MACHAME ROUTE (6 Days)
ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is a classic Kilimanjaro trail. Africana Royal Tours offers this route in 6- and 7-day variants, with the latter providing a higher acclimatization profile and summit success rate. You will enjoy hiking through all five climatic zones of Kilimanjaro, scaling the impressive Barranco Wall, and admiring the alien-looking Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plants, which are unique to this region.
For those who haven’t trekked much at high altitudes, this 6-day Machame hike is recommended, with an additional day of acclimatization, resulting in a higher success rate. The Machame Route is also known as the “Whiskey Route” because it is more technically challenging, but it is also scenic and steeper. The 6-day Machame Route offers better acclimatization and a high success rate.
ROUTE MERITS
- High Success Rate: Rest assured, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with our professional guides will be successful.
- Stunning Sceneries: Mesmerizing scenic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro await you. Visual euphoria and amazing photos are guaranteed.
- Superb Acclimatization: Our climbing itineraries are crafted to ensure a smooth acclimatization transition.
The price for the 6-day Machame Route varies depending on the accommodation before and after the climb, as well as luxury or standard budget climbing activities.
Price per Person in Group Tour (Starts and Ends in Moshi):
Budget Hike | $1,500 |
Mid-range Hike | $1,950 |
Luxury Hike | $2,500 |
SCHEDULE
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Campsite
- Rising: 1,830 m / 6,000 ft to 3,100 m / 10,200 ft
- Stretch: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Shelter: Machame Camp
- Climatic Habitat: Rainforest
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. On a winding trail up a ridge, hikers will leave the park gate and cross the rainforest. Lower down the trail, it can be muddy and slippery. Hikers will walk a short distance until they reach the Machame encampments.
Day 2: Machame Campsite to Shira Campsite
- Rising: 3,100 m / 10,200 ft to 3,840 m / 12,600 ft
- Stretch: 9 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Climatic Habitat: Moorland
- Shelter: Full Board Shira Cave Camp
After breakfast, hikers leave the rainforest glades and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Valley
- Rising: 3,840 m / 12,600 ft to 3,860 m / 12,700 ft
- Stretch: 15 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Climatic Habitat: Semi-desert
- Shelter: Full Board Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
- Rising: 4,000 m / 13,000 ft to 4,700 m / 15,350 ft
- Stretch: 9 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Climatic Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Shelter: Full Board at Barafu Camp
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit, then Down to Mweka Camp
- Rising: 4,700 m / 15,350 ft to 5,895 m / 19,343 ft, then down to 3,090 m / 10,150 ft
- Stretch: 6 km up / 13 km down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Climatic Habitat: Arctic
Early in the morning (from midnight to 2 a.m.), hikers and the team will continue their hike towards the summit between the Rebmann and Reitzel glaciers. The group will travel in a northwesterly direction and climb up a steep scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek! At Stella Point, hikers will take a short break and be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you have ever seen.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, then Drive to Arusha or Moshi
- Descending: 3,090 m / 10,150 ft to 1,680 m / 5,500 ft
- Stretch: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Climatic Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. It can get wet and muddy at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are probably the most comfortable to wear (keep rain gear handy).
This package includes:
- All fees and taxes included
- 24-hour call service
- Day 1 lunch and dinner
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Days 2 to 5
- Climbing crew (professional guides & tour operator)
- Environment fees
- Crew wages
Book via WhatsApp or Email
This package does not include:
- Tipping the crew
- Visa
- Flights