Machame Route 6 days / 7 days

This tour, also referred to as the whiskey route, is rightly regarded as the most beautiful on Kilimanjaro. It is particularly varied in landscape and offers great views of Mount Meru and the Kibo. Next to the Marangu route, it is the most popular route on the mountain. The varied height profile allows for good acclimatization, the number of summit successes is therefore high. However, the route is steeper and at the Barranco Wall a simple climbing passage has to be

overcome. The route requires you to be in good condition and is less suitable for inexperienced mountain walkers than the Marangu route. Accommodation is at camping sites in tents. The descent is via the Mweka route.

The Machame route is recommended by us as a 7 day tour. This includes an additional acclimatization day, which significantly increases the success to reach the summit. For experienced and very fit mountain hikers, the 6 day tour is also suitable. The fourth day of the shortened tour walks directly from the Barranco Camp to the Barafu Camp, as the intermediate stage over the Karanga Camp is omitted.

• Most scenic route at Kilimanjaro
• Climbing passage in the Barranco Wall, surefootedness required
• Ascent over the Machame route and descent over the Mweka route
• Height profile has a positive effect on acclimatization
• Total distance about 65 km

Day 1 Transfer from the hotel to Machame Gate (1790m) - Machame Camp(3010m)

After breakfast and a general briefing for your upcoming tour (including equipment check), the drive first goes to the National Park gate, which takes about an hour. While your guide does the necessary formalities, you can relax and watch the various mountain teams in their preparation. As soon as everything is done, your adventure begins. In short time you will be immersed in the magnificent mountain forest with its huge jungle trees, ferns, moss carpets and lianas. With luck, you will observe the black and white colobus monkeys in the tree tops. After about 5 - 6 hours, you will reach the day's destination - Machame Camp. This is just above the tree line at about 3010 meters above sea level. After dinner, you will spend your first night on Kilimanjaro.

Lunch; Dinner

Day 2 Machame Camp (3010m) - New Shira Camp (3845m)

After an early start, you will begin the day’s walk through heath and moorland before the trail becomes steeper and the landscape more open. Soon you will glimpse the summit region of

Kilimanjaro. Today's stage is shorter and you will soon arrive at the New Shira Camp, where the view of Kilimanjaro with its rock faces and hanging glaciers is something you should not miss – particularly at sunset. An early night will be needed tonight as tomorrow the trail becomes more strenuous.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 3 New Shira Camp (3845m) - Lava Tower (4640m) - Barranco Camp (3960m)

Today you will ascend approx. 800 meters, but the night is spent only slightly higher than the previous night at Shira Camp. This allows your body a better acclimatization for the further climb.

The hike begins with a long ascent over the Shira Plateau to the Lava Tower. Here the vegetation becomes barren and turns into an alpine desert landscape. The path then leads through the extensive Barranco Valley, with its lobelias and the huge senecios. After approximately 6-7 hours you will reach the Barranco Camp, which many claim is the most beautiful camp on the mountain.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 4 Barranco Camp (3960m) - Karanga Camp (4035m)

Today we will lead you through the Barranco Wall and it is another day to help with acclimatization. The climbing is relatively easy, although sometimes you need to use hands to hold on. Enjoy the amazing views before you reach Karanga Camp after approx. 3-4 hours.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 5 Karanga Camp (4035m) - Barafu Camp (4640m)

After a leisurely breakfast, you will set off for today's destination, the Barafu Camp. The hike leads you through a barren landscape, and after 3-4 hours you reach the camp. For the rest of the day you can relax because tomorrow is summit day! After dinner, we will have a very early bedtime as tomorrow will be exciting, but also exhausting and very long. Try to sleep a bit!

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 6 Barafu Camp (4640m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)

You will be woken around midnight. To strengthen yourself, you will first have a hot coffee or tea and a small snack. Using the light of your headlight, the next few hours are steadily upwards. After approximately 5-7 hours, in the early morning light, you will reach the crater rim at the Stella Point. After a short rest you will continue for about an hour to the highest point, the Uhuru Peak. Finally, it is done, and the rewards are fantastic views in all directions. The shadow that the Kilimanjaro casts over Mount Meru in the morning is a special experience. After you have enjoyed the summit, and taken a few memorable photos, it is time for the descent. At the Barafu Camp you have a short rest, where your mountain team will greet you with a hot drink and snacks. Afterwards, you will slowly go to Mweka Camp, where you will spend the last night at the mountain.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 7 Mweka Camp (3080m) - Mweka Gate (1630m) - Transfer to the hotel

After breakfast, and strengthened by the increasingly oxygen dense air, you will begin a leisurely walk towards the Mweka Gate. The trail continues through the dense rainforest, and after about 2-3 hours you will reach the gate. At this point it will be time to say goodbye to your team. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can finally enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebrate your summit success.

Breakfast; Lunch

Services included: 

• Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
• Professional, English-speaking guide
• Mountain crew (cook & porters)
• Overnight stays in tents
• Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, etc.)
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Drinking water, tea & coffee
• All national park fees
• Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back

Not included services:

• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Sleeping bag
• Flights
• Visa fees
• Tips
• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
• Travel insurance