6 Days , 5 Nights Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Package Via Machame route
Destinations
Kilimanjaro
Duration
6 days
Trip Type
Mountain Climbing
Known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field before summiting. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended. The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to the heavy crowds, it loses some of its spenders.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
- Elevation (ft): (3,000 m): 5-. 6,000 ft / 1,830 m to 10,200 ft / 3,100 m.
- Distance: 11 km.
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours.
- Habitat: Montane Forest.
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.
- Elevation (ft): 10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 12,600 ft / 3,840 m.
- Distance: 9 km.
- Walking Time: 4-6 hours.
- Habitat:
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m.): 5-7 hours walking.
12,600 ft / 3,840 m to 12,700 ft / 3,860 m.
- Distance: 15 km.
- Walking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert.
Today we walk on a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and after hot lunch the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,950 m.).
- Elevation: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp {4600m} 6-8 hours, 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 9km/
- Walking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elves 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elves 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.
- Elevation (ft): 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,343ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 6km up / 13km down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Reitzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
- Elevation (ft): 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Kidunguu Expeditions vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.
After breakfast, depending on your Flight schedule, you will meet our office representative together with the driver for a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), arriving in time for a drop-off to check-on your onwards Flight back home or to your next destination.
Includes
- Park fees;
- Camp fees;
- Rescue fees;
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services which cost nearly 55% of the total cost charged;
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate;
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters;
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain;
- Filtered water throughout the trek;
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO);
- Pick up and drop off to Kilimanjaro International Airport;
- Pre and after Trek accommodations at the hotel, 2 nights at hotel in Moshi town with bed & breakfast (BB) Meal plan;
Excludes
- Both National and International flights;
- Medical insurance & Travel Insurance;
- Visa cost which is $50 except for Canadian and USA passport holders which is 100$;
- Tips to mountain crew;
- Items of a personal nature;
- Laundry Services;
- A doctor for the group;
- Alcoholic beverages;
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra ($150 per toilet + toilet tent);
What is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
The dry season (June–October) is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources and roads are passable. January–February is also excellent. The short rains (November–December) and long rains (March–May) have fewer crowds and greener landscapes but can have wetter conditions. We help you choose the best timing for your goals (e.g., Great Migration).
Are the safaris private or in groups?
Most of our packages are private safaris (just your group in a dedicated vehicle), offering flexibility and a personalized experience. We also arrange small group departures for those seeking to share costs.
Is it safe to go on safari?
Yes , Tanzania is a popular and generally safe destination for organized tours. Our experienced guides follow strict safety protocols in the parks. Risks are minimized by traveling with professionals. Petty theft is the main concern in cities, so standard precautions apply.
What training should I do before climbing?
Start training 3–6 months in advance:
- Regular cardio (running, cycling, swimming)
- Hike with a daypack carrying weight (simulate 8–10 kg)
- Stair climbing or hill walks
- Strength training for legs and core
We can provide a recommended training plan upon booking.
Do I need vaccinations or a visa for Tanzania?
- Visa: Most visitors need a tourist visa (obtainable online via e-visa or on arrival).
- Vaccinations: Routine vaccines recommended; Yellow Fever certificate if coming from a risk country. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised. Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
You have excellent chances of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) plus giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, cheetah, hyena, and hundreds of bird species. The Great Migration in Serengeti is a highlight.
What is your cancellation policy?
Policies vary by package but are clearly stated at booking. We offer flexible options and recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations.
