Kilimanjaro Machame Route Tours and Treks 2024/2025

As one of the oldest trails, Machame Route to Kilimanjaro presents an enticing option for those who seek an unforgettable trekking adventure on their Tanzania trip. Often referred to as the "Whiskey" route, the trail offers a challenging pathway that takes explorers to the majestic peak. As you navigate steep ascents, you encounter four diverse climate zones and trek through destinations like Barranco Valley and Lava Tower. If you trek the Machame route to climb Kilimanjaro, every step immerses you in a breathtaking tapestry of natural wonders, which is why, to this day, it stands out as the most popular route among the numerous paths that lead to the iconic summit.

Make your pick from the below-listed Kilimanjaro Machame Route trips.

Kilimanjaro Machame route - 33 Trips with 92 Reviews

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7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking - Machame Route

of 33 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
Es war das schönste was wir je erlebt haben. Von Anfang an hatten wir eine top Betreuung durch uns ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Camping, Hotel, Tent & Hut
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English
days07 From US$ 1,600 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 01
  • Apr 02
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7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route

of 5 reviews
  • Trip customizable
  • Best price guaranteed
A wonderful and rewarding adventure! One of the most challenging and incredible experience in my lif ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Adventure
  • Accommodation Camping, Tent, Hotel & Hut
  • Age Range 10-65 yrs
  • Operated in English
days07 From US$ 2,095 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 01
  • Apr 02
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Kilimanjaro Climbing + Tarangire & Ngorongoro safari

of 7 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
Our tour operator helped us plan an awe-inspiring trip to Tanzania. The owner was a wonderful partn ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Wildlife safaris and game drives +2 more
  • Accommodation Camping, Hotel, Lodge, Eco Lodge & Hut
  • Transport 4WD Jeep
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English
days11 From US$ 3,000 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 01
  • Apr 02
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Summit Kilimanjaro via Machame Route: 7 Days

of 4 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
I did Kilimanjaro Machame 7 days with my teenage son and husband, and I am still enchanted by the wh ...
  • Tour Type Small Group Tour
  • Activities Climbing & Trekking and Hiking +1 more
  • Accommodation Camping, Hotel & Tent
  • Transport Private Vehicle
  • Age Range 8-85 yrs
  • Operated in English, French, German
days07 From US$ 1,675 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 05
  • Apr 06
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Mt. Kilimanjaro - Machame route, 9 days

of 3 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
We made a tracking to the Kilimanjaro summit in January 2024. It was the best experience ever! Super ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Climbing
  • Accommodation Camping, Hotel, Tent & Hut
  • Age Range 12-69 yrs
  • Operated in English, Tanzanian
days09 From US$ 2,675 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 06
  • Apr 07
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Mt. Kilimanjaro - Umbwe route, 8 days

of 4 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
I read the google reviews and booked a Kilimanjaro climb. The operator and their team are rock solid ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Hotel, Tent, Camping & Hut
  • Age Range 12-69 yrs
  • Operated in English, Tanzanian
days08 From US$ 2,349 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 06
  • Apr 07
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Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 11 Days

of 5 reviews
  • Trip customizable
  • Best price guaranteed
We are happy that we chose this local travel specialist for our Kilimanjaro trekking trip to Tanzani ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Adventure
  • Accommodation Camping, Hut, Tent & Hotel
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English, Tanzanian
days11 From US$ 2,587 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 01
  • Apr 02
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7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking - Machame Route

of 2 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
Fast and concise answers anytime we needed some infos. Gody was super great. We recommand local tour ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking
  • Accommodation Camping, Tent, Hotel & Hut
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English
days07 From US$ 1,890 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 01
  • Apr 02
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Mt. Kilimanjaro - Machame route, 8 days

of 7 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
We had an unforgettable experience last week on this tour. We were a group of 4 women with limited t ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Hotel, Tent & Camping
  • Age Range 12-69 yrs
  • Operated in English, Tanzanian
days08 From US$ 2,310 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 06
  • Apr 07
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Kilimanjaro - Machame route

of 2 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
Anapa is a well organised travel agency, they answer quickly and they met perfectly our demands. Mar ...
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Hotel, Camping, Tent, Hut, Guest House & Sleeping Hut
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English, Tanzanian
days09 From US$ 2,183 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 03
  • Apr 04
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Kilimanjaro - Machame route, 7 day Private

of 3 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Best price guaranteed
I was part of a group of 3 hikers wishing to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route in 7 days
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Camping, Tent & Hut
  • Transport 4WD Jeep
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English, Tanzanian
days07 From US$ 2,395 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 01
  • Apr 02
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6-Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route

of 4 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
Everything was just perfect. Thank you Daudi, Charles and the Team. The best guides for the perfect ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Camping, Tent & Hut
  • Age Range 15-79 yrs
  • Operated in English
days06 From US$ 1,830 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 01
  • Apr 02
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6-Day Tanzania Explorers Machame climbing

  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
6 day explorer tour through Machame Hut, Shira Camp, Barafu Camp and 3 other destinations in Tanzania. Read More
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Explorer & Trekking and Hiking
  • Accommodation Camping, Tent & Hut
  • Age Range 5-98 yrs
  • Operated in English, French, German, Spanish
days06 From US$ 1,943 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 01
  • Apr 02
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Six-Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Machame Route

of 2 reviews
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
They did an amazing job, took care of my every need, and got me up the mountain in style. Big
  • Tour Type Group Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing +2 more
  • Accommodation Camping, Tent, Hotel & Hut
  • Age Range 7-85 yrs
  • Operated in English, French, German, Spanish
days06 From US$ 2,020 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 01
  • Apr 02
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Kilimanjaro Machame route Reviews

5 - Excellent
Based on 92 customer reviews
An experience that I will never forget!
5 - Excellent
  • Anonymous
“This trip and everything about it was absolutely amazing! If you have the chance and think about doing it - do it! You will not regret it. It is a adventure and a memory for life. You also learn a lot about yourself and grow as a human. Two things that are good to know: • Make sure you have the right amount of USD for the tipping before. We got misinformed what we were supposed to tip before and ended up having to take out money after the trip with unnessesary fees as a result. Read carefully on the internet. • Even if you have booked 7 days, the team will (if you feel ok) try to push you to do the trip in 6 days. I think it is good if you have been thinking about that decision before you are on the mountain, becuase up there it can be hard to think clear and take the best decision. We did in in 6 days instead of 7, for us it was the best decision - but for all maybe it is not because the altitude is not a game and all people not used the altitude can get altitude sickness. You will need to take the decision before you get to the basecamp so it is hard to change the decision when taken. A big thanks to our team for making this trip so good and memorable!!”
Amazing Hike on Kilimanjaro!
5 - Excellent
  • Elias Furrer
“We had an incredible experience on the Machame Route to the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro! The Team put together by this local travel specialist was amazing, with our guides Benedict and Brighton taking care of us and adapting to our strengths and weaknesses, and the cook Adam and the waiter James providing us with delicious food three times a day. The porters were carrying our bags and all the gear, tents, food and water, and everything was set up perfectly by the time we reached the camps in the afternoon. The trip with this agency is supposed to be a budget trip, which we did not feel at all: We got hot water twice a day to wash ourselves, the tent was spacious and the meals were lush. Two things which I did not like about booking this trip: First, there are non-optional "tips" for all the staff included, which you have to pay at the end of the trip. These are roughly 10 USD for a porter, 15 USD for a cook and 20 to 25 USD for a guide, per day. So for two people doing the trip these are another 700 to 800 USD (combined) in "tips", which you pay on top of the whole booking fee. This is true for any agency you book with, however it needs to be declared on the trip description rather than in some email three weeks after booking. Second, the organiser was extremely slow in replying to our questions. Some of our questions were never answered. In case that happens to you also, I would recommend asking for the organiser's phone number.”
Best experience in a lifetime!
5 - Excellent
  • Anonymous
“This was just awesome!!! It was by far the most indescribable, breathtaking adventure of my life. Our guides Willie and Anton as well as the whole team of porters, the cook and our beloved waiter Jackson took care of us as if we were their own children. We had so much fun, they encouraged us during our way up, so that the whole team was able to reach the Uhuru peak at day 5 - with a huge smile on our faces and feeling so proud of ourselves! Originally we booked a 7 day trekking, but the guides advised us to shorten the trip to 6 days - because we were doing so well and one day less in that altitude means less stress for our bodies. This was the right decision, no doubt. The food was amazing - I am still wondering how they made that possible on the mountain under these circumstances. If you wonder wheather you should book or not - DO IT! There was not a single thing that didn't work out. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE!”

Machame Route: Trail overview

The Machame Route to Kilimanjaro is the true test of endurance and determination, rewarded by the stunning beauty of the trail and higher success rates in reaching the summit.

The trek typically takes around six days to complete, although it's highly recommended to extend it to seven days to allow for proper acclimatization and enhance your chances of summiting. As you approach the mountain from the southwest, you'll embark on a thrilling journey that promises incredible landscapes and a sense of accomplishment like no other. Unlike the Marangu Route, which offers sleeping huts along the way, the Machame Route presents a more arduous and rugged experience. Throughout the journey, you'll sleep in designated campsites, setting up your tents under the vast African sky, immersing yourself in the wilderness.

When it comes to reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, you have two options. The majority of trekkers opt for the long Barafu Trail, which treats you to breathtaking views of the Rebmann Glacier. Alternatively, there's the Western Breach Route, a more thrilling and adventurous choice that takes you through the iconic Lava Tower and the awe-inspiring Arrow Glacier.

Climbing facts for the Machame Route

Trek difficulty: Difficult (no uniformity in climb height)
Trek duration: 6 to 10 days
Max altitude: 5,895 meters
Accommodation: Camping
Best season: July to September
Success rate: 90% (eight-day hike),85% (seven-day hike),
60% (six-day hike)

Seven-day sample itinerary for the Machame Route

Summiting Kilimanjaro via the Machame route is an exhilarating and challenging adventure. Most trekkers prefer a seven-day or an eight-day itinerary for this expedition.

  • Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (4 to 6 hours)

    The adventure begins at the Machame Gate, where you'll register and embark on your Kilimanjaro trek. Setting foot on the trail, you'll find yourself surrounded by the lush beauty of the rainforest. The air is filled with the melodies of tropical birds, and sunlight filters through the canopy overhead. As you hike deeper into the forest, the towering trees create a sense of serenity and anticipation. Your first day concludes at the Machame Camp, nestled in a picturesque setting amidst the greenery.

  • Day 2:Machame Camp to Shira Camp (4 to 6 hours)

    Waking up to the fresh mountain air, you'll continue your ascent through the captivating landscape. Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail opens up to the expansive Shira Plateau. Walking across the undulating terrain, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. In the distance, the distinct silhouette of the Lava Tower stands as a testament to the volcanic origins of the region. Your second night is spent at the Shira Camp, where the vastness of the plateau unfolds before your eyes.

  • Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (6 to 8 hours)

    The day dawns with a sense of excitement as you venture further into the alpine desert zone. The path leads you through a stark and rugged landscape with minimal vegetation and towering rock formations. The Barranco Wall, a striking rock face, becomes the highlight of the day's journey. With careful footwork and the assistance of your guides, you conquer the wall, rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the Barranco Valley below. The day concludes at the Barranco Camp, nestled within the valley's embrace.

  • Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3 to 4 hours)

    As the sun rises, you resume your trek along the southern circuit. The trail winds its way through the picturesque Karanga Valley, a serene oasis amidst the barren slopes. The stark contrast between the surrounding rocky cliffs and the lush vegetation of the valley creates a surreal ambiance. Climbing higher, you reach the Karanga Camp, where you'll spend the night surrounded by the rugged beauty of the high-altitude landscape.

  • Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (3 to 4 hours)

    On this day, leaving the Karanga Camp, you make your way to the base camp at Barafu. The path becomes steeper, and the air grows thinner as you ascend. Towering above you, the glacial slopes of Kilimanjaro seem both formidable and enticing. Barafu Camp serves as your launching pad for the summit attempt, offering a place to rest and gather strength for the challenging endeavor ahead.

  • Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (10 to 14 hours)

    In the dead of night, your final push to the summit begins. Armed with headlamps, you navigate the scree slopes in the darkness, following the faint glow of your guides' lights. With each step, anticipation and determination fuel your ascent. As the night sky slowly transforms into hues of orange and pink, the first rays of sunlight paint the landscape in an ethereal glow. At Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, you stand in awe, gazing at the vast African plains below. A surge of emotions washes over you as you celebrate this extraordinary achievement.

  • Day 7: Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (4 to 6 hours)

    The final day is dedicated to descending the mountain. The trail leads you through the lush rainforest, where the sounds of nature accompany your every step. You bid farewell to the towering trees, the symphony of birdsong, and the tranquility of the forest. Arriving at the Mweka Gate, you receive your well-deserved summit certificates, a tangible reminder of your triumph over Kilimanjaro. From there, you return to your accommodations, carrying with you memories of the breathtaking landscapes, personal growth, and the indomitable spirit that defined your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Note:  The duration mentioned for each day is approximated and will vary according to your trekking pace, weather conditions, and group dynamics.

Facts on trekking the Machame Route

  • The Machame Route covers a 62-kilometer-long distance.
  • Machame is 25 kilometers northwest of Moshi. Most trekkers only pass by this quaint village briefly while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro using the Machame Route.
  • While the Machame route is popular, it is generally less crowded than the Marangu Route, which has more hikers due to its shorter duration.
  • If you prefer comfortable accommodations like huts or lodges, you can’t get them on the Machame Route. The route is famous for its camping.
  • You will need a licensed guide to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, so using a tour operator (like us) is recommended.

Planning a Machame Route trek? Go through the above-listed tours or fill out the customized Tanzania trip form to tailor your trip from scratch.

Tours in Kilimanjaro Machame Route - Questions and Answers

  • How difficult is the Machame route?

    The Machame route is considered a challenging trek, requiring a good level of physical fitness, endurance, and mental preparation. The route involves long days of hiking, steep ascents, and rugged terrain.

    A factor that contributes to the difficulty of the Machame route is the rapid altitude gain. You need to acclimatize properly to mitigate the risks of altitude sickness. A longer itinerary provides a better acclimatization opportunity to increase the chances of a successful summit.

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