The Machame Route, often called the Whiskey Route, is one of the most popular and rewarding trails for summiting Kilimanjaro. At Sasha Safaris, we offer yearly expeditions along this stunning path, which begins in the lush tropical rainforest. The route can be completed in either 6 or 7 days, with the 7-day option being ideal for better acclimatization and a higher chance of reaching the summit.

The Machame 7 is perfect for adventurers of all levels, even beginners, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. As you trek, you’ll pass through all five of Kilimanjaro’s climatic zones, from vibrant rainforests to the arid alpine desert. Along the way, you’ll tackle the dramatic Barranco Wall and see the unique Dendrosenecio kilimanjari plant, an alien-like species found only on the mountain.

Activities: Climbing/hiking/trekking.

Attractions: Mountain rain forest with small wild animals, different vegetation zones, Barranco wall, Mount Kilimanjaro sceneries and its panoramic view.

Accommodation: Tents camping.

Summit success rate: High, above 85%

TRIP – ITINERARY

Day 00: Arrivals

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll meet our office representative, followed by an hour drive to the hotel in Moshi Town. After having a short rest at the hotel, our mountain guide will meet you to check your climbing gears and equipment. If some gears will be missing, our guide will help you on how to rent those missing gears from the rental shops.

Day 1 : Machame Gate to Machame Camp

One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters, and start to climb. The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden, so it can get somewhat overgrown in places, and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.

Elevation: 1790m to 3010m
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2 : Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.

Elevation: 3010m to 3845m
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Moorland

Day 3 : Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, and finally reach camp. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.

Elevation: 3845m to 3960m
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Habitat: High Moorland

Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Our day starts by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 3960m to 4640m
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Difficulty: Difficult
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 : Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak & down to Millennium Camp

We start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on the scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

Elevation: 4640m to 5895m (then down to 3790m)
Hiking Time: 11-14 hours
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Habitat: Arctic Summit and Alpine Desert

Day 6 : Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.

Elevation: 3790m to 1630m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Rainforest

TOUR ROUTE MAP

PRICE CHARGED FOR THIS TOUR

$ 1850 per single person
$ 1600 per person in group sharing
$ 1400 per person in 5+ group sharing.

PRICE INCLUSION.

Airport transfer on arrival and departure day
2 nights comfort stay in lodge the day before and after climbing.
Transport to and from Mountain
All park entrance fee +18% VAT
All park accommodation fee + 18% VAT
Park rescue fee
Food on the mountain (3-meals a day)
Non personal hiking equipment and gears
Salary to guide, cook, and the crew.

PRICE EXCLUSION:

Tipping
Personal hiking gear and rentals
Other personal expenses out of the mentioned above.

ESSENTIAL MOUNTAIN CLIMBING GEARS

50L waterproof duffle, small-size backpack, warm clothes including trouser, sweater, thermal underwear, and enough pair of warm socks, Balaclava, snow goggles, or ski sun glasses and scarf, waterproof layers, sun roof hat, warm sleeping bag, mattress, warm jacket, and a pair of gloves. Comfort mountain boots, and walking poles, Sun cream, first aid kit, a knapsack, a pair of getters and water-bottle, minimum 2litres each.

Mount Kilimanjaro climb: Tips for safe and successful Kilimanjaro summit.

Choose the best route that offers good acclimatization, oxygen decreases as you climb to higher elevation, choose the routes that offer the acclimatization throughout to avoid the possibility of experiencing higher altitude mountain sickness. In this case Rongai, Lemosho, and Machame routes are highly recommended.
Be well prepared and full equipped for Kilimanjaro trekking, do not forget to carry all necessary trekking equipments and gears. Remember, weather in the mountain is not precisely predictable; having with you the all weather gears is the best decision.
Do not carry too much heavy day-pack. Most of your item luggage will be carried by Kilimanjaro porters; you will just carry your light day pack bag, which contains the most necessary personal use for a day only.
Listen carefully to your guide, do not ignore the little advice from your guide, our Kilimanjaro guides are having more than 10-years experience, they have a broad working knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro, please listen to what they direct you to do.
Eat enough food and drink more water so that your body won’t run out of energy, long day working requires body energy, make sure you eat as much as you can. Do not forget to go to bed early so that you will wake up with new energy to continue climbing.
Choose the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Your chance to summit Kilimanjaro peak is highly influenced by the external factors like bad weather, knowing the best time to go for Kilimanjaro trekking will help you plan your adventure accordingly.

Best time of the year to go for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing:

June to October-peak of high season, most of the Kilimanjaro routes and hotels are crowded.
October to December-Most of the Kilimanjaro routes are less crowded, this season may be associated with seasonal rainfall so not that much good for climbing.

December to end of February-High season most of the routes and hotels are crowded.

March to early of June-Low season, it’s the peak of the wet season as these months are associated with heavy rainfalls so not ideal for climbing.

Kilimanjaro Machame Route 6 Days Climbing

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