Machame route is argueably the most scenic and probably the most beautiful route by which to ascend the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro.  The trek begins in the south-west area of the mountain at Machame Gate and descends down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain thus offering climbers the most varied scenary of Kilimanjaro. Additionally, Machame visits stunning places such as Shira Plateau, Barranco, and Lava Tower. Machame route is known as the “Whiskey Route” in comparison to Marangu because it is a more difficult route and trekkers sleep in camping tents as opposed to huts. Machame is the second most popular route on the mountain.

Nights are spent in ‘mountain tents’ sleeping two persons per tent (3 man tents, so there is space for your luggage).  All your supplies and camping equipment are carried by porters and your meals are prepared. 

Machame is ideal for those who want a more difficult climb, and are confident in their ability to hike for long periods of time over somewhat steep terrain. The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended to increase the chances of summiting. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain.

Day 1: Arrive, Orientation/Gear check
Day 2: Machame hut
Day 3: Shira hut
Day 4: Barranco camp
Day 5: Barafu camp
Day 6: Mweka hut
Day 7: Moshi
Day 8: Depart

Day 1: Arrival 

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, where you will meet you’re climbing guide for briefing and final gear check. Overnight in Moshi

Day 2: Moshi – Machame hut (9,840ft/3000m)
07h00: After breakfast leave the lodge for the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Machame for entry registration then start the trek to Machame hut through thick rain forest.

12h30: Have packed lunch at a picnic site along the trail.

19h00: Dinner and retire for the day at Machame hut.

Day 3: Machame hut – Shira hut (12,470ft/3800m)
08h00: After breakfast, ascend past the Shira and through ridges and valleys heading to the next night stop at Shira hut.
12h30: Have packed lunch at a picnic site along the trail.

19h00: Dinner and retire for the day at Shira hut. 

Day 4: Shira hut – Barranco camp (12,960ft/3950m)
08h00: Head eastward to a junction where we continue to Lava Tower Campsite (14,760ft/4500m), then descend to Barranco camp thus allowing your body to adjust to altitude change.

12h30: Have packed lunch at a picnic site along the trail.

19h00: Dinner and overnight at Barranco camp. 

Day 5: Barranco camp – Barafu camp (15,090ft/4600m)
08h00: After breakfast, hike the great Barranco wall then across the Karanga Valley and ascend to Karanga campsite for lunch.
12h30: Hot lunch at the Karanga campsite.

13h30: Afternoon hike to Barafu camp.

17h00: Have dinner and take the day’s rest ready for the hike to the summit.

Day 6: Barafu camp-Summit (19,340ft/5895m)-Mweka
00h00: Have a cup of coffee/tea and start the midnight trek to the summit via Stella Point.

06h00: Reach the summit, Uhuru peak, have a short period of photo taking then descend to Barafu camp for breakfast/Brunch and a little rest.

12h00: Continue down to Mweka hut for the days and night’s rest.

Day 7: Mweka camp – Moshi
08h00: Walk down to the park gate where say bye to the guides and porters, have packed lunches on the way to the Hotel for a well-deserved hot shower. Afternoon spent at leisure relaxing by the pool.

Day 8: Depart Moshi/Kilimanjaro airport-Departure
Breakfast at the hotel then you will be picked up by our representative and transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for departure flight home or further holiday destination