Reccomended
This is one of the most popular routes to take when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tour Package Overview
Also known as the Whisky Route, this trail is both longer and slightly more challenging than the Marangu Route. This is the most recommended route for Kilimanjaro Private hike with Bantu Pori Journeys. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. The route is better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route.
Provided of its challenge about 80% of hiker makes to the summit of Africa. How to reach there: Transfer from you hotel and drive from Moshi to Machame gate which takes about 45 minutes passing the Machame village which cultivate bananas and coffee. This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Machame Route
Day By Day
Day 0 :
Arrival In Tanzania : Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. On arrival in Tanzania we will transfer roughly 1 hour to your hotel in Moshi town. You`ll have a short time to freshen up, and then have a briefing. Your guide will give you a briefing and ensure that you have all the gear/kits required for the trip. If you are missing essential equipment it can be rented for very cheap prices.
Our briefings will give you a clear view of the days to come from your personal guide and CEO, also you will be told your exact crew numbers and make up as well as get a chance to ask any questions.
Park View Hotel (Bed & Breakfast): Possibility to upgrade to more luxurious accommodation (at an extra cost) or downgrade to more economic options (price reduction).
Meals : Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
Day 1
Moshi Town To Machame Gate To Machame Camp :
After breakfast you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park to start your Kilimanjaro Private hike or Joining group on Kilimanjaro or Solo hike on Kilimanjaro. While your guide is busy with the registration forms, you can watch the mountain team prepare for the climb and once this is all done, your Kilimanjaro adventure will begin. In no time you will be deep within the magnificent mountain rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. You will hear and with a little luck, even spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After 5 to 6 hours, you will reach today’s destination – the Machame Camp which is situated just above the tree line. Here, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, you will have your first dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents.
Elevation: 3,000 m
Hiking Distance : 9km
Walking Time: 5 to 7 Hrs
Habitat : Mountain forest, Heather and Moorland Zone
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2
Machame Camp To Shira Camp :
After an early morning breakfast, you will begin your ascent out of the rainforest and into the heather moorland zone. You will cross many streams and walk over a plateau that leads to Shira 2 Camp (3840m). At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
Elevation: 3,500 m
Walking Distance: 7 KM
Walking Time: 6 to 7 HRS
Habitat : Moorland Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3
Shira Camp To Lava Tower To Barranco Camp :
Today you will see many different things on your hike upwards! From the Shira Plateau you will make your way towards Kibo Peak. On your way you will pass the Lava Tower followed by the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 m. You will then descend to the Barraco camp where you will have dinner and camp for the night.
This day is important for acclimatisation. Even though you camp at a similar elevation to your previous night, you will have reached a great height today.
Elevation: 3960 m
Walking Distance: 10KM
Walking Time: 6-8 Hrs
Habitat : Alpine Desert Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
Barranco Camp To Barafu Camp :
Today is a day full of breathtaking views. In the morning you will ascend the Barranco Wall before trekking across rock and ridges to the Karanga Valley. Here you will be met with breathtaking views of the Western Breach and southern glacier. From there, having completed the Southern Circuit and seen every angle of the summit, you will continue to your next campsite, the Barafu Camp.
Some choose to spend an extra day in the Karanga valley area to further acclimatise.
Elevation: 4,640 m
Walking Distance: 8 km
Walking Time: 6 to 8 Hours
Habitat : Heather, moorland and alpine desert zone Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak, Down To Mweka Camp:
You’re starting your day early today – just after midnight, in fact! Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead. You’ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there’s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak. Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it! After snapping your photos and soaking it all in, you’ll begin the descent back down towards Barafu Camp, where you’ll stop for lunch and some celebration. After a bit of rest, you’ll continue down to Mweka Camp to overnight.
Elevation: Up 5895m, Down 3100m
Walking Distance: Approx. 7 Km ascent and 23 Km descent
Walking Time: 8 hrs to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hrs to descend to Mweka
Habitat : Stone scree and Ice-capped summit Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi :
After a well-deserved breakfast, it is a short, scenic, 3-hour hike back to the park gate. Don't give your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely, but do remember to tip your staff at the gate. At Mweka Gate, you can sign your name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down to the Mweka Village, possibly a muddy, 3 km, 1 hour hike if the road is too muddy for vehicles. In the Mweka Village you will be served a delicious hot lunch after which you are driven back to Moshi for an overdue hot shower and comfortable night at your hotel in Moshi.
Park View Hotel (Bed & Breakfast): Possibility to upgrade to more luxurious accommodation (at an extra cost) or downgrade to more economic options (price reduction).
Meals : Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
Day 7 :
Departure Date/Flight Day :
A long and short safari, Zanzibar holiday or Mafia island adventure can be arranged right after your trek or at the beginning of your trek with us. If you wish to explore round Moshi Town and visit some of it's local attractions and people, you'll need to spend another overnight. We have put together a list of Moshi destinations. View Them Here
If not, You will be transfered to the airport ready for you flight back home or onward to your next destination.
No Accommodation : Check-out time is 10:30am
Meals : Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner not included)
