your journey so far on one of the best Kilimanjaro climbing routes. You’ll begin your first morning on the slopes of the mountain with a warming and hearty breakfast. Pack up your gear and venture across damp, cool heathland and temperate moorland dunes. Move across the rolling savannah among tall grasses and the otherworldly beauty of the Heather and Erica plains. Scramble across enormous boulders and emerge among volcanic rocks draped with dark green lichen. You’ll also experience increasingly higher altitudes to help your acclimatization process. After lunch, you’ll climb the lava-filled Shira Plateau then head for the Shira Camp. In the meantime, your porters and cooks will prepare a delicious meal in anticipation of your arrival.
Day 3 | Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) Walking Time: 6-7hrs Distance: 10km Altitude Gain: 690m/2,264 ft
Today’s trekking journey continues along the steepest and most rewarding stretch so far. You’ll get off to an early start and hike eastwards towards the wide expanse of the Shira Plateau. Upon reaching the junction of the Shira and Lemosho Routes, you’ll break off for a more secluded trail before stopping for a break. After lunch, embark towards Lava Tower, an incredible 300 ft tall volcanic plug that transforms into a passageway. Then take a rapid descent towards your campsite located in the Great Barranco Valley, where you’ll set up in a scenic campsite encompassed by massive valley walls and the stunning Kibo massif. Looming glaciers reflect the sunlight while giant lobelias and groundsels dominate the otherworldly landscape. Then sit back and enjoy a warm, delicious meal before settling into a deep sleep.
Day 4 | Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley Camp (4040m/13,250ft) Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 6km Altitude Gain: 90m/295ft
This section of the Machame Route is filled with thrilling exploration and life-changing scenery. You’ll start the day climbing up the lofty eastern wall of a gorge and soak in the dramatic view: Kilimanjaro’s ice fields are covered by blankets of frost. Then brace yourself for a 90-minute climb up the magnificent Barranco Wall, also known as the Breakfast Wall, after which you’ll continue along a clam trail until you reach the Karanga Valley. Here you’ll settle and mentally prepare for the final stretch of your journey.
Day 5 | Karanga Valley Camp (4040m/13,250ft) to Barafu Camp (4600m/15,100ft) Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 4km Altitude Gain: 560m/1837ft
Your last day on the Kilimanjaro Machame Route before reaching the summit gets off to a gentle start. You’ll begin a gradual ascent through the tranquil Karanga Valley before encountering the granite floors of the lava ridge. Along the way, the temperature will drop and the vegetation will become more and more sparse. You’ll set up camp on an exposed zone along a smooth edge of the ridge. An energy-dense meal will be served in preparation for your midnight ascent to the Mount Kilimanjaro summit.
Day 6 | Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) Walking Time: 14-16hrs Distance: 19km Altitude Gain: 1,295 meters (4,240 feet) Altitude Loss: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet)
You’ll embark shortly after midnight on your last push to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Journey amid luminous sapphire glaciers to Stella Point while a spectacular sunrise illuminates the peaks of the summit. Relish the final hours of your unforgettable journey before reaching your final destination, Uhuru. Standing on the rooftop of Africa, you’ll be filled with a sense of exhilaration and triumph looking down over the swirling cloudscape and oceans of ice. Celebrate with your support team and soak in the beauty before retracing your steps to Barafu Camp. After a short break, travel to Mweka Camp where a hot, welcoming meal will await your arrival. There you’ll spend your last night on the mountain lounging beneath the stars.
Day 7 | Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft) to Moshi Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 10km Altitude Gain: 1,600m/5,250ft
Wake up on the mountain steps refreshed and victorious—you’ve just conquered Mount Kilimanjaro! After breakfast, you’ll stroll back to Mweka Gate, taking time to admire the deep green forest scenery draped in morning mist. Farewell your guides and porters, then board the Jairos Adventures. You’ll be transported back to Moshi where a hot shower, comfy mattress, and clean set of clothes await. We will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport, where you will greet your farewells to Tanzania and its people. If you’ve chosen to hop on a safari – well, that’s a new adventure and we’ll arrange that for you as well!
All payments are in USD only ( the prices quoted are per person).
7 Days Machame Route Trekking
1 Pax
2 Pax
3 Pax
4 Pax
5 Pax
$ 2,009
$ 1,688
$ 1,563
$ 1,496
$ 1,447
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with our seasoned guides as they reveal the natural wonders of Mount Meru. Let them lead you to experience the breathtaking landscapes and encounter the unique beauty of this iconic mountain. A warm invitation beckons you to explore the captivating heights of Mount Meru!
Included in Cost
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Sleeping Mattress
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Not Included in Cost
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Payment Terms
Deposit Payment
- The deposit is 30% of the total booking amount.
- Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
- We offer bank accounts for bank transfers.
- Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
- Balance can be paid via bank transfer, or with cash.
- Bank payment can be made 15 days before the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
- Card Payment can be done 1 day before the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
- Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009)
Cancellation Policy
10 days and above departure
- Only bank charges will be considered as cancellation fees.
0 to 9 days before departure
- 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
- Trek can be postponed to any new date without any extra cost at any point in time.
- The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.
Book a Memorable African Adventure
There’s a reason that more than 70% of Jairos Adventure travelers each year are repeat guests or were referred by a past Jairos traveler.
Professionalism
The most experienced and customer-focused guides & staff in the industry
Tailor-made Experiences
We believe in personal Experience, For each traveler we customize the trip to his/her exclusive needs
Responsible Travel
Our commitment to the environment & local communities is unmatched
Top Notch Accommodations
We have careful selected the Hotels, Lodges and Camps we use, We believe in a good rest during an adventure
Our Addon
Hotels Addons
We offer the following hotel options
Amani Safari Lodge (Single Room) – USD 205 per night
Amani Safari Lodge (Double Room) – USD 340 per night
Amani Safari Lodge (Triple Room) – USD 465 per night
Kibo Palace Hotel (Single Room) – USD 200 per night
Kibo Palace (Double Room) – USD 230 per night
Kibo Palace (Triple Room) – USD 230 per night
Forest Hill Hotel (Single Room) – USD 180 per night
Forest Hill Hotel (Double Room) – USD 270per night
Forest Hill Hotel (Triple Room) – USD 340 per night
Please note that if any hotel is booked out or is otherwise unavailable, we will book you in an alternate equivalent hotel.
If you are booking a hotel directly, please check with us before booking, to make sure we can meet you and pick you up from the hotel.
Climbing Gear
We offer the following add-ons to your gear (all equipment are subject to availability):
Private Toilet – USD 150
Private Tent – USD 7 per day
Kailas X3 III Alpine Tent with Vestibule – USD 12 per day (Click here for specifications)
Thicker sleeping mattress – USD 10 per mattress
Thermarest – USD 17 per thermarest
Our packages by default include a foam sleeping mattress of 2-inch thickness, if you want a thicker alternative you can opt for a 4-inch foam mattress with above mentioned extra cost.
Transfers
We offer the following transfer options
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi (one way) – USD 50 per vehicle
Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) (one way) – USD 50 per vehicle
Arusha to Moshi (one way) – USD 100 per vehicle
Moshi to Arusha (one way) – USD 100 per vehicle
African Best Safari
An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that immerses you in the breathtaking natural beauty and exceptional animals of the continent. An African safari provides a variety of environments that are home to the “Big Five”—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes—aside from the famous savannas of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater Observing the Great Migration, a remarkable event showcasing the complex balance and sheer strength of nature involves millions of zebras and wildebeests crossing the plains. You may explore these enormous wildernesses securely and intimately while staying in opulent tented camps or well-equipped hotels with the assistance of knowledgeable guides. Whether it’s following gorillas in Uganda‘s deep jungles, an African safari ensures lifelong memories and incredible experiences.
Choose from the List of Our Compiled List of Travel and Customize to your Preferences
