Known for being beautifully scenic, the Machame Route also has the best summit success rate. This route allows you to “climb high, sleep low”, giving your body time to adjust to the changes in altitude over several days. Climbs can take six or seven days; the difference between six and seven days Machame route is that with six days, you won’t camp at Karanga campsite, so you will walk for a longer distance to reach the base camp passing Karanga campsite.
The climb begins at Machame Gate, at an altitude of 1800 metres, with an approach to the southwest of the mountain. It passes through majestic rainforest on the first day, before continuing up the mountain to reach Shira Camp, where the Lemosho route joins from the west. From here you traverse the southern side of the mountain to Barranco via Lava Tower, and climb the Great Barranco Wall on your way to Barafu Camp. After reaching the summit, you will descend by the Mweka trail, rather than retracing your steps along the ascent route.
The Machame route is nicknamed the ‘Whiskey Route’ as it is considered more difficult than the ‘Coca Cola Route’, the nickname for the Marangu route. In reality, it is not more technically difficult but is longer and in places steeper. The longer distance and the opportunity to ‘walk high, sleep low’ offer much better acclimatization and as a result a very high success rate.
Day 1: Machame Gate - Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame Camp - Shira Camp 2
Day 3: Shira Camp - Barranco Camp Via Lava Tower
Day 4: Barranco Camp - Barafu Camp
Day 5: Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp
Day 6: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate
Every Pumbaa Expeditions trip is custom-created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.
Situated in the Kenyan border in Northern Tanzania; Kilimanjaro is the highest peak of the African continent. Acquiring 5,895m height it’s also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Being the topmost mountain in Africa, this is a dream for hikers. There are 30,000 trekkers including the experienced to the aspiring one visiting Tanzania for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro Climbing is one of the most incredible experiences for climbers. It's a genuine experience that brings remarkable highs and testing lows. The greatest aspect of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – and what makes is so well known – is that it's available to nearly anybody. With the right planning, a solid ability, and an awesome support group around you, it's entirely possible to reach the summit.
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
A representative of Pumbaa Africa Expeditions will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi. As local Tanzania our guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave.
Note: Hotel check-in start at 02:00 PM. In case you need an early check-in we can arrange it for an extra fee.
The first day trekking begins at Machame Gate (1,640 meters). Typically you will drive from the town of Moshi to the gate, which takes approximately an hour. On the way you will get to see subsistence farming and the town of Machame. The first day trek on the Machame Route is a long one (~11km / 7miles) and takes approximately 5-7 hours to complete. We mostly supply packed lunch for this route and 2-3 litres of bottled water. This is the only bottled water you will receive. From here on porters will collect water from mountain streams. The day’s trekking ends at Machame Camp (2,835 meters) which sits near the border of the rainforest zone and the low alpine zone. By the time you arrive your porters will have already setup your camp and tents, and dinner will be served.
On day two you will rise early, pack your gear and prepare for the trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters). The trek is relatively steep as you enter the low alpine zone which is characterized by moorlands and grasslands. Shira Camp 2 sits on a plateau which provides you with the first views of Kibo in the North-West and Mount Meru in the East. Day two takes approximately 4-6 hours and covers a distance of 5km / 3miles.
Day three is a long and tough trek east off the Shira Plateau through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’, up to Lava Tower and the Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters and then back down via the Southern Circuit to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters). After lunch we will descend to Barranco Camp, following the ‘walk high, sleep low’ golden rule of acclimatization. Our descent to Barranco Camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The route is approximately 11km / 7 miles in length and takes 5-7 hours to complete.
After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the impressive Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! Lunch will be eaten at Karanga Valley, before joining the famous Mweka Trail. You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.
Trekkers on the seven day route spend the night at Karanga Camp before continuing to Barafu on day 5. This additional day is beneficial in terms of acclimatization.
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist, or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Transport: Private transfer (0.5 hour, 17 km)
You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport to catch up your flight back home.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee.
| GROUP SIZE | PRICE PER PERSON |
|---|---|
| 1 Pax | 2,276 |
| 2 Pax | $ 2,073 |
| 3 Pax | $ 1,891 |
| 4 Pax | $ 1,852 |
| 5 Pax | $ 1,839 |
| 6 Pax | $ 1,826 |
| 7 Pax | $ 1,813 |
| 8 Pax | $ 1,787 |
Group bookings: For groups of 20 or more please contact info@pumbaaexpeditions.com or call us on +255 (0) 784 759 796
Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.
(Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.
Airport pick-up and drop-off
2 nights hotel accommodation before and after you’re a climb on bed & breakfast basis
Transfers to and from the mountain
National Park entry, huts and climbing fees
Rescue fees
A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
All meals and drinking water on the mountain
Access to first aid kit and emergency oxygen
A certificate documenting your summit ascent
NB: Depending on the availability, hotels of the same standard can be substituted
International flights and visas
Tips for your guide and crew
Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
Visa fees
Your personal trekking gears
Snacks on the mountain
Meals and drinks not on the mountain
Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.
We have been receiving reviews from our served clients and Pumbaa Expeditions is rated 5/5 by customers. This honor is given to us by customers because we always remain committed to all our customers to do whatever is needed by them to make their safari fully satisfied.
From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, enchanting beaches and intriguing cities, every bespoke Pumbaa Expeditions is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favourites.
