The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its scenic beauty, the route offers trekkers spectacular landscapes, from lush rainforest and alpine meadows to rugged cliffs and glacial terrain. This 6-day itinerary with Overland Safaris is designed for trekkers seeking a more intensive, slightly challenging climb, with stunning vistas as a reward for each day’s hike.
With a challenging ascent and panoramic landscapes, the Machame Route takes you through five distinct ecological zones, each with its unique flora and fauna. This 6-day itinerary with Overland Safaris offers an adventurous trek to the summit with experienced guides, professional porters, and top-notch camping equipment. Each day’s itinerary is meticulously planned to enhance acclimatization, making the climb as enjoyable and successful as possible.
Route Highlights
Ecological Diversity: Traverse five different climatic zones, from lush rainforest to the arctic summit.
Scenic Beauty: Breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks, including Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Professional Support: Guided by experienced mountain guides with knowledgeable porters and cooks, ensuring safety and comfort.
Sunrise Summit: Reach the summit at dawn, witnessing an unforgettable sunrise from the “Roof of Africa.”
We accept all major bank direct deposits, or you can pay by cash on the arrival day in Tanzania.
Book with confidence.
This means you can book your trek with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected.
Feel free to email us at any time to discuss your trip and get an accurate quotation.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania.
We stay at the Arusha Safari Lodge, which is a beautiful Hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and is a perfect place to prepare you for the adventure.
We will gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Begin your journey at Machame Gate with a registration process and meet the trekking team. The hike leads through the lush, green rainforest to Machame Camp, where you’ll have your first night in the mountain wilderness.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Trek across heath and moorland terrain, passing beautiful wildflowers, unique plant species, and views of Kibo Peak. Arrive at Shira Camp, perched on a plateau, with impressive views of Mount Meru in the distance.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m), then to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending into the Barranco Valley. Although physically challenging, this day aids acclimatization, preparing your body for the altitude of the summit. Camp at Barranco, with a remarkable view of the Breach Wall.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,200m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Conquer the Barranco Wall, a short, exhilarating climb leading to the Karanga Valley. With an afternoon of rest, this day helps adjust to the elevation and allows for additional acclimatization.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,680m)
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Ascend toward Barafu Camp, where you’ll prepare for the final summit attempt. Enjoy an early dinner and rest, as the summit push will begin around midnight.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 16 km (8 km ascent, 8 km descent)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Begin the summit attempt in the early morning darkness, reaching Uhuru Peak around sunrise for an unforgettable experience. After reaching the summit, descend back to Mweka Camp for a final night on the mountain.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.
Day 8: Departure day.
After saying bye to our team of guides, then you need a private departure transfer, which is included from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or any other option we will discuss.
Machame Route Includes. 
• Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
• Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha and Arusha to Kilimanjaro airport
• Hotel Lodging the night before and the night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included (double occupancy)
• With bed dinner and breakfast
• Transfer from your hotel to starting point for your climb and return to your hotel after your climb
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
• All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits.
• Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
• Emergency Oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)
• Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
• Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook
• Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by the Kilimanjaro National Park
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
• Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress
• Water for washing up daily
• Porter to carry your duffel bag (max weight 15kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next camp.
• Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
• A comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro travel info pack
• Flying Doctor Service
Machame Route Excludes: 
• Flights and airport taxes
• Items of a personal nature
• Compulsory tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US $ 230 to US $ 300 per hiker – depending on the number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)
• South African passport holders do NOT require a visa for Tanzania, however, most other nationalities require a visa for Tanzania
• Health requirements (Yellow Fever compulsory if travelling to Tanzania recommended)
• Highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
• Personal hiking/trekking gear – we can rent some of the gear from our equipment store in Tanzania
• Optional, but highly recommended Portable toilet
• Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets
• Meals & drinks not specified and snacks.

THE CANCELLATION POLICY AND TERMS OF CONDITIONS:
A non-refundable 15% deposit is required to secure the tour and begin the necessary booking processes and ground preparations. An invoice will be sent to the client together with the payment instructions.
The final balance payment of the tour booked is required to be paid not later than 20 days before the tour starts. Bookings made within 20 days prior to the arrival date should be paid in full.
Cancellation received 30 days or more before the tour starts: No Cancellation Fees will be charged.
Cancellation received 15 days before the tour starts: 30% Cancellation Fee will be charged.
Cancellation received 10 days before the tour starts: 50% cancellation fee will be charged.
Cancellation received within 48hrs before the tour starts: 100% Cancellation Fee will be charged.