Nicknamed the "Whiskey" route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than Marangu route. On an overall comparison of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take, both in terms of acclimatization and cost. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field. In certain sections this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding but is easier overall.
Tour Features
Budget Tour: | This tour includes budget camping and lodges. |
Can be Customized: | You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour. |
Private Tour: | This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others. |
Not for solo travelers: | Solo travelers cannot book this private tour. |
Can start any day: | If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
Minimum age of 3 years: | The minimum age for this tour is 3 years. |
Day | Accommodation | Meals |
1 |
Machame Camp.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
2 |
Shira Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
3 |
Barranco Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
4 |
Barafu Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
5 |
Mweka Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
6 |
Gate to Hotel
Moshi |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
-
1Hotel to Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp. Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft Distance: 11km/7mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Accommodation: Machame Camp.,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
2Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 5km/3mi Walking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Accommodation: Shira Camp,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
3Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft Distance: 10km/6mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Semi-desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Accommodation: Barranco Camp,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
4Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance. Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft Distance: 9km/6mi Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Accommodation: Barafu Camp,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
5Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain. Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Accommodation: Mweka Camp,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
6Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Main Destination: Moshi
Accommodation: Gate to Hotel,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
Includes |
|
Excludes |
|
Important to Know
- This tour is not available to solo travelers or groups larger than 14 people.
- Rates are per person and exclude the international flightfrom/to your home country.
- This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older.
Start Dates |
Solo 1 room |
2 people 1 room |
3 people 2 room |
4 people 2 room |
4+ people 3 room |
Apr 13 2023 to Jun 13 2025 | $2500 | $2000 | $1800 | $1600 | $1500 |
Getting There
Tanzania is a beautiful East African country with neighbours Kenya to the north and Mozambique to the south and the Indian Ocean to the east. It is known for its vibrant culture, wonderful national parks, diverse fauna and flora and of course the great wildebeest migration. If you are planning a safari trip to Tanzania then you should find out all about flights to Tanzania, passport and visa requirements.
Tanzania’s main airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) located 13km/8mi southwest of Dar es Salaam. The latter is the entry point for visitors to the southern parks.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is situated 46km/29mi east of Arusha, the gateway of Tanzania’s most popular Northern safari circuit.
Yes, a transfer from and back to the airport is included
Yes, additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost
-
Offices In :
Tanzania -
Size :
4 -
Member Of :
TANAPA, TACTO -
Tour Types :
Camping, Budget, Mid-range and luxury safari -
Destinations :
Tanzania - AfroGateway is a tourism company based in Tanzania, which offers a wide range of travel services and experiences for tourists visiting the country. The company specializes in organizing tours and safaris to various destinations within Tanzania, including popular national parks such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Manyara, as well as Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. AfroGateway offers diverse tour packages to cater to different interests and budgets, including wildlife safaris, cultural tours, beach holidays, and adventure activities such as hiking, camping, and hot air balloon rides. The company provides experienced guides who are knowledgeable about Tanzania's history, culture, and wildlife, and strive to offer an authentic and immersive experience for travelers. One of the unique features of AfroGateway is its commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. They prioritize environmentally friendly practices, support local communities, and promote conservation efforts in the areas they operate. They also work closely with local partners and stakeholders to ensure that their tours and activities have a positive impact on the local economy and community. AfroGateway takes care of various aspects of travel arrangements, including accommodation, transportation, meals, permits, and park fees, to provide a hassle-free experience for their clients. They also offer customized itineraries to suit individual preferences and requirements. With its expertise in Tanzania's tourism industry, AfroGateway aims to provide memorable and meaningful experiences for travelers, while contributing to the preservation of Tanzania's natural and cultural heritage.
Budget Tour: | This tour includes budget camping and lodges. |
Can be Customized: | You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour. |
Private Tour: | This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others. |
Not for solo travelers: | Solo travelers cannot book this private tour. |
Can start any day: | If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
Minimum age of 3 years: | The minimum age for this tour is 3 years. |
Day | Accommodation | Meals |
1 |
Machame Camp.,
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
2 |
Shira Camp,
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
3 |
Barranco Camp,
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
4 |
Barafu Camp,
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
5 |
Mweka Camp,
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
6 |
Gate to Hotel,
Moshi |
All Meals Included with Drinks |
-
1Hotel to Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp. Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft Distance: 11km/7mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Accommodation: Machame Camp., ,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
2Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 5km/3mi Walking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Accommodation: Shira Camp, ,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
3Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft Distance: 10km/6mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Semi-desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Accommodation: Barranco Camp, ,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
4Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance. Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft Distance: 9km/6mi Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Accommodation: Barafu Camp, ,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
5Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain. Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Accommodation: Mweka Camp, ,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
-
6Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Main Destination: Moshi
Accommodation: Gate to Hotel, ,
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included with Drinks
Includes & Excludes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips: tipping guideline of 56 per person per day for the guide and crew
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Start Dates |
Solo 1 room |
2 people 1 room |
3 people 2 room |
4 people 2 room |
4+ people 3 room |
Apr 13 2023 to Jun 13 2025 | $2500 | $2000 | $1800 | $1600 | $1500 |
Getting There
Tanzania is a beautiful East African country with neighbours Kenya to the north and Mozambique to the south and the Indian Ocean to the east. It is known for its vibrant culture, wonderful national parks, diverse fauna and flora and of course the great wildebeest migration. If you are planning a safari trip to Tanzania then you should find out all about flights to Tanzania, passport and visa requirements.
Tanzania’s main airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) located 13km/8mi southwest of Dar es Salaam. The latter is the entry point for visitors to the southern parks.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is situated 46km/29mi east of Arusha, the gateway of Tanzania’s most popular Northern safari circuit.
Yes, a transfer from and back to the airport is included
Yes, additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost
afrogateway
-
Offices In :
Tanzania -
Size :
4 -
Member Of :
TANAPA, TACTO -
Tour Types :
Camping, Budget, Mid-range and luxury safari -
Destinations :
Tanzania - AfroGateway is a tourism company based in Tanzania, which offers a wide range of travel services and experiences for tourists visiting the country. The company specializes in organizing tours and safaris to various destinations within Tanzania, including popular national parks such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Manyara, as well as Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. AfroGateway offers diverse tour packages to cater to different interests and budgets, including wildlife safaris, cultural tours, beach holidays, and adventure activities such as hiking, camping, and hot air balloon rides. The company provides experienced guides who are knowledgeable about Tanzania's history, culture, and wildlife, and strive to offer an authentic and immersive experience for travelers. One of the unique features of AfroGateway is its commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. They prioritize environmentally friendly practices, support local communities, and promote conservation efforts in the areas they operate. They also work closely with local partners and stakeholders to ensure that their tours and activities have a positive impact on the local economy and community. AfroGateway takes care of various aspects of travel arrangements, including accommodation, transportation, meals, permits, and park fees, to provide a hassle-free experience for their clients. They also offer customized itineraries to suit individual preferences and requirements. With its expertise in Tanzania's tourism industry, AfroGateway aims to provide memorable and meaningful experiences for travelers, while contributing to the preservation of Tanzania's natural and cultural heritage.