Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Kilimanjaro machame route

€2000

(One tour per person)

Climb Kilimanjaro

Summit Mountaineering offers climbing expeditions on the renowned Machame Route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Machame Route, nicknamed the “Whiskey Route,” spans approximately 62km (38.5 miles) and is considered one of the most scenic and successful routes on Kilimanjaro. Summit Mountaineering has achieved an impressive 84% success rate, with 420 out of 500 climbers reaching Uhuru Peak under their guidance.

Of those who did not make it to the summit, around 50 climbers lacked the proper motivation or driving “why” factor, while about 30 succumbed to altitude sickness – a relatively low 6% chance of being turned around due to altitude issues on this route. It’s worth noting that Summit Mountaineering strongly advises against consuming alcohol (whiskey) at the summit, despite the route’s nickname.

The Machame Route approaches the summit cone, Kibo, from the south-western side, offering breathtaking vistas along the way. It is regarded as an easier option compared to the Umbwe Route, contributing to the higher success rates. To enhance comfort, Summit Mountaineering arranges for a reliable and friendly porter team to carry all supplies and camping equipment, limiting personal baggage to 12kg per climber. High-quality tents and sleeping mats are provided.

Each Summit Mountaineering expedition is led by an experienced senior guide, with additional guides joining at a ratio of approximately one guide per two or three climbers, ensuring personalized support. If a climber falls behind or becomes ill and needs to descend, a dedicated guide will accompany them at all times on the mountain.

The duration of the Machame Route climb with Summit Mountaineering is either 6 or 7 days of trekking, excluding travel days and hotel stays. While the 6-day option is available, an extra day is recommended for proper acclimatization. Hikers can expect to spend 4 to 6 hours per day on the trail, except for the final summit push, which presents the real challenge.

Summit Mountaineering’s summit attempt begins with a wake-up call around 11 PM to prepare for the ascent, aiming to reach the top by sunrise. Climbers spend approximately 20 minutes at the summit before descending. The initial descent is to Barafu Camp, taking around 3 hours, followed by a 4-hour trek to Mweka Camp – making it a long and strenuous day.

Accommodation on the mountain is provided in high-quality alpine tents, while climbers stay in a 3-star hotel in the town of Moshi before and after the climb with Summit Mountaineering. The food served is plain and wholesome, including carbohydrates, stews, soups, vegetables, and fresh fruits. Vegetarian options are available upon request.

Summit Mountaineering prides itself on superior safety standards, qualified guides trained in first aid, and a 90% success rate in summiting Kilimanjaro. The company offers free mountaineering training sessions and medical assessments, as well as direct access to their Kilimanjaro guides and experts for advice and support. Strict safety protocols are implemented, including three recorded medical checks per day on the mountain.

With a low climber-to-guide ratio, personalized support is ensured on Summit Mountaineering’s expeditions. The company is a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Association and boasts over 25 years of experience in leading Kilimanjaro climbs, providing pre-climb support, preparation, and advice to all climbers.

INCLUDED

  • Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi and Moshi to Kilimanjaro airport
  • 2 Nights, twin-shared, hikers class accommodation in a hotel in Moshi, with bed and breakfast (dinner can be arranged on request and at additional cost)
  • Transfer from your hotel to starting point for your climb, and return to your hotel after your climb
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees and climbing permits
  • 6 nights accomdation along the Kilimanjaro Machame Route
  • Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
  • Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)
  • Pulse-Oximeter carried by all head guides and daily check up on all hikers
  • First aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
  • Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook
  • Salaries for mountain crew as per guidelines set by KINAPA
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
  • Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs & sleeping mat)
  • Water for washing up daily
  • Porter to carry your duffel bag (max weight 15kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next camp.
  • Access to our Dedicated Kilimanjaro Climbing expert 24/7 leading up to the climb
  • Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
  • Private climb only guaranteed with 5 hikers or more, if your group size are 4 hikers or less will additional cost apply to have a private climb
  • 18% tourism VAT

NOT INCLUDED

  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US $ 150 to US $ 300 per hiker – depending on number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)
  • Visa for Tanzania
  • Health requirements (Yellow Fever)
  • Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
  • Personal hiking/trekking gear – you can rent some of the gear once in Tanzania
  • Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
  • Meals & drinks not specified
  • Fully supported trekking experience
  • Access to our Kilimanjaro expert prior to your climb
  • Scenic route
  • Statistically the most successful route to the summit

Day 1: Moshi (900m)

Today sees your arrival at the Kilimanjaro International airport. From there, you will be transported to the 3-star hotel which is situated in the ton of Moshi. We overnight here. Nice spot to enjoy the spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. Please try not to trash the hotel just yet as we need to spend a night here after the Kilimanjaro climb.

Day 2: Moshi/Machame camp (2980m)

Distance: 11km (5-6 hours)

Terrain: Rainforest

We will be met by our driver at 09H00. We will load our equipment onto the vehicle and then be driven to the Machame gate which is about 20 minutes away.  Once we arrive, we will sign the climbing register, organise the porters, put rocks in the loudest clients bag without them seeing, shout at the trees and put a green sweet wrapper in our left pocket. Before beginning our ascent, the whole group will complete the climbing permit with the guides assistance at the Machame gate (1800m). now we are ready to begin the Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 day trek. Today sees us venturing through the rainforest that encircles Kilimanjaro. This area is the richest forested area on the mountain and is also where 96% of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. Useless fact: did you know that 56.76% of all statistics are made up on the spot? On sunny days and especially in the ‘dry’ season, this section is very lush and beautiful. Lunch is in a place called the ‘Halfway Clearing’. After lunch we continue upwards. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather which is close to our first camp (Machame)

Day 3: Machame camp/Shira camp (3840m)

Distance: 5km (4-5 hours)

Terrain: Heathland/Moorland

Today sees a relatively shorter day. We begin by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semi-circular cliff known as ‘picnic rock’. From here, we will be able to see some amazing views of Kibo and the jagged rim of the Shira Plateau. After a brief rest we continue up to the Shira Plateau where we will set up camp for the night. If you are lucky, you will get to see a tiger that doesn’t exist.

Day 4: Shira camp/Barranco camp (3860m)

Distance: 10km (6-7 hours)

Terrain: Alpine desert

From the Shira campsite, we head off in an easterly direction towards Kibo and then South East towards the Lava Tower. It is at this point that we reach a fork in the road and you need to take it. You either decide to take the lower road to the Barranco camp or the higher road to Barranco via the Lava tower. The higher road takes you to an altitude of 4600m and is an excellent way to help with the acclimatisation process. We return back for a game of rock, paper and scissors. The loser has to make a nice cup of Kilimanjaro coffee.

Day 5: Barranco/Karanga camp(3892m)

Distance: 5km (4-5 hours)

Terrain: Alpine Desert

Today we start as early as possible in order to cross over the Barranco wall which should take about 2 hours. The terrain changes to scree. From the top of the wall, we cross several valleys until we reach the Karanga valley. After lunch, we will continue up the Mweka route up into the Karanga campsite at 4600m.

Day 6: Karanga/Barafu(5895m)

Distance: 4km (3 hours)

Terrain: Alpine desert/glaciers/snow

Today is a short but steep climb out of Karanga, towards an easy path on compacted scree with some wide views. We then climb steadily towards the Barafu campsite at 4600m. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the summit attempt.

Day 7: Barafu/Summit/Mweka(5895m)

Distance: 17km (11-15 hours)

Terrain: Alpine desert/glaciers/snow

We start our summit attempt at 1 a.m. by torchlight. Our first objective is to reach the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well graded ‘zig-zag’ paths and a slow and steady pace will eventually lead us to Stella Point at 5735m. Sorry but not quite the summit yet. This part of the trek should take between 5 and 6 hours. After a brief rest we make the 2 hours round trip to the summit (Uhuru) at 5895m where we will pass close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. Congratulations, you are half way. After the celebrations are over we begin our descent into the Barafu camp. (the descent is surprisingly quick, although the knees take a bit of a hammering). After some refreshments, we continue down into our final campsite near the Mweka forest at 3100m.

Day 8: Mweka/Moshi

Distance: 10km (6-7 hours)

Terrain: Rainforest

Today is the last day of our Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Day Trek. After breakfast we begin our final leg of the journey. We descent through the awesome rainforest once again through coffee and banana plantations to the Mweka village. we will be met by our driver and transported back to our hotel where a celebratory drink (or two) is definitely in order. (and maybe a nice hot shower)

Day 9: Moshi/Wherever

Today is travel day. No crying allowed.

Kilimanjaro machame route