The Machame route is arguably the most scenic and probably the most beautiful route by which to ascend the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro.
The trek begins in the south-west area of the mountain at Machame Gate and descends down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain thus offering climbers the most varied scenery of Kilimanjaro. Additionally, Machame visits stunning places such as Shira Plateau, Barranco, and Lava Tower.
Machame route is known as the “Whiskey Route” in comparison to Marangu because it is a more difficult route and trekkers sleep in camping tents as opposed to huts. Machame is the second most popular route on the mountain.
Nights are spent in ‘mountain tents’ sleeping two persons per tent (3 man tents, so there is space for your luggage). All your supplies and camping equipment are carried by porters and your meals are prepared.
Machame is ideal for those who want a more difficult climb, and are confident in their ability to hike for long periods of time over somewhat steep terrain. The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended to increase the chances of summiting. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain.
Day 1: Arrive Moshi
Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet your climbing guide for briefing and final gear check. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Moshi – Machame camp (9,840ft/3000m)
Drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu for entry registration. Start the trek to Machame hut through thick rain forest. Have packed lunch on the way. Dinner and retire for the day.
Day 3: Machame camp – Shira camp (12,470ft/3800m)
Ascend to Shira Hut past the Shira plateau and through ridges and valleys. Stay here overnight.
Day 4: Shira camp – Barranco camp (12,960ft/3950m)
Head eastward to a junction where we continue to Lava Tower Campsite (14,760ft/4500m), then descend to Barranco camp thus allowing your body to adjust to altitude change. Take the day’s rest here.
Day 5: Barranco camp – Barafu camp (15,090ft/4600m)
Across the Karanga Valley and ascend to Barafu campsite. Have dinner and take the day’s rest ready for the hike to the summit.
Note: An extra day for acclimatization can be added by staying overnight at Karanga camp then proceed to Barafu camp the next day.
Day 6: Barafu camp-Summit(19,340ft/5895m)-Mweka
Start at mid-night for the Summit (Uhuru peak) arriving at sunrise. Descend back to Barafu for breakfast then further down to Mweka Hut. Have lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing.
Day 7: Mweka camp – Moshi
after Breakfast, descend to the park gate where a vehicle awaits to transfer you to the hotel in town or take a shuttle back to Nairobi
1-3 pax 4-6 people 7 pax and above
Non residents Usd 1420 per person Usd 1395 per person Usd 1370 per person
Residents Usd 1220 per person Usd 1195 per person Usd 1170 per person
Kenya Citizens Ksh 44,000 per person Ksh 42,000 per person Ksh 39000 per person
Trek price includes:
-Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
-Full board accommodation in whilst on the trek.
-1 night hotel accommodations in Moshi before the trek and in tents on the mountain as per the itinerary
-All park entrance fees to include government taxes
-Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on the mountain, porters and skilled cook
-All services begin from Nairobi and end at as per the itinerary
-Nairobi Return Shuttle transfers
Trek price Excludes:
-Tips, laundry, sleeping bags, drinks and climbing gears
-Travel insurance with evacuation fee
-International flights and taxes
-Visas
-Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary.
1. Sleeping bags
2. Hiking boots
3. Water proof jackets and pants(trousers)
4. Hand gloves
5. Warm clothing
6. At least 5 t –shirts
7. Extra Sport shoes or sandles
8. Warm fleece
9. Hat
10. Thermal suit
11. Getter
12. Hiking stick
• Please note; Number 1 can be hired at Ksh 500 per day
• Number 2-5 can be hired at Ksh 250 per day
• Number 5 to 9 – you can carry them with you
Note that a resident must present a resident card or alien card, they never consider waiting letter.