Machame Route
The "Whisky Route" - A scenic path to the Roof of Africa
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Success Rate
85% with our guides
Group Size
2-12 trekkers
The Machame Route Experience
Sometimes called the "Whisky Route," the Machame Route is a popular path up steep trails through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Icefields to join the Barafu Route to the summit.
The Machame Route is regarded as the most scenic of the trails up Mt. Kilimanjaro. You ascend gradually through the forest until you emerge onto the Moorland of Shira Plateau, from which there are superior views of the Kibo Peak and the Great Western Breach.
This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. The Mweka Route is used for the descent, creating a diverse and comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience.
Machame Route Map
7-Day Machame Route Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Hut
We will transport you from the hotel to the Machame Gate, where your permit will be issued. The process to issue permits takes approximately one hour. After all formalities have been taken care of, you head into the forest and begin the ascent to the first camp (Machame Hut at 3,000 m.).
The chance of rain is high in this forest, so rain gear must be kept close at hand. You also will want to protect all your clothing with sack liners.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Package Details
Included in Your Trek
- 2 transfers between Moshi and Machame Park Gate/Mweka Gate
- 3 meals per day while trekking, either vegetarian or non-vegetarian
- 7 days' Kilimanjaro trek on the Machame Route
- 6 nights' accommodation in camps while trekking Machame (Peter Tours supplies tents)
- First and last night bed-and-breakfast accommodations at Zebra Hotel or equivalent
- All park entrance fees and government levies
- Professional, English-speaking guide and support team
- Portable toilet and privacy tent
- Oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter for safety
- Emergency evacuation service
- Fair wages for the mountain crew
Not Included
- ✕Personal mountain gear
- ✕Meals outside the regular itinerary
- ✕Tips for guides and porters
- ✕Airfares and airport taxes
- ✕Double room supplement for hotel
- ✕International visas for Tanzania
- ✕Medical/evacuation trip insurance
Note that personal gear may be rented at a reasonable price.
Health Information
Most able-bodied persons aged 10 and older can hike Mt. Kilimanjaro; however, preparation, precaution and care must be made to ensure everyone's safety.
Altitude sickness is the primary concern when climbing Kilimanjaro. Our 7-day Machame Route itinerary is designed to maximize acclimatization by following the "climb high, sleep low" principle, particularly on Day 3 when you climb to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp.
We recommend:
- Consulting with your doctor before the trek
- Getting proper vaccinations for Tanzania
- Training physically for at least 2-3 months before your climb
- Staying well-hydrated throughout the trek (4-5 liters daily)
- Moving slowly ("pole pole" in Swahili) to conserve energy and aid acclimatization
- Communicating any symptoms to your guide immediately
Our guides are trained to monitor your health throughout the trek and carry oxygen and first aid supplies.
Note
A Six-Day Machame Route Itinerary also is available, which requires walking from Barranco Camp to Barafu Hut in one day. While this option is more economical, we recommend the 7-day itinerary for better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate.
Pricing
Pricing (USD per person)
| Group Size | 6 Days 5 Nights | 7 Days 6 Nights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,870 | $3,245 |
| 2 People | $1,660 | $1,785 |
| 3 People | $1,575 | $1,675 |
| 4+ People | $1,495 | $1,555 |
Known as the "Whiskey Route," considered more challenging at the summit than Marangu. Offers beautiful views through the cloud forest, Shira Plateau, and Lava Tower.