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Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route

Duration
9 days
Price from
£3,300 pp.
Location
Kilimanjaro Climbs, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Trip Highlights

  • Stunning scenery on this moderately difficult climb
  • Get your Kili climb certificate!
  • Watch the sun rise over Mawenzi peak

What's Included

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • Expert hiking guides
  • All transfers and park fees

The Classic Kilimanjaro Climb

Often called the "Whiskey Route" - Machame is the most popular way to climb Kilimanjaro, and for good reason. This dramatic trail offers striking scenery, varied terrain, and a true sense of adventure.

The Machame Route is steeper and more physically demanding than some other options, making it best suited for confident trekkers with a good level of fitness or some high-altitude experience under their belt.

Ottilie, our Tanzania specialist, says:

“Machame is perfect for those who want a physical challenge and an epic, dramatic route to the summit. The scenery changes constantly - from rainforest to moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers - and there’s a real sense of progression as you climb. It’s a steeper route than Lemosho and a bit more demanding, but the reward is worth every step. You'll really feel like you’ve earned that certificate!”

Approaching Kilimanjaro from the south, the Machame Route begins at Machame Gate and quickly immerses you in lush rainforest, alive with birdsong and the occasional monkey. From here, the trail climbs steeply up to the Shira Plateau, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views and wide-open moorland.

As the route continues eastward, it joins the famous Southern Circuit - an incredible high-altitude traverse that wraps around the mountain’s southern flank, offering constant vistas of the Southern Icefields and opportunities for excellent acclimatisation. This section includes the climb to Lava Tower, a key moment in helping your body adapt to the altitude.

The final push to the summit begins from Barafu Camp in the early hours of the morning, with trekkers ascending under starlight to reach the summit at Uhuru Peak at sunrise - an unforgettable moment of triumph! You’ll descend via the Mweka Route, finishing your journey at Mweka Gate, certificate in hand.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Relax for the first day and prepare for the climb

Staying at Arumeru River Lodge

Arrive in the morning at Kilimanjaro Airport where you will be met by a Far & Wild representative and driven to Arumeru Lodge, which has views of Kilimanjaro. Spend the day relaxing before embarking on your trek up Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Arumeru Lodge.

Day 2 Start your ascent at Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro Trekking

After an early breakfast head out to Kilimanjaro National Park and Machame Gate. The trek starts in the dense rainforests of the lower slopes and the trail winds it's way up along a ridge to Machame Camp where you will camp for the night.

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 3 Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Day 4 Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Day 5 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day 6 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Day 7 Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp

Day 8 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Day 9 Fly back home

Ottilie
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Ottilie

Start planning your Kilimanjaro adventure with our Tanzania specialist.

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Duration

9 days

Location

Kilimanjaro Climbs, Tanzania

Price from

£3,300 pp.

Price Includes

  • All guides and porters for the hike
  • Accommodation and meals as listed
  • Safety briefings
  • All park fees and excursions as specified

Price Excludes

  • Single supplements
  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Any meals, activities, or excursions not specified as included

Price is based on two people sharing and excluding international flights.

Accommodations and meals are listed as follows:

  • 2 nights at Arumeru River Lodge, Arusha - breakfast included.
  • 1 day room at Arumeru River Lodge, Arusha - lunch included.
  • 5 nights trek to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro using the Machame Route, staying in tents along the way.
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When to go to Tanzania

Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.

  • During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.

February

The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.

  • Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.

March

March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.

  • Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.

April

April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

May

During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

June

June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.

  • Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.

July

July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.

  • The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.

August

August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.

  • The migration still remains in the north.

September

Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.

  • The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.

October

Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.

  • The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.

November

November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.

  • Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.

December

Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.

  • Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.

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Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315

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