6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE
Machame Route
The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days, for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rain forest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.
Price per person sharing
Guests
Peak season
2 Pax
$ 2,190 per person
4 Pax
$ 2,000per person
6 Pax
$ 1,875per person
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive in Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Nature Pulse Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Relax and recover from your journey while preparing for the incredible safari adventure ahead.
- Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel
- Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
3 hour’s drive from Arusha 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.
- Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.
- Distance covered: 5.4km / 3.4mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.
- Distance covered: 10.8km / 6.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.
- Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Mweka Camp (3000m)
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.
- Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3000m) to Mweka 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 Arusha, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
- Distance covered: 10km / 5.5mi
- Approx. time taken: 3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast Included
Inclusions
All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel in Arusha
- Transfer from Airport and to the Airport
- Two nights hotel accommodation
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Exclusions
Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Our Promise to You
From the moment you begin planning your itinerary with our travel specialists to the final celebratory toast at the end of your journey, Nature Pulse Expeditions promises flawless logistical execution, uncompromising safety, and an authentic, high-end experience. We handle the details so you can immerse yourself completely in the extraordinary.
Step off the beaten path. Feel the pulse of the wild.
Ready to Begin Your Adventure?
Unique Safari Experiences with Nature Pulse Expeditions
Immerse yourself in exclusive, thoughtfully curated safari journeys that transcend the ordinary. From witnessing the raw drama of thousands of wildebeest braving the currents of the Mara River to tracking the elusive, prehistoric Shoebill stork in flight, our itineraries are designed for the discerning traveler.
With Nature Pulse Expeditions, you will experience the visceral beauty of the Serengeti, traverse vast savannahs deeply rooted in human history, and connect authentically with local communities whose quiet dignity and rich heritage offer a profound perspective on the continent. We don't just show you Africa; we connect you to its soul.
