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Often known as the Whiskey Route, since alcohol is banned on Kilimanjaro, we’re offering the Machame Route ‘Without the Whiskey’! Our most budget friendly option, this is a popular route that can be busy, due to ease of access from Moshi town. Pass through all of Kilimanjaro’s varied ecosystems and soak up ever-changing views. The trail is joined by the Lemosho route before reaching the impressive Lava Tower and scrambling the imposing Barranco Wall. These trekking days allow you ample opportunity to acclimatise, as you climb higher during the day but lose height to camp, giving you a strong chance of reaching the summit. We recommend 7 days over 6 as the extra day makes a big difference to the success rate, improving acclimatisation and allowing you two easier days before tackling the long summit climb.
Arrival & BriefingUpon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check. Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Kaliwa Lodge (Premium) Trek Day 1Machame Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)Elevation Gain: 1,200m/3,940ft Drive to the Machame Gate for registration before beginning your climb along a winding trail through lush forest. Since this is the climate zone which experiences the most rainfall be prepared for afternoon showers, making the trail slippery at times! The climb is steady, gradually easing as you approach camp, located on the edge of the forest and giant heather zones. Approximately 6-7 hours of walking today. Overnight Machame Camp Trek Day 3Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft)Elevation Gain: 760m/2,500ft Elevation Loss: 700m/2,300ft Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridge lines of high desert to Lava Tower at 4,600m. The trek to the base of the tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic plug, takes around 4-5 hours. From here begin a steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing exotic large flowering plants, Senecio Kilimanjaro. This descent will take 1-2 hours. Although you end your day at almost the same elevation as you started, today is important for acclimatisation. Camp is in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall. Overnight Barranco Camp Trek Day 4Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft) to Karanga Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft Elevation Loss: 250m/820ft Begin the day climbing the Barranco Wall, an impressive scramble that will reward you with fantastic views back towards camp. From the top, at 4,200m, follow an undulating path around the mountain side. On a clear day there are spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right. After descending into the Karanga Valley your climb takes you up a short steep path to camp. Walking time approximately 3-4 hours. Overnight Karanga Camp Trek Day 5Karanga Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,090ft)Elevation Gain: 650m/2,130ft Spend the morning climbing steadily up to Barafu, which is Swahili for ice! This camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of Kibo from many different angles. This walk will take around 3-4 hours, meaning you’ll arrive at Barafu in time for lunch and a full summit briefing, before spending the afternoon resting. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position. Overnight Barafu Camp Trek Day 6Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,090ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)Elevation Gain: 1,295 m/4,250ft Elevation Loss: 2,785m/9,140ft In the early hours begin your final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, taking approximately 6-8 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be warm by the end of the hiking day and you need clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve reached your limit, the sun will rise and you’ll be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi. At Stella Point (5,750m) join the crater rim. From here, climb less steeply to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. From the summit descend to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way, taking around 6 hours. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Overnight Mweka Hut Camp Trek Day 7Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)Elevation Loss: 1,280m/4,200ft Descend to the gate through lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi. Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium) Departure or Onwards TravelToday you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey! Start Planning your Journey | ![]() |
![]() Ameg LodgeConveniently close to Moshi town, the lodge itself is located in a tranquil setting, surrounded by extensive gardens. Ensuite, air-conditioned rooms with private verandas are complimented with a large, serene swimming pool and views of Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. The hotel restaurant offers a variety of continental and international cuisine. | ![]() Mountain CampsSleep in spacious, all weather tents, designed for an extreme mountain environment, erected by our crew alongside a fully equipped mess tent with chairs and tables and private toilet tents. Upon arrival each day warm washing water will be available, followed by hot drinks and snacks. Hot meals are prepared from fresh ingredients by our cook. |
All dates and prices are based on Classic Kilimanjaro Climbs; however Premium Climb packages are available at an increased cost.
ARRIVE | DEPART | PRICE | AVAILABILITY |
Dec 26, Sat*** | Jan 3, Sun | USD $2175 | Book Now |
* Full Moon Climb
*** New Year Summit
ARRIVE | DEPART | PRICE | AVAILABILITY |
Jan 16, Sat | Jan 24, Sun | USD $2175 | Book Now |
Jan 29, Fri | Feb 6, Sat | USD $2175 | Book Now |
Mar 6, Sat | Mar 14, Sun | USD $2175 | Book Now |
June 11, Fri | June 19, Sat | USD $2175 | Book Now |
Aug 7, Sat | Aug 15, Sun | USD $2175 | Book Now |
Sept 17, Fri | Sept 25, Sat | USD $2175 | Book Now |
Oct 16, Sat | Oct 24, Sun | USD $2175 | Book Now |
Dec 19, Sun** | Dec 27, Mon | USD $2175 | Book Now |
** Christmas Morning Summit
Dec 26, Sat - Jan 3, Sun - 2020 - 2021 |
Jan 16, Sat - Jan 24, Sun - 2021 |
Jan 29, Fri - Feb 6, Sat - 2021 |
Mar 6, Sat - Mar 14, Sun - 2021 |
June 11, Fri - June 19, Sat - 2021 |
Aug 7, Sat - Aug 15, Sun - 2021 |
Sept 17, Fri - Sept 25, Sat - 2021 |
Oct 16, Sat - Oct 24, Sun - 2021 |
Dec 19, Sun - Dec 27, Mon - 2021 |