KILIMANJARO - MACHAME ROUTE

PAMOJA SAFARIS

TRIP ITINERARY OVERVIEW

The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is one of the most popular and scenic pathways to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is considered more challenging than the Marangu route and is favored for its beautiful scenery and varied landscapes. The Machame route typically takes 6 to 7 days to complete, allowing for better acclimatization and increased summit success rates.

LEMOSHO ROUTE

DAY 01

ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA

Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you’ll be met by a Pamoja Safaris guide and taken to your lodge in Arusha.

Alternatively, for those who have joined us for the safari portion of the trip, you’ll have this day to rest at the lodge.

Lodging: Serena Arusha Lodge & Spa, Arusha or similar
DAY 02
Preparation Day
After breakfast at your lodge in Arusha, your guide will join you in making preparations for the climb, including talking over the plans for the days ahead, a gear check, and grabbing any rental equipment necessary. Dinner will be at your lodge that evening.
Lodging: Serena Arusha Lodge & Spa, Arusha or similar
DAY 03
Drive to the Machame Gate and hike to Machame Camp
Your journey starts at the Machame Gate, where you’ll register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. The first day involves a hike through the dense rainforest, which is often wet and muddy but teeming with life. You’ll reach Machame Camp in the late afternoon, where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.
Walking Distance: 6.8 mi/11.0 km
Walking Time: 5-7 Hours
DAY 04
Machame Camp to Shira Camp I
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail steepens and enters the moorland zone, offering expansive views of the mountain and its surroundings. You’ll encounter various plants, such as lobelias and giant heathers. Your destination for the day is Shira Camp, located on the Shira Plateau, providing spectacular views towards Mount Meru and across the plain below.
Walking Distance: 3.1 mi/5.0 km
Walking Time: 4-6 Hours
DAY 05
Shira Camp I to Lava Tower to Barranco Hut Camp
This day is crucial for acclimatization and involves a hike up to the Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. The climb to the Lava Tower allows your body to adjust to higher altitudes, preparing you for the summit. After lunch at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, known for its unique senecio and lobelia plants, as well as the impressive Barranco Wall.
Walking Distance: 6.2 mi/10.0 km
Walking Time: 6-8 Hours
DAY 06
Barranco Hut Camp to Karanga Camp
The day begins with a challenging but exciting climb up the Barranco Wall. Once on top, the trail traverses under the glaciers of the Southern Ice Field before descending to Karanga Camp. This shorter day aids further acclimatization and prepares you for the next phase of the ascent.
Walking Distance: 3.1 mi/5.0 km
Walking Time: 4-5 Hours
DAY 07
Karanga Camp to Barafu Hut Camp
You’ll leave Karanga Camp after breakfast and hit the next junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail. You then continue up to the Barafu Hut Camp, arriving in the early afternoon. Here you’ll make camp, rest, enjoy an early dinner, and try to get a few hours of sleep in preparation for the summit this evening.
Walking Distance: 2.5 mi/4.0 km
Walking Time: 4-5 Hours
DAY 08
Barafu Hut Camp to Kibo Summit to Mweka Camp
You’ll be awakened around 11:00 pm (technically still Day 8) and have a light snack before heading out at 12:00 am to start climbing the steep, frozen scree up to the summit. You are aiming to reach Stella Point for sunrise, and then another hour later you’ll find yourself at the highest point on the continent, bathing in the sun’s warmth. After reaching the summit and snapping a few photos, you will return to Barafu Hut Camp via the Mweka descent route to rest for an hour or so before a quick meal before descending further. This is a long and hard day — you’ll feel extremely tired by the end of it, but also absolutely ecstatic that you’ve accomplished so much. Enjoy your sleep tonight — you’ve earned it!
Walking Distance: 10.6 mi/17.0 km
Walking Time: 13-16 Hours
DAY 09
Mweka Camp to Mweka Park Gate to Hotel
You’ll finish up the trek with a 3-4 hour descent through the forest to Mweka Gate to collect our completion certificates and meet your transport. You’ll head towards Arusha, arriving early afternoon to check into your hotel for some R&R and a celebratory dinner.
Walking Distance: 6.2 mi/10.0 km
Walking Time: 3-4 Hours
DAY 10
DEPARTURE
Have breakfast at the hotel and relax until your flight back. You’ll be transferred by the hotel to the airport (15 minutes drive) approximately 2.5 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.
Departure Day

EQUIPMENT & SUPPORT

Premium Tents

High End Sleeping Pads & Bags

Experienced Guides

Price includes

$ 5900+
- start price (depending on group size & season)
  • All domestic transport
  • Fees & Taxes
  • All meals (as specified per day)
  • Base gratuity for all staff

Price excludes

-
a 30% deposit is required to book
  • International Travel
  • Private room (available for extra charge)
  • International Airfare and Visa
  •  

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Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari

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Ranger-Guided Rhino Experience

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Ready to plan your trip?

Get in contact and one of our team members will get back to you to start planning the details of your trip.

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