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10 days

The Machame Route

Reach the top of beautiful Kilimanjaro on the renowned Machame route – one of the most beautiful and most popular routes with a high success rate.

The Machame Route
The Machame Route
10 days
HomeAfricaKilimanjaroThe Machame Route

The Machame Route

Reach the top of beautiful Kilimanjaro on the renowned Machame route – one of the most beautiful and most popular routes with a high success rate.

HomeAfricaKilimanjaroThe Machame Route
What is included in the price?
This package includes the following
  • Flights from the UK to Kilimanjaro, including transfer
  • Local, English-speaking guide/driver
  • Two nights full board accommodation at Springlands Hotel in Moshi (one night before the ascent, one night after)
  • Ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame route
  • Five nights ‘full board’ camping on Kilimanjaro
  • All meals prepared by a local cook
  • Professional guides and bearers all the way
  • Park fees
  • Flights from Kilimanjaro to the UK, including transfer
  • Option to purchase a safari or beach holiday after the ascent
  • Start date of your choice, as ascents are possible all year round
  • ATOL certificate
  • 24-hour manned emergency telephone throughout the tour
  • Departure guarantee – the tour goes ahead regardless of the number of participants

THE TOUR IN SHORT

Sometimes referred to as ‘the Whisky route’, the Machame route is one of the most popular and beautiful routes, with a high rate of success. It starts at Machame Gate, which is the south-western entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. The first section of the route leads through a landscape featuring various types of vegetation: verdant rainforest, then heath, then rocky plains and finally Alpine desert. From the Shira plateau, there is a breath-taking view of the glaciers at the Western Breach, while Stella Point is the perfect location to view a magnificent sunrise. The final ascent to the summit runs from the south-east, while the descent follows the Mweka route to the south. It is a tough, demanding hike, but when you reach Uhuru Peak, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view from an altitude of almost 6 km – combined with an experience to cherish for a lifetime.

Why choose this tour

  • You walk high and sleep low, giving you time to acclimatise on the route with a high success rate as a result
  • The Machame Route has longer days and hard ascents but is not technically difficult
  • You climb Kilimanjaro along the Whiskey route – named for its hardness
  • Look forward to experiencing the vastly varied nature and the stunning scenery

Our tours always include

  • All international and domestic flights
  • All accommodations
  • All specified excursions and activities
  • 24/7 telephone – We’re with you all the way
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Flight from the UK to Kilimanjaro

Departure day, where you will fly to Kilimanjaro with connecting flights along the way.

Day 2: Arrival at Kilimanjaro – Moshi

On arrival at Kilimanjaro’s international airport, you will be met by your guide who will accompany you to Springlands Hotel in the small town of Moshi – a drive of approx. 1 hour. From Moshi, you will catch your first glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro. The town is a prime example of African culture and atmosphere, packed with exotic experiences including the local market and numerous small shops.

There is a welcome meeting in the afternoon, where your guide will present the equipment you will be using and talk about the coming trek to the summit.

Heights: Moshi: 915 AMSL.

Accommodation:
Day 3: Moshi - Machame Gate - Machame Camp

After breakfast, you will leave Moshi and take the 50-minute trip by car to the village of Machame, where you will meet your team of guides, cooks and bearers, who will prepare and pack your equipment. From here, you move on to Machame Gate, which is the south-western entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the entrance, you need to check in and register before making a start on your hike through the rainforest towards the peak of Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro actually consists of three extinct volcanoes: Kibo, whose highest point is Uhuru (5,895 masl), Mawenzi (5,149 masl) and Shira (3,962 masl).

The first section of the trail is at low altitude, and the ground may be wet and muddy. You will follow beautiful paths through the dense rainforest, where you may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, which includes the wonderfully attractive and extremely rare black and white Colobus monkeys. The bearers will go on ahead, so your tent will be ready for you when you arrive at Machame Camp.

Heights: Moshi: 915 AMSL., Machame Gate: 1,634 AMSL., Machame Camp: 2,834 AMSL.

Ascent from Moshi to camp: 1,919 m

Distance: 11 km

Hike duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation:
Day 4: Machame Camp – Shira 2 Camp

Today takes you through the last section of the rainforest; the heath landscape soon opens up before you and the paths become rockier. Your route takes you over the Shira Plateau, from where you can see Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach – the westernmost crater edge with its amazing glacier. You are now to the west of the extinct volcano Kibo, on the opposite side of the Marangu route, and following a short hike to the west you will arrive at Shira 2 Camp.

Heights: Machame Camp: 2.834 AMSL., Shira 2 Camp: 3,840 AMSL.

Ascent from camp to camp: 1,006 m

Distance: 5 km

Hike duration: 4-5 hours

Accommodation:
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Today you will be heading east. The landscape starts to dry out, becoming more barren and stonier the higher you climb. As you continue your ascent, you can enjoy magnificent views of both Kibo and Mt. Meru, poking up above the white clouds behind you. Having followed the trail up the mountain for a couple of hours, you will reach the famous Lava Tower, which stems from Kilimanjaro’s previous incarnation as an active volcano.

After lunch at the foot of the Lava Tower, it is time to descend to Barranco Camp, which is located in a valley below the Great Barranco Wall. If the weather gods are kind, you can look forward to watching a truly stunning sunset from Barranco Camp, and to enjoying a magnificent view of the top of Kilimanjaro, a wonderful look down the side of the mountain to the valley, and – farther to the east – the Great Barranco Wall which rises up fully 300 metres.

Both the terrain and the altitude will make today’s stage physically and mentally challenging, so take your time and listen to your body. Even though you will finish the day ‘just’ 110 metres higher up than you started, the route involves climbing 790 metres higher than that at Lava Tower before the descent to Barranco Camp. A lot of people experience the first signs of altitude sickness at these heights, so please watch out for the slightest sign and inform your guide without delay.

Heights: Shira 2 Camp: 3,840 AMSL., Lava Tower: 4,630 AMSL., Barranco Camp: 3,950 AMSL.

Ascent from camp to camp: 110 m

Distance: 15 km

Hike duration: 7 hours

Accommodation:
Day 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Valley – Barafu Camp

After a night at the foot of the impressive Great Barranco Wall and a solid breakfast, the time has come to climb the notorious cliff. Fortunately, it is easier than it looks … From the top, beneath Heim Glacier that hangs like a set of ice curtains across the cliff face, the full beauty of Kilimanjaro spreads out in all its glory.

The path then continues down through Karanga Valley, merging with the Mweka route, which you will follow all the way to the peak. A hike of about an hour brings you to Barafu Camp, which is located at an exposed site on a mountain ridge. The ground is stony and the winds often blow strongly here. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the terrain in and around the camp before darkness falls to ensure you are well prepared when the ascent to the summit commences shortly after midnight.

Ready your equipment and warm clothes for the next day’s hike to the peak, and store your drinking water in a Thermos to prevent it freezing solid. Settle down for the night early to ensure your ‘human batteries’ are fully charged in preparation for Kilimanjaro’s ultimate challenge.

Heights: Barranco Camp: 3.950 AMSL., Barafu Camp: 4,600 AMSL.

Ascent from camp to camp: 650 m

Distance: 8 km

Hike duration: 6-8 hours

Accommodation:
Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Around midnight, you will be woken up and served a snack before starting the final section of your ascent to the summit – in pitch darkness. Most people consider the difficult terrain you have to traverse on the 6-hour hike to Stella Point the biggest challenge of the entire trip. The aim is to reach Stella Point shortly after sunrise so that you can admire the sight of the blood-red sun rising gently above the horizon. You are not given long to rest, however, because otherwise it would be almost impossible to shake off the cold and fatigue and continue along the rim of the crater to Uhuru. The last stretch of the climb features an even incline. Depending on the season, you may encounter snow on the last part of the route to Uhuru Peak, which is your final goal: the top of Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa. Once you reach the peak at an altitude of 5,895 masl, you can give yourself a pat on the back, enjoy the magnificent view and have your picture taken in front of the Uhuru Peak sign as a lasting souvenir of your achievement.

It is then time to start your descent to Barafu Camp, which takes approx. 3 hours. When you arrive there, you can enjoy a short, well-deserved rest before continuing along the rocky trail to Mweka Camp – and a much-needed night’s sleep! The camp is situated in the upper reaches of the rainforest, so the weather is often foggy and rainy late in the afternoon. The absolute highlights here are the promise of hot water and a hot meal!

Heights: Barafu Camp: 4,600 AMSL., Uhuru Peak: 5,895 AMSL., Mweka Camp: 3,100AMSL.

Ascent from camp to camp: 1,500 m

Distance: 5 km up and 12 km down

Hike duration: 6-7 hours up, 7 hours down

Accommodation:
Day 8: Mweka Camp – Moshi

The final walking stage is an easy 3-hour stroll through the national park to Mweka Gate, where you check out before being picked up and driven back to the village of Moshi. A tasty lunch awaits you at the hotel, as well as something you have been looking forward to for days: a wonderfully hot bath. Everyone who has completed the climb is awarded a diploma.

Heights: Mweka Camp: 3,100 AMSL., Mweka Gate: 1,850 AMSL., Moshi: 915 AMSL.

Ascent from camp to Moshi: 2,185 m

Distance: 10 km

Hike duration: 3-4 hours

Accommodation:
Day 9: Start of the trip home

After checking out, you will be picked up from the hotel and driven to the airport to start your journey home. You will fly to the UK with connecting flights along the way.

Day 10: Arrival back in the UK

Arrive back in the UK after the experience of a lifetime.

Combine with
Choose from the options below
Beach holiday in Zanzibar
6 nights

Surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar consists of the main islands of Unguja (also called ‘Zanzibar’) and Pemba, as well as a number of smaller islands. The island of Zanzibar is a treasure trove of natural and cultural treats. Brilliant white sandy beaches, azure seas and a truly amazing coral reef. A warm and sunny climate all year round. A dramatic history, liberally sprinkled with Arabian sultans, Portuguese seafarers, unscrupulous slavers and European explorers who have all left their mark on the island. And one of the most fascinating towns in Africa, dotted with fine examples of beautiful Arabian architecture. Not forgetting the delicious Swahili cuisine and the accommodating population …

Masai adventure at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge
2 nights

Feel like relaxing after climbing Kilimanjaro or many hours in a safari car? Or dreaming of becoming acquainted with the Maasai culture and experiencing the Maasai customs and traditions – without compromising too much on comfort? And would you like to wake up to the sun rising over Kilimanjaro, and lie by a pool overlooking Africa’s highest mountain? Then extend your trip by two nights at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge.

You will find this authentic and charming lodge a just over two-hour drive away from Moshi, and we are almost ready to guarantee that both the nature and the cultural experiences here will take your breath away.

The lodge is located in a typical Maasai grassland area with vast open spaces. Here, you will find plains stretching as far as the eye can see and views of both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. It is owned by local Maasai, who throw themeselves into running the place in the best possible way. You will feel both welcome and pampered, and you will have plenty of opportunity to become acquainted with these semi-nomadic people.

You will spend the night in a traditional Maasai hut with a toilet, electricity and a hot water shower – and a bed strategically placed so you can watch the sun rise over Kilimanjaro in the early hours of the morning.

The stay at the lodge includes all meals and a wide range of activities such as javelin throwing and traditional Maasai dancing and singing as the sun sets behind Mount Meru. In addition, it is possible to purchase various excursions or additional activities, but you can also choose to just lie by the pool and be absorbed by the view of Kilimanjaro while enjoying a cold beer and reading a good book.

Want to know more about what it’s like to stay at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge? Then read our Africa expert’s travelogue.

Safari experiences in Mkomazi National Park
2 nights

Mkomazi National Park is one of Tanzania’s lesser-known parks, which is a pity, because the nature here is absolutely unique!

The park borders Tsavo in Kenya, and together they form one of Africa’s most important ecosystems, and which in East Africa is only surpassed by the Serengeti-Masai Mara.

The scenery is amazing. Here, you will find a fascinating combination of bone-dry savannah, lush mountainsides and large forests. There are lots of animals here – but on the other hand not many tourists. Mkomazi is indeed an overlooked gem!

The national park is located just over two hours’ drive east of Moshi, and is thus a perfect place to relax for a couple of days after a successful trip to the top of Kilimanjaro – without having to drive very far.

On this extension, you will spend two nights in a wonderful tented camp in a perfect location. You will have a driver-guide and land cruiser at your disposal, and you can either go on safari or relax in the camp – it’s entirely up to you. All meals are also included.

As the tent camp only has seven tents – and there are no other alternative hotels or camps in the park – we recommend that you book well in advance if you want this extension.

Safari in Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks & beach holiday in Zanzibar
7 nights

Tarangire National Park is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania and has the second-highest concentration of wildlife in the country. The park is home to around 3,000 elephants, which roam the area in herds of up to 300. Tarangire is also the habitat of another famous creature: the tree-climbing python that can slither its way up to the tallest tree tops. Other animals native to the area include lions, leopards, hyenas and warthogs, as well as large numbers of zebras, gnus, gazelles, hartebeest (kongoni), waterbucks and impala. The small, black-headed Agapornis parrot is just one of the 550 species of bird to be seen in the park.

In contrast to Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the smallest parks in Tanzania – but it is also one of the most varied. Immediately after the entrance to the park, the verdant rainforest unfurls in all its glory, interspersed by sparkling watercourses. Here you can see both baboons and Sykes’ monkeys. Close to Lake Manyara, which takes up fully one-third of the park, you can see experience the vast savannah, home to buffalo, gnus, elephants and zebras. If you are really lucky, you may even spot leopards, hyenas and the extraordinary tree-climbing lions. In and around Lake Manyara itself, you are likely to observe hippopotamuses, flamingos and pelicans.

Surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar consists of the main islands of Unguja (also called ‘Zanzibar’) and Pemba, as well as a number of smaller islands. The island of Zanzibar is a treasure trove of natural and cultural treats. Brilliant white sandy beaches, azure seas and a truly amazing coral reef. A warm and sunny climate all year round. A dramatic history, liberally sprinkled with Arabian sultans, Portuguese seafarers, unscrupulous slavers and European explorers who have all left their mark on the island. And one of the most fascinating towns in Africa, dotted with fine examples of beautiful Arabian architecture. Not forgetting the delicious Swahili cuisine and the accommodating population …

Safari in Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro National Park
2 nights

Why not extend your tour to include a mini-safari to two of Tanzania’s most famous national parks?

Tarangire National Park is Tanzania’s sixth largest national park and has the country’s second highest concentration of animals. The park is especially famous for its large herds of elephants, which are often to be seen standing in the shade of the giant baobab trees, putting into perspective just how big the trees are.

The Ngorongoro Crater is out of this world. The drive down the crater wall will give you a lurch in your stomach, and here in its own little microcosm, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife. With the exception of giraffes, whose long legs can’t manage the walk up and down the side of the crater.

There’ll also be time for a visit to a village where one of the villagers shows you around, and a group of local women prepare a veritable feast consisting of 14 different dishes from different places in Tanzania. Then lunch is served!

Gorilla tracking in Uganda
4 nights

You’ve almost certainly seen pictures of the gentle furry mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Why not complete your trip to East Africa by extending your holiday to include a tour to Uganda to look for the unique mountain gorillas?

We’ve made it easy for you and added this 5-day extension, when, besides gorilla tracking, you also go on a “walking safari” in Lake Mburo National Park.

It goes without saying that we have included flights, gorilla permits and full board almost everywhere.

It couldn’t be easier!

Please note: This extension only goes ahead when there are at least 2 people travelling.

This extension must be booked at least 70 days before departure.

Safari in Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks
1 night

Tarangire National Park is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania and has the second-highest concentration of wildlife in the country. The park is home to around 3,000 elephants, which roam the area in herds of up to 300. Tarangire is also the habitat of another famous creature: the tree-climbing python that can slither its way up to the tallest tree tops. Other animals native to the area include lions, leopards, hyenas and warthogs, as well as large numbers of zebras, gnus, gazelles, hartebeest (kongoni), waterbucks and impala. The small, black-headed Agapornis parrot is just one of the 550 species of bird to be seen in the park.

In contrast to Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the smallest parks in Tanzania – but it is also one of the most varied. Immediately after the entrance to the park, the verdant rainforest unfurls in all its glory, interspersed with sparkling watercourses. Here you can see both baboons and Sykes’ monkeys. Close to Lake Manyara, which takes up fully one-third of the park, you can experience the vast savannah, home to buffalo, gnus, elephants and zebras. If you are really lucky, you may even spot leopards, hyenas and the extraordinary tree-climbing lions. In and around Lake Manyara itself, you are likely to observe hippopotamuses, flamingos and pelicans.

Accommodation:
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All prices shown are per person
One extra day of acclimatisation costs £248
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Catriona Hodge

Catriona is passionate about helping other people fulfill their travel dreams, as she knows how much travel has only improved her life for the better!

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