Machame route on Kilimanjaro
Route review, sucess rate , detailed itinerary and prices
Price from $2,500
Overview of Machame route
The Machame Route, or “Whiskey Route,” is a popular 6–7 day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting at Machame Gate and ending at Mweka Gate. It passes through rainforest, heath, moorland, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and Barafu Camp before the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Moderately challenging, it offers excellent acclimatization and stunning scenery. Best climbed in the dry seasons, it provides a rewarding adventure and unforgettable views.
Our recommendation
Be cautious when choosing between the 6- and 7-day Machame itineraries. The 6-day option skips the intermediate Karanga Camp, making acclimatization harder and summit success lower. It is recommended only for experienced trekkers or those already acclimatized. While often promoted by budget operators, it is not ideal for beginners.
Machame route detailed itinerary
Arrive Tanzania
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.
Day 1: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
DAY 2: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
After breakfast, you will trek to Shira Camp, the second high-altitude stop. Leaving the rainforest, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Shira Plateau. The trek is not technically difficult, but the altitude may be felt, so maintain a steady pace. Upon reaching camp, enjoy lunch and rest, then take an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower Camp, gaining 400 m (1,312 ft). Return to Shira Camp for a hot dinner.
Day 3: Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
Our day starts by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp.
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Day 6: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to MweDay 7: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)ka Gate (1630m)
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
Departure
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast IncludedArrive Tanzania
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.
Day 1: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
Day 2: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)
Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.
Day 3: Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
Day 5: Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Day 7: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
Departure
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast Includedus leo.
tours | Price per person |
Lemosho 6 days | $ 20000 |
lemosho 7days | $ 30000 |
lemosho 8 days | $ 4000 |
Machame route - summit success rate
Based on our data from thousands of climbers, the Machame Route shows the following success rates:
6-day: Crater Rim 90.2%, Uhuru Peak 88.5%
7-day: Crater Rim 95.0%, Uhuru Peak 92.7% (highest success!)
The 7-day itinerary is recommended for most climbers because the extra day allows for proper acclimatization, increasing the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. The 6-day option is suitable only for experienced trekkers or those already acclimatized, as the faster pace and skipped intermediate camp make altitude adaptation more difficult, resulting in lower summit success.
Climbing cost includes
All transfers
Hotel before and after the hike
The night before your climb and the night after your descent, you will stay in a 3-star hotel near Moshi Town, included in your Kilimanjaro package. Accommodation is in a shared double room by default, with the option to upgrade to a single room for an additional fee. Your stay includes everything a traveler needs: comfortable rooms with mosquito nets, professional staff, an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi to ensure a relaxing and convenient experience before and after your climb.
Camping equipment
For all our expeditions, we use durable 4-season tents designed to keep you warm at night and protected from rain. Each tent includes a buffer zone where you can remove your dusty boots and rain gear before entering the main sleeping area. We've relied on this tent model for many years with excellent results. Although the tents are originally built for three people, we only accommodate two per tent to ensure comfort and space for both climbers and their duffel bags. You'll share the tent with your travel companion, or if you're traveling solo, we'll pair you with a same-sex tentmate. If you prefer to have a tent to yourself, you can request a private tent for an additional charge, which covers the cost of an extra porter to carry it.
Meals on the hike
Our mountain chefs and waiters will take care of preparing and serving your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout the adventure. The menu has been designed in consultation with a professional dietitian to ensure that our meals are both delicious and energy-rich, providing hikers with the necessary nutrition.
Professional guides and porters
At Dreamworth Safaris, your Kilimanjaro climb is led by experienced, certified guides who specialize in high-altitude trekking and safety. Our guides are trained in first aid and emergency response to ensure a secure and enjoyable expedition. Supporting them is our team of skilled porters, who carry equipment, set up camps, and provide essential assistance throughout the journey. We follow strict ethical standards, including fair wages, proper meals, and weight limits, aligned with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). Our dedicated guides and porters are passionate about helping you reach the summit safely while delivering excellent service every step of the way.
GPS trackers
Each expedition is equipped with a reliable GPS tracking device, allowing us to track our Kilimanjaro teams in real-time. While primarily a safety protocol, the GPS links also provide peace of mind for your loved ones who can track the hikers’ progress from home.
The morning your Kilimanjaro expedition begins, our adventure consultant will give you a QR code that can be scanned to generate a GPS link
Medical kit
At Dreamworth Safaris, your safety is our top priority. Our guides carry a fully equipped medical kit on every Kilimanjaro expedition, stocked with essential supplies to handle common altitude-related issues, minor injuries, and emergencies. The kit includes medications for altitude sickness, pain relief, bandages, antiseptics, and other first aid essentials. Our guides are trained in Wilderness First Responder (WFR) techniques, enabling them to provide immediate care and manage any health concerns on the mountain. We are committed to ensuring you have a safe and healthy climb from start to finish.
All park fees and taxes
At Dreamworth Safaris, all Kilimanjaro National Park fees and government taxes are fully included in our expedition packages. This covers the park entrance fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and all mandatory taxes required for your climb. We handle all permits and official documentation on your behalf, so you can focus on your adventure without any hidden costs or surprises. Climb with confidence knowing that everything is taken care of transparently and professionally.
Climbing cost excludes
International flights
Our Kilimanjaro packages don’t include international flights. You’ll be responsible for covering those costs separately. Feel free to contact your manager to get recommendations about the airlines operating flights to Tanzania.
Tips to the crew member
Tipping your guides and porters is a customary way to show appreciation for their hard work, dedication, and support during your Kilimanjaro climb. While tips are not included in the package price, they are an important part of the crew’s income.
Visa fee
Please note that visa fees for Tanzania are not included in our Kilimanjaro packages and must be paid separately by travelers upon arrival or in advance, depending on your nationality. The cost and process vary, so we recommend checking the latest visa requirements with your nearest Tanzanian embassy or official government website before your trip. If you need assistance or guidance with your visa application, our team at Dreamworth Safaris is happy to help.
Personal gear rentals
If you don’t have all the necessary equipment for your Kilimanjaro climb, Dreamworth Safaris offers a range of personal gear available for rent. This includes items like sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and other essential gear to ensure your comfort and safety on the mountain. Renting gear can help lighten your packing load and ensure you have high-quality, reliable equipment. Please contact us in advance to arrange rentals and check availability.
Single supplement
Our group expeditions include shared accommodation, which means you'll be sharing a hotel room and a tent with either your travel companion or a same-sex member of your travel group. If you prefer a private room and/or tent, please let us know. Single supplements are available for an additional charge. Single supplement is not available on the Marangu route where you stay overnight in huts that can accommodate up to 20 hikers.
Travel insuarance
Travel insurance is not included in our climbing packages. For our Kilimanjaro and Meru hiking adventures, all participants are required to have travel insurance that covers trekking to altitudes of up to 6000 meters and a helicopter evacuation. Since the requirements and costs of insurance vary across different countries, please contact your insurance provider to make sure that those requirements are covered, and find out about the exact costs.
Portable toilet
Currently, the cost of portable toilets is not included in the tour package to reduce trip expenses. Public restrooms are available in camps along the way. However, for those who prioritize comfort, renting a portable toilet is highly recommended. You can contact our travel consultants to learn more about this option. Portable toilet is not available on the Marangu route due to the Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.