Explore Tours
The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s drawing is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep, and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking, or backpacking experience. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rainforest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route. Tanzania Private Select Safaris offers Machame as a seven-day group climb or as a six-day private climb. The six-day variation combines days four and five, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga.
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitudes is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest 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.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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 Arusha
Budget for 7-Day Machame Route (Midrange)
• Price per person (midrange services): $2,380.
• What to expect: This is a relatively easy day after the strenuous summit push. You’ll be greeted with lush greenery as you descend and celebrate your success upon reaching Mweka Gate.
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Additional Considerations
• Acclimatization: The Machame Route is known for its excellent acclimatization profile, with gradual ascents and descents. Remember the phrase, "climb high, and sleep low" to help your body adjust to the altitude.
• Porter and Guide Support: Kilimanjaro Wings Expedition provides well-trained guides and porters who assist with carrying gear, setting up camps, and offering medical support. The guide-to-client ratio is typically 1:2, ensuring personalized attention.
• Preparation: It is vital to train before the climb, focusing on cardiovascular endurance, strength, and altitude acclimatization. Trust Tours and Safaris can offer advice on the best training regimen.
• What to Pack: Essentials include layered clothing for varying temperatures, a sleeping bag rated for cold weather, hiking boots, a headlamp for the summit night, and plenty of high-energy snacks.
• Summit Night: The climb to Uhuru Peak requires mental resilience and physical stamina. Ensure you have proper gear for extreme cold, and keep hydrated throughout the trek.
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Why we’re different
1. Focus: Unlike most of our competitors, we focus exclusively on providing affordable tour packages and group tours to foreign, largely exotic destinations. In the travel business, it is particularly easy to get distracted by new trends and themes, but we have chosen to focus on what we do best. We are extremely deliberate in introducing new tours because we have set a standard that our loyal customers have come to rely on, and we are committed to meeting and exceeding your expectations.
2. Phenomenal Tour Guides:
If you ask anyone who has been on an escorted tour, they will tell you that the tour guides are an essential ingredient to making the trip a success. The importance of tour guides is not lost on us at Trust Tours And Safaris Company Limited, which is why we are relentless in our pursuit and retention of the very best tour guides. We are proud to say with confidence that our tour guides are phenomenal, and many of them have become celebrity-like figures within the Trust Tours And Safaris Company community.
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What is included in the Kilimanjaro Package?
Transfers:
• Pick-up and drop-off at Arusha/Kilimanjaro International Airport;
Transfer to the trailhead -the entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park.
Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro airport and trailheads
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
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Entry fees:
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fees, rescue fees, and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority). ________________________________________
Accommodation:
• Two nights' accommodation (Moshi and Arusha).
• The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, a restaurant and swimming pool, and a hot shower.
• Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro. ________________________________________
Please note:
• All accommodation is on a sharing basis (i.e., you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike).
• If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer. ________________________________________
Meals:
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks. A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost.
• Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Meals not listed above on those arrival and departure days
• Optional Tours (short safari after your climb, etc.)
• Tips for per climber 200-350 per trip.
• Any items of a personal nature.
• All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water). ________________________________________
Hiking and safety equipment
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• The Helicopter rescue is free (book with us so we can give you the helicopter)
• Emergency Oxygen cylinders and medical kits.
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
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Climbing crew:
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or
Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 7+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
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Kilimanjaro Price Excludes:
• Local airfares, international airfares.
• International Travel Insurance
• Rent sleeping bags for $35 per 7 days per person.
• Rent walking poles, free from the house.
• Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
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, $350 for the group of up to 5 people for the entire trip.
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How Many Porters Are Required to Conquer Kilimanjaro?
Embarking on a daring expedition up the majestic Kilimanjaro warrants meticulous planning, dear adventurer. Rest assured, for we have accounted for every aspect of your conquest. Picture this: your personal porter, unwavering and valiant, shall bear the weight of your gear, from trekking essentials to culinary apparatus. And should your journey necessitate the comforts of a private lavatory, fret not, for your porter will dutifully transport it as well.
Adventure awaits!
Included/Exclude
- What is included in the Kilimanjaro Package? Transfers: • Pick-up and drop-off at Arusha/Kilimanjaro International Airport; Transfer to the trailhead—the entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park. Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro airport and trailheads • Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel; ________________________________________ Entry fees: • All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fees, rescue fees, and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority). ________________________________________ Accommodation: • Two nights' accommodation (Moshi and Arusha). • The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, a restaurant and swimming pool, and a hot shower. • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro. ________________________________________ Please note: • All accommodation is on a sharing basis (i.e., you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike). • If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer. ________________________________________ Meals: • Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike; • All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks. A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost. • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.) • Meals not listed above on those arrival and departure days • Optional Tours (short safari after your climb, etc.) • Tips for per climber 200-350 per trip. • Any items of a personal nature. • All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water). ________________________________________ Hiking and safety equipment • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats; • All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery); • The Helicopter rescue is free (book with us so we can give you the helicopter) • Emergency Oxygen cylinders and medical kits. • GPS-tracking service; • Complete medical kits. ________________________________________ Climbing crew: • Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holders of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 7+ years of successful mountaineering experience. • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
