Machame is a favorite and popular route on the mountain which is famously known as the ‘Whiskey Route’. This route allows you to “climb high, sleep low”, giving your body time to adjust to the changes in altitude over several days. Known for being beautifully scenic, the Machame Route also has the best summit success rate. Whether you’re a well-seasoned adventurer or a first-time high altitude climber, this route is great for both.
Duration
9 days
Start Point
Arusha, Tanzania
End Point
Arusha, Tanzania
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights) & Camping (6 nights)
Max Altitude
Best season
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha Town
Arriving at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), you will be greeted upon arrival by our warm, friendly guide(s). You will be transferred to a nearby hotel to rest and relax after the long international flight. During the day on your way to nearby hotel from KIA- hotel you may get the chance to view the mountain showed itself for some time before shrouded in cloud. Overnight in the hotel in Arusha town notice the sounds and smells of Arusha town all around you.
Day 2: Arusha to Machame Gates (1,640m / 5,380ft) to Machame Camp (3,010m / 9,875ft)
Leave from your hotel after breakfast and drive to Machame gate to meet your guides and porters. After registration and Lunch you are ready to start the climb using a well maintained trail through Montane Forest. On the way you’ll walk through denser rainforest plantations where you will also have a very good chance of seeing Black and White Colobus monkeys with their attractive fluffy tails, as well as many different species of brightly-colored birds. Machame gate to Machame Camp is about 3000m. Hiking time is 5-7 hours through the thick tropical forest.
Day 3: Machame Camp - Shira Camp (3840m)
After breakfast you will start your hike on slightly steeper gradient along a rocky ridge to Shira Plateau through the moorland vegetation zone. Along the ridge to Shira camp you will enjoy the view of various geological features.
Then after few hours you will get Shira which is located on the Shira Plateau, providing views of Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. Hiking time is 4-5 hours.
Inclusions
- Park Entrance Fees
- All group camping and catering equipment on the Kilimanjaro climb (sleeping bags and mats are not provided)
- Experienced mountain guides, cook and camp crew
- Porters to carry personal equipment
Exclusions
- International or domestic flights
- Arrival or departure transfers in Arusha
- Sleeping bags and mats
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary