Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2–7: To be spent on the mountain
Day 8: 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 | $2,100 |
| 2 Persons | $2,000 |
| 5 Persons | $1,950 |
| 10 Persons | $1,900 |
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel at around 8:00 AM and transferred to Machame Gate, about 1 hr from Moshi. Along the way, you will enjoy views of coffee and banana plantations cultivated by the Chagga people. Upon arrival, you will complete the necessary park registration and meet the mountain crew before beginning your climb.
The trek starts through the lush tropical rainforest, following a steadily ascending trail toward Machame Camp. The trail can be wet, muddy, and slightly overgrown in some sections, adding to the adventure. A picnic lunch will be served 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
Today’s trek begins at Barranco Camp, where you will descend into the Great Barranco before tackling the impressive Barranco Wall. The ascent involves scrambling over rocks and, although it is not technical, it can be long and demanding. From the top, you will continue across the southern slopes of Kibo, passing beneath the Heim and Kersten Glaciers before reaching Karanga Camp, where you will have lunch and make your final water stop before the summit.
After lunch, the trail continues through a dry and rugged alpine desert landscape toward Barafu Camp. As you gain altitude, the terrain becomes increasingly rocky and barren. You will arrive at Barafu Camp, the main base camp for the summit attempt, situated at approximately 4,640 m. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi | Approx. time taken: 8 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 (5,739 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.