Embark on the challenging and scenic 6-day Machame Route up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Known for its “walk high, sleep low” profile, this trek offers a high summit success rate and stunning, diverse landscapes. Join our group trek for an unforgettable adventure.
About Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is a world-renowned icon and a geological marvel. Located in northeastern Tanzania, just south of the equator, it is a magnificent, dormant volcano and the highest peak in all of Africa. Known as “The Roof of Africa,” Kilimanjaro holds the prestigious title of being the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, meaning it is not part of a larger mountain range. Its sheer, solitary dominance over the surrounding plains is a sight to behold.
Trek Highlights – Mount Kilimanjaro
- Summit Uhuru Peak: Stand on the highest point in Africa at 5895m (19,340ft) and witness a spectacular sunrise above the clouds.
- High Success Rate: Benefit from an itinerary optimized for acclimatization, significantly increasing your chances of reaching the summit safely.
- Walk High, Sleep Low: The Machame Route’s unique profile allows your body to adapt more effectively to altitude, a key to a successful climb.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Trek through 5 distinct climatic zones, from lush rainforest to the moon-like alpine desert.
- Iconic Scenery: Scramble the famous Barranco Wall, trek across the vast Shira Plateau, and pass under the magnificent southern ice field.
- Expert Local Guides: Climb with experienced, certified guides who prioritize your safety and provide an unparalleled trekking experience.
- Complete Package: Our all-inclusive trek covers all park fees, meals, camping gear, and transfers, allowing you to focus on the adventure.
- Different Paths: Ascend the scenic Machame route and descend the faster Mweka route, offering a full view of the mountain’s beauty.
Why is it so famous?
Kilimanjaro is one of the “Seven Summits,” the highest peaks on each of the world’s continents, and is arguably the most accessible of them all. Unlike other major peaks, climbing Kilimanjaro does not require specialized mountaineering skills or technical equipment like ropes and harnesses. It is a trekking peak, which makes it an achievable goal for thousands of hikers and adventurers from around the globe who are in good physical condition and have the determination to reach the summit.
The mountain’s accessibility, combined with its stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and the challenge of high altitude, makes it one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in the world.
Why Do This Trek?
Imagine standing on the Roof of Africa, the world spread out before you as the sun rises over a sea of clouds. You’ve just conquered Mount Kilimanjaro, a journey that has tested your limits and rewarded you with a view few will ever see. The Machame Route is your path to this extraordinary moment. It’s not just a trek; it’s a rite of passage. This is where you’ll forge lifelong bonds with your fellow trekkers, discover your own resilience, and experience the breathtaking beauty of Africa’s highest mountain. From the lush rainforests to the barren, moon-like landscape, every step on this legendary route is an adventure waiting to happen. The challenge is real, but the reward—the exhilaration of reaching Uhuru Peak—is immeasurable.
The “Whiskey Route” to the Roof of Africa
The Machame route is one of the most popular and highly recommended routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Nicknamed the “Whiskey” route, it’s known for being more challenging and adventurous than the “Coca-Cola” Marangu route, but it offers a much higher summit success rate and a superior overall experience.
This 6-day itinerary is designed for adventure seekers with some trekking experience. It provides excellent opportunities for acclimatization by following the crucial “walk high, sleep low” principle, which significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit safely. The route rewards trekkers with breathtaking scenery as it winds through five distinct climatic zones—from the dense montane forest to the arctic summit.
You will traverse the expansive Shira Plateau, scramble up the iconic Great Barranco Wall, and trek beneath Kilimanjaro’s majestic southern ice field. The ascent and descent follow different paths, giving you a complete and unforgettable view of the mountain’s diverse beauty. While parts of the route are steeper and more physically demanding than others, the stunning vistas and sense of accomplishment make every step worth it.
Why Choose the Machame Route?
- High Summit Success: The well-designed itinerary and acclimatization profile give you a great chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
- Diverse Scenery: Experience the full spectrum of Kilimanjaro’s unique ecosystems, from lush rainforest to lunar-like alpine desert.
- Adventure and Challenge: The route is a fantastic physical challenge, perfect for those who want a true trekking adventure.
- Affordable Group Trekking: Join a group and share the experience with fellow adventurers, all while benefiting from a competitive price.
How to Reach Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in northeastern Tanzania, and the primary gateway for all trekkers is through air travel. The closest major international airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- International Flights to Kilimanjaro (JRO):
- The most direct way to get to the mountain is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Several major airlines offer direct or connecting flights to JRO from international hubs.
- Popular airlines flying to JRO include KLM (via Amsterdam), Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines.
- For travelers from the US, UK, or other parts of Europe and Asia, you’ll likely have a layover in a major hub before your final flight to JRO.
- Flights to Nairobi (NBO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR):
- Another option is to fly into a larger regional hub like Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya, or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- From NBO or DAR, you can then take a short connecting flight to either JRO or Arusha Airport (ARK). This can sometimes be a more cost-effective option.
- Getting to Moshi:
- Your trek package with us includes a transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) directly to your hotel in Moshi, the main town and trekking hub at the base of the mountain.
- The drive from JRO to Moshi takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Moshi serves as the base for all pre-trek briefings and equipment checks. The following morning, our vehicle will transport you from your hotel to the Machame Gate to begin your adventure.
Other Treks
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp vai Poon Hill
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Resources
Mount Kilimanjaro - Info
-
66 Km
-
Uhuru Peak (5895 meters / 19,340 feet)
-
Fully catered camping
-
Jan-Mar & June-Oct (Dry Seasons)
-
Trekking, Camping
Trek Inclusions
- Professional, experienced, and licensed mountain guides
- Skilled porters to carry all gear and equipment
- Experienced cook to prepare fresh, healthy, and nutritious meals
- All national park fees, including:
- Conservation fees
- Camping/Hut fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a twin-sharing basis)
- Quality mess tents with tables and chairs for meals
- Sleeping Mattress
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All transfers from the airport to the hotel, and to/from the mountain gates
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate upon successful completion
Trek Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Hotel stays in Moshi (available as an optional add-on)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, and clothing (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks
- Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages
- Meals not listed in the itinerary (e.g., in Moshi)
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone)
- Surcharge for online payments (5% on advance and balance) - Note: This is a point to be discussed internally and can be adjusted.
