Kilimanjaro Trek, Machame Route – 9 days
$2,842
This is our second favourite route to Uhuru Peak (after the Lemosho route) because of its excellent acclimatization as you “walk high, sleep low”. The route offers stunning scenery with different vegetation zones along the trek. Machame is known for having one of the best success rates.
The Machame route, also called the “Whiskey” route, is known for being more challenging and complex compared to other routes. The steep and demanding trail makes it better suited for adventurous climbers.
This trek package includes seven nights on the mountain, one before the trek and the final night after.
Why choose Machame Route
- Offers scenic trails with different mountain views
- Offers excellent acclimatization as you walk high and sleep low. The Ups and downs – help to acclimatize better
- Machame has an excellent summit success rate…more than 85% of the climbers make it to Uhuru Peak.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive, Travel to Arusha
Upon arrival at JRO, you will meet our representative, who will take you to your hotel in Arusha. Before the climb, your guide will gather you for a pre-climbing briefing to share essential details and check your mountain gear to ensure you have everything you need. If something needs to be added, your guide can help rent it.
Mt. Meru Game Lodge
Mount Meru Game Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary is the lodge designed for both wildlife and nature lovers. The game sanctuary was established to offer refuge to orphaned and injured animals and to prepare them for their return to the wild. The lodge has 15 double or twin ensuite bedrooms and family suites.
Trekking to Machame Camp
Machame Gate (1,500m/4,921ft) to Machame Camp (2,835m/9,301ft)
Hiking distance: 11km
Hiking time: 5–7hrs
Habitat: Montane Forest
You start your journey from Arusha to Machame Gate, which usually takes around 2.5 hours. At the gate, you will complete the necessary entry formalities and enjoy a lunch. Following that, you commence your ascent by entering the rainforest. Due to frequent heavy rains, the trail on this side of the mountain often turns into mud, so having suitable footgear, gaiters, and trekking poles is highly beneficial. You should expect to reach Machame Camp in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Machame Camp (3 Meals)
Trekking to Shira Cave
Machame Camp (2,835m/9,301ft) to Shira Cave (3,750m/11,303ft)
Hiking distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 6-8hrs
Habitat: Moorland
After an hour of climbing through the forest, you’ll walk for 2 hours across gentle moorland. Then, you’ll continue up the rocky ridge to the Shira Plateau. From there, you can see Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach with its stunning glaciers. You’ll be on the mountain’s opposite side from the Marangu Route and west of Kibo. Following a short hike west, you’ll arrive at the Shira Cave campsite.
Overnight: Shira Cave Camp (3 Meals)
Trekking to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Shira 2 (3,850m/12,795ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,960ft) via Lava Tower (4,600m/15,190ft)
Hiking Distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
Habitat: Moorland
Continuing from the Shira Plateau, you proceed to the east along a ridge, passing the intersection leading to the summit of Kibo. Then, you travel southeast to the Lava Tower, also called the “Shark’s Tooth.” After the tower, you take the second intersection to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000 feet. You will then proceed to the Barranco Hut at nearly 13,000 feet, where you can take a break and prepare before summit day.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (3 Meals)
Trekking Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,960ft) to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,100ft)
Hiking Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert
In the morning, you will make your way down into a deep gorge at the foot of the impressive Great Barranco Wall. Next, you will ascend a nearly 900 ft steep cliff that doesn’t require technical climbing skills. After reaching the top of the Barranco Wall, you will traverse a series of hills and valleys before descending steeply into Karanga Valley. Another steep ascent will bring you to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day designed to help you acclimate to the altitude.
Overnight: Karanga Camp (3 Meals)
Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,100ft) to Barafu Camp (4,4667m/15,300ft)
Hiking Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today, you begin your journey to Karanga and reach the intersection that leads to the Mweka trail. You proceed upwards to the Barafu Hut. Upon reaching this point, you have finished the South Circuit, providing various perspectives of the summit. Here, you will take a break, have dinner, and prepare for the summit day. You can see the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo from this location.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (3 Meals)
Summit Day!
Barafu Camp (4,667m/14,930ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) down to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Hiking Distance: 15.5km
Hiking Time: 8hrs up and 7-8hrs down
Habitat: Ice Cap
The climb to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging section of the ascent. Depending on the time of year, there may be snow along the trail to Uhuru Peak. Once you reach the summit, enjoy your achievements before returning to Barafu Camp. After a brief break, you will descend to Mweka Camp via rocky and gravelly paths and enter the forest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (or Millennium Camp) (3 Meals)
Descend to Mweka Gate
Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,980m/6,500ft)
Hiking Distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 3hrs
Habitat: Montane Forest
The final day on the Mountain involves descending to the Mweka Gate for registration and collecting summit certificates according to the climbers’ accomplishments. After that, the journey proceeds to Mweka Village for a celebratory lunch with the Mountain Crew before heading to the hotel in Arusha. Upon reaching the hotel, a full-body massage will help relax muscles and achieve profound relaxation after the adventurous nights on Mount Kilimanjaro!
Ngare Seron Mountain Lodge
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge has been adapted from an early colonial farmhouse built in the early 20th century and is one of the oldest family lodges in Arusha, set in lush gardens amid forest and crystal-clear waters on the slopes of Mount Meru. This Lodge offers 10 Garden Rooms, 2 Main House Suites and a Farm Cottage with 3 bedrooms.
Departure Day
Savour a relaxed morning and a satisfying breakfast. Afterwards, our representative will pick you up for the airport transfer to ensure you make it in time for your departing or arriving flight. If your flight schedule permits, there are numerous activities to enjoy in Arusha. It’s a mix of emotions as we bid you farewell, but we look forward to your prompt return!