Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2–8: To be spent on the mountain
Day 9: Departure day
About Machame Route:
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is well known for its beautiful landscapes, varied terrain, and adventurous hiking experience. The trek begins at Machame Gate on the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, where the trail leads through the lush tropical rainforest. As you gain altitude, the landscape gradually shifts to open moorland, then to the dramatic alpine desert and high-altitude volcanic terrain.
One of the highlights of the route is the Shira Plateau, where trekkers enjoy expansive views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes. The trail then follows the southern circuit, providing different perspectives of Kilimanjaro while allowing climbers to gradually acclimatize to the increasing altitude. Along the way, trekkers encounter the impressive Lava Tower, the famous Barranco Wall, and unique high-altitude vegetation, including the distinctive giant senecio plants. The final approach to the summit is made from the east, leading to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, the descent follows the Mweka Route, bringing trekkers back through the mountain's diverse landscapes.
The Machame Route can be completed in 6 or 7 days on the mountain. While the 6-day option is suitable for those with limited time and good hiking experience, the 7-day itinerary provides a more gradual acclimatization schedule, giving trekkers more time to adjust to the altitude.
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,250 |
| 2 Persons | $2,200 |
| 5 Persons | $2,150 |
| 10 Persons | $2,100 |
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming trek. The guide will also conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the essential mountain gear, with any missing items available for rent before the climb.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel at around 8:00 AM and driven for approximately 1 hr to Machame Gate. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful coffee and banana plantations cultivated by the Chagga people. At the gate, you will complete the necessary park registration and formalities before meeting the porters and beginning your Kilimanjaro trek.
The hike starts with a steady ascent through the magnificent tropical rainforest. Some sections of the trail can be wet and muddy underfoot, especially after rain. You will enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before continuing to Machame Camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi | Approx. time taken: 6 hours
You will start hiking at around 8:00 AM, continuing through the forest for about 1 hr before reaching the upper forest and entering the moorland zone. After another 1 hr of gradual hiking, you will stop for a short lunch break before continuing along a rocky ridge toward the Shira Plateau.
As you reach the Shira Plateau, you will enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and, on a clear day, Mount Meru rising in the distance above Arusha. You may also have views toward the Western Breach and its impressive glaciers. Overnight at Shira Campsite.
Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi | Approx. time taken: 5 hours
After breakfast, you will trek across the high moorland and alpine desert landscape toward Lava Tower at 4,600 m. This section takes you across the southwestern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, passing beneath Lava Tower and the Western Breach. Hiking to a higher altitude before descending helps your body acclimatize following the “walk high, sleep low” principle.
From Lava Tower, you will descend for about 3 hrs to Barranco Camp at 3,960 m. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Western Breach and the impressive Barranco Wall, with plenty of opportunities for photos. Barranco Camp is beautifully located in a valley beneath the wall, offering stunning sunset views before dinner. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi | Approx. time taken: 8 hrs
After breakfast, you will descend into the Great Barranco before beginning the ascent of the impressive Barranco Wall. Although the climb involves scrambling over rocks and looks challenging, it is not technical, though it can be long and tiring. From the top, you will continue beneath the Heim and Kersten Glaciers before descending into the beautiful Karanga Valley. You will then make a final steep ascent to Karanga Camp (3,963 m).
After arriving at camp, you will enjoy a hot lunch and have time to relax. For those feeling strong, an optional afternoon acclimatization hike will take you to around 4,200 m before descending back to camp. The afternoon is mainly dedicated to rest and acclimatization as you prepare for the upcoming summit attempt.
Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi | Approx. time taken: 5 hours
After breakfast, you will begin the trek to Barafu Camp (4,640 m), following a steep and challenging trail across a barren alpine desert with little to no vegetation. Along the way, you will enjoy impressive views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Due to the increasing altitude, the hike can be demanding, so a steady pace and proper hydration are important.
Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you will have lunch followed by a long period of rest as you prepare for the summit attempt. An early dinner will be served, after which you will try to get some sleep. You will wake up around midnight to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Distance covered: 3km / 1.9mi | Approx. time taken: 3 hours
You will wake up at around 11:30 PM, and after a light tea and some cookies, you will begin your summit attempt around midnight. The climb starts with a steep ascent over scree toward the summit glaciers and takes approximately 4–5 hrs. As you gain altitude, the views become increasingly spectacular. You will aim to reach Stella Point (5,756 m) around sunrise, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the crater, ice cliffs, and Mawenzi Peak.
From Stella Point, you will continue for about 1 hr along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, you will begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for lunch and a short rest. You will then continue downhill through the alpine desert to Millennium Camp (3,790 m), where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi | Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
After breakfast, you will begin your final descent from Millennium Camp through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate. The hike takes a couple of hours, and upon arrival, you will complete the necessary park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate as a memorable achievement.
You will then be met by a private vehicle and transferred back to your hotel in Moshi. After the trek, you can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, relax, and celebrate the successful completion of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi | Approx. time taken: 6 hours
Later in the evening or the following day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your home-bound flight. If you have more time, we can also arrange an affordable safari experience to some of Tanzania’s renowned wildlife destinations, including Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park.
Novella Safaris has been running Tanzanian journeys. Our licensed guides, modern 4×4 Land Cruisers, and 24/7 in-country support make us the trusted choice for over 4,800 travellers to date. Group size is capped so every guest gets personal attention.
All in-destination transport is included: airport pickup, park drives in custom 4×4 vehicles, inter-park transfers. International and domestic flights are not included.
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency. USD is widely accepted at parks, lodges and shops. ATMs are available in Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar and major hubs. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and bank wire.
Clothing: Layered, muted colours; light hiking pants, breathable shirts, warm fleece and waterproof shell.
Footwear: Broken-in walking shoes, sandals, warm socks.
Essentials: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, insect repellent, small day pack, binoculars, camera with spare batteries, headlamp.
Documents: Passport (6+ months validity), visa, travel insurance, printed itinerary copies.
First-aid: Personal medication, ibuprofen, malaria prophylaxis, plasters, oral rehydration salts.
Departure: Novella Safaris office, Moshi, Tanzania.
Pickup available from: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha Airport (ARK), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
Tipping is customary and appreciated. Guideline: USD 15 per day for driver-guides, USD 10 per day for cooks, USD 5 per day for camp staff. Tips are paid at the end of the trip.
Send us an enquiry — a Tanzania-based trip designer will reply within 24 hours with a tailored proposal, no obligation.
Deposit: 20% at reservation to confirm your booking.
Balance: Due 60 days before departure.
Accepted methods: Visa · Mastercard · AMEX · bank wire.
Documents required: Signed booking form, passport with 6+ months validity, valid visa, travel insurance.
30+ days before departure: 20% of the total trip cost retained.
14–29 days before departure: 50% retained.
Less than 14 days: 100% retained.
If you find a replacement 14+ days before departure, no cancellation fee applies.