9 Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route – Tanzania Safaris & Tours

Kilimanjaro Mountain National Park 9 days, 8 Nights-Machame Route ($1500)

The Machame Route (aka the “Whiskey Route”) is Kilimanjaro’s most popular and scenic path, famous for its diverse landscapes, challenging climbs, and high success rates (especially on 7-day itineraries).

Kilimanjaro Mountain National Park 9 days, 8 Nights-Machame Route ($1500)

The Machame Route, nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” for its challenging yet rewarding nature, is the most popular path up Mount Kilimanjaro, offering stunning scenery and a high success rate. This 6-9 day trek features steep ascents through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts before the dramatic summit push via the Barranco Wall and Stella Point. Known for its varied landscapes and excellent acclimatization profile, Machame is more demanding than Rongai or Marangu but ideal for adventurous trekkers. While crowded, its breathtaking views—especially on the Southern Circuit—make it a favorite. Best climbed in dry seasons (Jan–Mar & Jun–Oct), it requires camping (no huts).

What's Included

What's Not Included

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Kilimanjaro

As arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting Springlands hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced Mountain coordinators will give you a pre-safari briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you on your upcoming expedition. Enjoy the relaxing environment of Springland Hotel with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden with a bar and a restaurant.

Day 2: Moshi to Machame Camp

After breakfast and a briefing at your hotel, you’ll embark on a 45-minute drive from Moshi to Machame Park Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process and receive your lunch pack. The trek begins as you enter the lush rainforest, where you may encounter muddy and slippery conditions if it has rained. The trail to Machame Camp covers approximately 11 km and typically takes about 6 hours to complete. In the evening, the porters will boil drinking and washing water, while the cook prepares your dinner. With temperatures potentially dropping to freezing, you’ll retire to your tent for a chilly but rewarding night.

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast at Machame Camp, you’ll start your trek towards Shira Camp. The hike covers a distance of approximately 5 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours. The trail begins with a steep ascent through the moorland zone, offering stunning views as you climb. As you approach Shira Camp, you’ll be walking along a ridge with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival at Shira Camp, our porters will set up the tents and prepare lunch. You’ll have time to relax and acclimate before dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the plans for the next day’s trek.

Day 4: Shira camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp

After breakfast at Shira Camp, you’ll embark on a challenging trek to Lava Tower, reaching 4,630 meters. The 11 km hike takes 7 to 8 hours and features rocky, semi-desert terrain. Enjoy lunch with panoramic views at Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,960 meters. The descent, lasting about 2 hours, offers stunning vistas of the Western Breach. Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, the team will set up your tents and prepare dinner. Your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek in the evening, preparing you for the adventures ahead.

Day 5: Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp

Start your day early with a wake-up call and a nourishing breakfast to fuel your trek. The journey may involve ascending the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but rewarding section. After conquering the Wall, you’ll descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes. Upon reaching the Karanga campsite, the porters will set up tents while our chef prepares lunch. After your meal, you’ll embark on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, ascending 200 meters before returning to camp. In the evening, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the chef. Following dinner, your experienced guide will brief you on the next day’s trek, discussing the route, challenges, and key details.

Day 6: Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

Start your day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek toward Barafu campsite. The trail features varied terrain, including rocky sections and gradual slopes, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscapes. As you ascend, focus on acclimatization to avoid altitude-related issues. Upon reaching Barafu, our porters will handle camp setup while the chef prepares lunch. After eating, rest until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the upcoming summit attempt, covering the route, challenges, safety measures, and preparations. Try to rest well, as the summit ascent begins late in the evening.

Day 7: Barafu camp – Summit – Mweka camp

You’ll rise around 11:30 PM and start the ascent after some tea and biscuits. Heading northwest, you’ll climb through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. The 6-hour trek to Stella Point (5685m) is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. From there, it’s a 2-hour snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak. Your time at the summit will depend on the weather, so don’t linger too long due to the cold and fatigue. The descent to Barafu takes about 3 hours for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Mweka camp - Mweka Park Gate - Hotel

After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you’ll descend to Mweka Gate and be driven back to the Accommodation hotel, where a hot lunch and refreshing shower awaits. At the end of the trip, tipping the team is encouraged and appreciated; special envelopes for this purpose are available at the hotel. If you wish to extend your adventure with a safari, you can meet with our safari coordinator at the hotel. After some rest, the coordinator will provide a briefing on the various safari options available. We highly recommend booking a safari with us to experience Tanzania’s stunning wildlife and natural beauty, making your journey truly unforgettable.

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Day 9: Departure

Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya. A trip to the beaches at Zanzibar is a good way to recuperate. We can arrange many reasonably priced trips and safaris around Moshi and the Kilimanjaro region.

FAQs About Climbing Kilimanjaro

How difficult is climbing Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, meaning no ropes or climbing gear are required. However, it is physically demanding due to high altitude (5,895m/19,341ft). Success depends on fitness, acclimatization, and mental endurance.

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

The best times are:

January–March (warm, clear skies, fewer crowds)
June–October (dry season, cooler temperatures)
Avoid April–May (heavy rains) and November (shorter rains).

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

Most routes take 5–9 days. Longer routes (e.g., Lemosho, Northern Circuit) have higher success rates due to better acclimatization.

Which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?

Popular routes include:

Lemosho (7–8 days) – Scenic, good acclimatization
Machame (6–7 days) – Challenging, high success rate
Marangu (5–6 days) – Easiest, but lower success due to short duration
Northern Circuit (9 days) – Longest, best for acclimatization

Do I need a guide to climb Kilimanjaro?

Yes! Independent climbing is not allowed. You must book with a licensed tour operator that provides guides, porters, and permits.

What is the success rate of summiting Kilimanjaro?

5-day routes: ~50% success
7–8-day routes: ~85–90% success
Proper acclimatization increases chances significantly.

What gear do I need for Kilimanjaro?

Essential gear includes:
- Layered clothing (thermal base, fleece, down jacket)
- Sturdy hiking boots (broken-in)
- Sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -20°C)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp (for summit night)

How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

Prices range from $1,500 (budget) to $5,000+ (luxury). Factors include:
- Operator reputation (safety, guide quality)
- Route & duration
- Group size (private vs. group climbs)

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