Machame Route on Kilimanjaro

Overview, Difficulty, Success, Itinerary & Expert Tips

Superior Acclimatization, Significantly Boosting Your Summit Chances

Machame Route Overview

Machame Route Overview

One of the most popular routes for those determined to reach the summit – the Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is the perfect pathway to the summit. Over half those who make the spirit-defining decision to climb Kilimanjaro will opt for this route, despite it being tougher and more treacherous than neighboring Marangu. The reason for its popularity lies mainly in its range of natural habitats and its flourishing scenery.

Monkeys in trees, soft heather lands, crater deserts, glacial walls, and lava towers – these are just some of the sights that pull people tumbling into the world of the Machame route. The Machame route can take four days to ascend and an additional two to come down the mountain. There is the option to stop at the Karanga Valley, which is recommended for those who want to ease the pace and boost their chances of summit success.

Machame is for those who want to take a more adventurous path. The days are longer, the way is steeper, and the challenges greater. If you have previous hiking experience, then Machame can truly test your fierce nature.

Jackson Solomon

Insider's Take

When choosing between the 6 and 7-day Machame Route treks, your decision largely depends on your hiking experience, how you handle high altitudes, and how much time you need to adjust to the mountain.

6-Day Trip: For Experienced Climbers

This is a faster and tougher option, best suited for those who have recently hiked at very high altitudes, ideally above 4,000 meters (13,100 feet). To be comfortable, you should have completed a similar long, high-altitude hike in the last three months. Because it’s quicker, you’ll have longer hiking days. While it still uses the “climb high, sleep low” method (for example, going up to Lava Tower then sleeping lower at Barranco Camp), the faster pace generally leads to a lower success rate for reaching the summit (around 70-75% with good tour companies).

7-Day Trip: Recommended for Most Climbers

This option is highly recommended and ideal for most people, including those with hiking experience (even if not at super high altitudes) and fit beginners. The extra day is crucial for your body to adjust to the altitude, which significantly increases your chances of reaching the top.

This longer trip offers a more relaxed pace with easier daily height gains. It fully uses the “climb high, sleep low” strategy and includes an important extra night at Karanga Valley for even better acclimatization. This is the most popular Machame choice, often resulting in very high summit success rates (above 85-90% with good tour companies). The trek begins at Machame Gate (about 1,800 meters or 5,900 feet), leading you through amazing rainforests on the first day and gradually through all of Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes.

Machame Route on Kilimanjaro Map

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Everything you should know about gear for climbing the highest mountain in Africa

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28

Jun

4th of July Summit via Machame route - 7 days

From 28 Jun 2026

$3,060 per person

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11

Jun

Climbing Kilimanjaro via Machame route - 7 days

From 11 Jun 2026

$3,060 per person

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3

Jun

Climbing Kilimanjaro via Machame route - 7 days

From 03 Jun 2026

$3,060 per person

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24

Jun

Full Moon Summit via Machame route - 7 days

From 24 Jun 2026

$3,060 per person

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Dreaming of the summit? Your Kilimanjaro Climb Starts Here

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Why Machame for Kilimanjaro?

The Machame Route on Kilimanjaro is a fantastic choice for climbing, renowned for its high summit success rate thanks to its excellent acclimatization strategy. You can choose between a 6 or 7-day trek. The 7-day option is highly recommended for most climbers, with success rates of 85-90% often achieved with reputable guiding companies. That extra day is incredibly valuable, allowing your body to slowly adapt to the altitude and significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness – the main reason people sometimes don’t make it to the top. The 6-day version is faster-paced (with success rates around 70-75%) and best suited for very experienced high-altitude climbers only.

 

This route effectively uses the “Climb High, Sleep Low” strategy, a scientifically proven method. During the day, you’ll trek to higher elevations (like Lava Tower at approximately 4,600m / 15,100ft), but then descend to sleep at lower camps (like Barranco Camp at roughly 3,950m / 12,960ft). This technique significantly helps your body adjust to the thinner air. While Machame is known for being a bit tougher with steeper sections and the famous Barranco Wall (a fun scramble!), its varied terrain and well-paced daily climbs contribute to better acclimatization. It’s a physical challenge that offers immense rewards.

 

As one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular routes, Machame often has a friendly, vibrant atmosphere. Meeting other climbers and sharing the experience can be very motivating and enjoyable. Often called the “Whiskey Route” for its challenging but beautiful nature, Machame offers stunning and diverse landscapes. You’ll trek through lush rainforests, vast moorlands, and unique alpine deserts, with constant incredible views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks motivating you along the way. In short, the Machame Route is carefully designed to give your body the best possible chance to adapt to the high altitude, making your dream of standing on Uhuru Peak a much more achievable reality.

Machame Route Detailed Itinerary

1

Day

Arrival

Touch down at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your driver will be waiting to greet you. Let your driver whisk you away to your chosen hotel in the bright and bustling city of Arusha –the  gateway to Tanzania.

Arusha is the beating heart of the wild – the last port of civilization before heading out into dense jungles and rich savannah plains. The markets of Arusha burst with color, and throng with locals picking up their weekly wares. The numerous cafes sell dark and deliriously good coffee from the plantations, and close by the infamous National Park lures visitors in to explore her evocative Maasai culture and exotic flora and fauna.

In the evening, you will enjoy a quick briefing, which will be conducted by a professional Bush 2 City Mountain Guide about your trek, and to ensure you are ready for climbing.

2

Day

Machame gate 1,800m to Machame camp 2,835m

After a hotel breakfast in Moshi/Arusha, you’ll drive 45/90 minutes through coffee plantations and villages to Machame Gate. There, you’ll register with Kilimanjaro National Park while your gear is prepared. Then, you’ll hike through rainforest and savannah to Machame Camp, enjoying views of wildlife, plants, and eventually Kibo Peak. Your porters and cooks will have a hot meal ready for your arrival.

Distance: 11km

Estimated hiking time 5-8 hours

Elevation gain; 1,035m

Vegetation zone: Rain Forest

First Respondent Guide

Our Kilimanjaro guides are highly experienced professionals, each with Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, ensuring they’re trained for advanced medical care in remote environments. They collectively boast over a decade of experience in successfully leading climbers to Uhuru Peak, consistently applying first aid measures and practicing critical emergency protocols to prioritize your safety on the mountain.

3

Day

Machame camp 2,835m to Shira Cave camp 3,750m

After a warm breakfast, you’ll start your day by packing up your gear and heading out across the heathland and moorland dunes. As you trek, you’ll experience increasingly higher altitudes, which will help your body acclimatize. You’ll climb the lava-filled Shira Plateau before making your way to Shira Camp, where your porters and cooks will have a delicious meal ready for you.

Distance: 5 km

Estimated hiking time 5-6 hours

Elevation gain; 915m

Vegetation zone: Moorland

4

Day

Shira cave camp 3750m to Lava tower 4,600m to Baranco camp 3,900m

Today’s trek begins early with a steep, rewarding climb east across the Shira Plateau. After the junction of the Shira and Lemosho Routes, you’ll take a secluded trail for a break. Lunch will be at Lava Tower, an incredible 300-foot volcanic plug, before a rapid descent to your campsite in the Great Barranco Valley. This scenic spot is encompassed by massive valley walls and the stunning Kibo massif, with glaciers reflecting sunlight and a unique landscape featuring giant lobelias and groundsels. You’ll then enjoy a warm meal before sleeping. Today’s climb will reach an altitude of 4600m, but you’ll descend to sleep at 3900m, an important strategy for acclimatization.

Distance: 10km

Estimated hiking time 6-8 hours

Elevation gain; 850m

Elevation loss; –700m

5

Day

Baranco camp 3,900m to Barafu camp 4673m

The final Ascent Preparation, the day before you reach the summit, is packed with excitement and adventure! You’ll kick things off in the morning with an exhilarating 90-minute climb up the Barranco Wall, then descend into the Karanga Valley. Instead of stopping at Karanga Valley Camp, you’ll continue to Barafu Camp, which is your base camp.

As the stunning Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks appear on the horizon, you’ll take a break and enjoy a hearty, energy-boosting dinner. This meal is crucial for preparing you for the challenging climb to the summit that lies ahead.

Distance: 10km

Estimated hiking time 6-8 hours

Elevation gain; 773m

Vegetation zone: Alpine desert

 

6

Day

Summit Day; Barafu Camp 4,673m to Uhuru Peak 5,895m to Mweka Camp 3,100m

Your journey to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro starts just after midnight, taking you across sapphire glaciers to Stella Point. A beautiful sunrise will illuminate the summit as you proceed toward your ultimate destination: Uhuru Peak, known as the “Rooftop of Africa.”

From the summit, you’ll feel an immense sense of exhilaration and triumph as you look down upon the clouds and ice. Following a celebration with your support team, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for a short break, then move on to Mweka Camp. There, a hot meal will be waiting, and you’ll spend your last night on the mountain unwinding beneath the stars.

NB: This is the longest and most challenging day of the trek.

Distance: 17 km, (5km ascent, 12km descent)

Estimated hiking Time: 12-16 hours (7-8 hours to summit, 5-6 hours descending)

Elevation Gain: +1,222 to summit

Elevation loss; -2,795m descent

Vegetation zone: Arctic / Rainforest

 

7

Day

Mweka Camp 3,100m to Mweka Gate 1,640m

Distance: 10 km

Estimated hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Loss: -1,460m

Vegetation zone: Rainforest

After breakfast, you’ll walk back to Mweka Gate, enjoying the misty, deep green forest. You’ll then say goodbye to your guides and porters before getting into the shuttle that will take you back to Moshi, where you can look forward to a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and fresh clothes.

8

Day

Departure

After getting some rest and refreshments at the hotel, your driver guide will take you to the airport, ready for your flight back home.

NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of your evening flight there is a procedural option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee

Arrival

1

Day

Machame gate 1,800m to Machame camp 2,835m

2

Day

Machame camp 2,835m to Shira Cave camp 3,750m

3

Day

Shira cave camp 3750m to Lava tower 4,600m to Baranco camp 3,900m

4

Day

Baranco camp 3,900m to Barafu camp 4673m

5

Day

Summit Day; Barafu Camp 4,673m to Uhuru Peak 5,895m to Mweka Camp 3,100m

6

Day

Mweka Camp 3,100m to Mweka Gate 1,640m

7

Day

Departure

8

Day

1

Day

Arrival

Touch down at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your driver will be waiting to greet you. Let your driver whisk you away to your chosen hotel in the bright and bustling city of Arusha –the  gateway to Tanzania.

Arusha is the beating heart of the wild – the last port of civilization before heading out into dense jungles and rich savannah plains. The markets of Arusha burst with color, and throng with locals picking up their weekly wares. The numerous cafes sell dark and deliriously good coffee from the plantations, and close by the infamous National Park lures visitors in to explore her evocative Maasai culture and exotic flora and fauna.

In the evening, you will enjoy a quick briefing, which will be conducted by a professional Bush 2 City Mountain Guide about your trek, and to ensure you are ready for climbing.

2

Day

Machame gate 1,800m to Machame camp 2,835m

After a hotel breakfast in Moshi/Arusha, you’ll drive 45/90 minutes through coffee plantations and villages to Machame Gate. There, you’ll register with Kilimanjaro National Park while your gear is prepared. Then, you’ll hike through rainforest and savannah to Machame Camp, enjoying views of wildlife, plants, and eventually Kibo Peak. Your porters and cooks will have a hot meal ready for your arrival.

Distance: 11km

Estimated hiking time: 5-8 hours

Elevation gain; 1,035m

Vegetation zone: Rain Forest

3

Day

Machame camp 2,835m to Shira Cave camp 3,750m

After a warm breakfast, you’ll start your day by packing up your gear and heading out across the heathland and moorland dunes. As you trek, you’ll experience increasingly higher altitudes, which will help your body acclimatize. You’ll climb the lava-filled Shira Plateau before making your way to Shira Camp, where your porters and cooks will have a delicious meal ready for you.

Distance: 5 km

Estimated hiking time: 5-6 hours

Elevation gain; 915m

Vegetation zone: Moorland

4

Day

Shira cave camp 3750m to Lava tower 4,600m to Baranco camp 3,900m

Today’s trek begins early with a steep, rewarding climb east across the Shira Plateau. After the junction of the Shira and Lemosho Routes, you’ll take a secluded trail for a break. Lunch will be at Lava Tower, an incredible 300-foot volcanic plug, before a rapid descent to your campsite in the Great Barranco Valley. This scenic spot is encompassed by massive valley walls and the stunning Kibo massif, with glaciers reflecting sunlight and a unique landscape featuring giant lobelias and groundsels. You’ll then enjoy a warm meal before sleeping. Today’s climb will reach an altitude of 4600m, but you’ll descend to sleep at 3900m, an important strategy for acclimatization.

Distance: 10km

Estimated hiking time: 6-8 hours

Elevation gain: 850m

Elevation loss: –700m

5

Day

Baranco camp 3,900m to Karanga camp 3,995m

This section of the Machame Route is filled with thrilling exploration and life-changing scenery. You’ll start the day with a 90-minute climb up the magnificent Barranco Wall, also known as the Breakfast Wall. After that, you’ll continue along a calm trail until you reach the Karanga Valley. Here, you’ll settle and mentally prepare for the final stretch of your journey.

Distance: 6km

Estimated hiking time: 4-6 hours

Elevation gain; 300m

Elevation loss 205m

Vegetation zone: Alpine desert

6

Day

Karanga camp 3,995m to Barafu camp 4,673m

The final day on the Kilimanjaro Machame Route before the summit begins with a gentle climb through the Karanga Valley, temperatures will drop, and vegetation will thin out. You’ll set up camp on an exposed part of the ridge (barafu camp) and enjoy an energy-rich meal to prepare for your midnight ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Distance: 4km

Estimated hiking time: 3-4 hours

Elevation gain; 678m

Vegetation zone: Alpine desert

7

Day

Summit Day; Barafu Camp 4,673m to Uhuru Peak 5,895m to Mweka Camp 3,100m

Your journey to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro starts just after midnight, taking you across sapphire glaciers to Stella Point. A beautiful sunrise will illuminate the summit as you proceed toward your ultimate destination: Uhuru Peak, known as the “Rooftop of Africa.”

From the summit, you’ll feel an immense sense of exhilaration and triumph as you look down upon the clouds and ice. Following a celebration with your support team, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for a short break, then move on to Mweka Camp. There, a hot meal will be waiting, and you’ll spend your last night on the mountain unwinding beneath the stars.

NB: This is the longest and most challenging day of the trek.

Distance: 17 km, (5km ascent, 12km descent)

Estimated hiking Time: 12-16 hours (7-8 hours to summit, 5-6 hours descending)

Elevation Gain: +1,222 to the summit

Elevation loss; -2,795m descent

Vegetation zone: Arctic / Rainforest

8

Day

Mweka Camp 3,100m to Mweka Gate 1,640m

After breakfast, you’ll walk back to Mweka Gate, enjoying the misty, deep green forest. You’ll then say goodbye to your guides and porters before getting into the shuttle that will take you back to Moshi, where you can look forward to a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and fresh clothes.

Distance: 10 km

Estimated hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Loss: -1,460m

Vegetation zone: Rainforest

9

Day

Departure

After getting some rest and refreshments at the hotel, your driver guide will take you to the airport, ready for your flight back home.

NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of your evening flight there is a procedural option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee

Arrival

1

Day

Machame gate 1,800m to Machame camp 2,835m

2

Day

Machame camp 2,835m to Shira Cave camp 3,750m

3

Day

Shira cave camp 3750m to Lava tower 4,600m to Baranco camp 3,900m

4

Day

Baranco camp 3,900m to Karanga camp 3,995m

5

Day

Karanga camp 3,995m to Barafu camp 4,673m

6

Day

Summit Day; Barafu Camp 4,673m to Uhuru Peak 5,895m to Mweka Camp 3,100m

7

Day

Mweka Camp 3,100m to Mweka Gate 1,640m

8

Day

Departure

9

Day

Prices for Machame route

Classic Tarif

Our classic climbing package is the ideal choice for most adventurers, blending great comfort with the highest safety standards to create an unforgettable experience.

Everything you need for a successful trek is included: experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, and nutritionist-designed meals.

Your safety is our top priority. All our guides are Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified, and every expedition includes oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits, and mandatory medical check-ups twice a day. For your peace of mind, a GPS device tracks your party’s progress in real-time, allowing you to share a link with family and friends.

Before and after your climb, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with caring staff, reliable Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and hot water.

Machame Route

Price per person

Machame Route

Price per person

Climbing Cost Includes

To ensure a smooth start and end to your climb, our package provides dedicated transfers specifically for your journey to and from the park gate. For your arrival and departure at the airport, we offer a separate, optional transfer service that can be arranged at your convenience. Just let us know your flight details if you’d like us to organize this for you.

Your pre and post-climb accommodation is included in your package. We’ve arranged comfortable stays for you before and after your climb to ensure you’re well-rested and ready for your adventure.

For your convenience and comfort on the mountain, we provide all necessary camping equipment for the trip, including tents, cooking gear, and dining essentials. Please note that you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

Rest assured, all your meals throughout the entire climbing trip will be freshly prepared by our team. We’ve got your culinary needs covered from start to finish!

You’ll be in excellent hands with our experienced team on the mountain. Our well-trained and WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certified guides will lead the way, ensuring your safety and success. Our hardworking porters will manage all your gear, and our dedicated cook will prepare delicious meals, making your entire trip enjoyable and seamless.

For your safety on the mountain, an emergency oxygen tank is included and will be carried by the crew throughout your climb.

Your safety is our priority. We include daily medical check-ups by our WFR-certified guides, and our crew will carry a fully loaded medical kit to address any health concerns that may arise during the trek.

For your peace of mind, we provide 24/7 support via satellite phone throughout your entire trip, ensuring constant communication and emergency access no matter where you are on the mountain.

To ensure a completely hassle-free experience, all necessary park entrance fees, conservation fees, rescue fees, and government taxes are fully included in your package price. This means you won’t encounter any hidden costs for accessing the national park or climbing Kilimanjaro itself, allowing you to focus purely on your adventure.

You’ll have the full backing of our dedicated support team throughout your entire journey. From your initial inquiry until you safely return home, we’re here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

Don’t worry about your extra luggage while you’re on the mountain. We provide a safe and secure storage room for any bags you don’t need to take on your climb. You can leave your belongings with us with complete peace of mind, and they’ll be ready for you upon your return

We’re passionate about protecting Mount Kilimanjaro’s natural splendor. Our “Leave No Trace” approach goes beyond words: we take proactive steps by deploying our dedicated teams during the off-peak season to remove any litter from the mountain. Our company fully funds these vital clean-up initiatives, ensuring every adventure with us contributes to a truly responsible and sustainable environment.

We’re passionate about protecting Mount Kilimanjaro’s natural splendor. Our “Leave No Trace” approach goes beyond words: we take proactive steps by deploying our dedicated teams during the off-peak season to remove any litter from the mountain. Our company fully funds these vital clean-up initiatives, ensuring every adventure with us contributes to a truly responsible and sustainable environment.

To ensure your comfort and maintain excellent hygiene during your Mount Kilimanjaro expedition, portable toilets are thoughtfully included in your package. Our aim is to provide a clean and convenient experience at all times.

We understand the importance of privacy and freedom while on the mountain. By providing dedicated portable toilets, we avoid reliance on public facilities. This not only gives you more personal space but also addresses the challenge of maintaining hygiene in public toilets, which can often be heavily used and difficult for park authorities to keep 100% clean at all times.

Climbing Cost Excludes

We’re passionate about protecting Mount Kilimanjaro’s natural splendor. Our “Leave No Trace” approach goes beyond words: we take proactive steps by deploying our dedicated teams during the off-peak season to remove any litter from the mountain. Our company fully funds these vital clean-up initiatives, ensuring every adventure with us contributes to a truly responsible and sustainable environment.

Please note that tips for your climbing crew are not included in the package price. Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by our hardworking team for their excellent service. We encourage you to read more about our suggested tipping structure on our website for detailed guidance.

Please be aware that visa fees are not included in your package. You will be responsible for obtaining the necessary visa for entry into Tanzania.

Should you encounter any difficulties or have questions regarding the visa application process, we highly recommend you read our detailed article on visa application procedures available on our website. It provides step-by-step guidance to assist you.

Please note that personal gear rentals (e.g., specialized clothing, trekking poles, etc.) are not included in your package. While you’ll need to bring your own personal climbing and trekking equipment, it’s worth noting that there are reliable rental shops here in Tanzania.

This means you don’t necessarily have to buy all the equipment, especially if you don’t anticipate needing it for future treks. Instead of carrying a heavy load of gear from home, you can opt to bring essential items and rent the rest upon your arrival, making your travel much lighter and more convenient.

Please note that our package pricing is based on shared accommodation (double occupancy). If you are a solo traveler and prefer a private room, a single supplement will apply and will be an additional charge to your package.

Please be advised that travel insurance is not included in your package. It is mandatory for all clients to arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, evacuation, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Please note that lunch and dinner at your hotel before and after your climb are not included in your package. Only breakfast is provided at the hotel. You’ll have the flexibility to choose your own dining options for lunch and dinner during these times.

Premium Tarif

Elevate your climb with our premium package, designed for ultimate comfort and safety.

On the mountain, you’ll enjoy spacious walk-in tents with cots, an enhanced meal plan, a private portable toilet, and a satellite phone for staying in touch.

Your safety is our priority. All guides are Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified, and we carry oxygen, medical kits, and conduct twice-daily medical checks.

The journey starts and ends with a stay at a Luxury hotel in Arusha, including breakfast and dinner.

Machame Route

Price per person

Machame Route

Price per person

Climbing Cost Includes

This premium expedition package includes two nights at the luxurious Mount Meru Game Lodge in Arusha—one night before and one night after your climb. The lodge’s exceptional service and serene setting provide a comfortable and relaxing start and end to your adventure.

On the mountain, you’ll stay in spacious, custom-designed, four-season walk-in tents. By default, you’ll share a room at the lodge and a tent with your travel companion; single occupancy is available upon request for an additional fee.

To ensure your comfort and maintain excellent hygiene during your Mount Kilimanjaro expedition, portable toilets are thoughtfully included in your package. Our aim is to provide a clean and convenient experience at all times.

We understand the importance of privacy and freedom while on the mountain. By providing dedicated portable toilets, we avoid reliance on public facilities. This not only gives you more personal space but also addresses the challenge of maintaining hygiene in public toilets, which can often be heavily used and difficult for park authorities to keep 100% clean at all times.

At Bush 2 City, we provide a safe and comfortable camping experience on your Kilimanjaro adventure. Here’s what you can expect:

Our Tents and Sleeping Gear

We use durable tents designed to keep you warm and dry. Each tent has a separate area to store your boots and gear. Tents are spacious enough for two people and their bags, even though they’re made for three. You’ll share a tent with your travel partner, or with another hiker of the same sex if you’re traveling alone. If you’d like your own tent, you can request one for an additional fee.

For extra comfort, we offer a larger walk-in tent with enough space for a camping cot, also for an additional fee. All of our trips include a thick, 3-inch sleeping mat to ensure a good night’s rest.

Dining and Socializing

Enjoy meals in our strong, wind- and rain-proof dining tents. We provide camping tables with reusable cutlery and crockery, served and cleaned by our kitchen crew. We never use plastic disposable tableware.

We also provide comfortable, foldable chairs with back and arm support, so you can relax and socialize with your fellow hikers.

Camp Amenities and Management

Our camps include a hand-washing stand with hot water. Your camp managers arrive early to set up camp in the best spot and inspect all equipment to ensure a smooth trip. They also carry a repair kit for any quick fixes, though this is rarely needed.

At Bush 2 City, we provide a safe and comfortable camping experience on your Kilimanjaro adventure. Here’s what you can expect:

Our Tents and Sleeping Gear

We use durable tents designed to keep you warm and dry. Each tent has a separate area to store your boots and gear. Tents are spacious enough for two people and their bags, even though they’re made for three. You’ll share a tent with your travel partner, or with another hiker of the same sex if you’re traveling alone. If you’d like your own tent, you can request one for an additional fee.

For extra comfort, we offer a larger walk-in tent with enough space for a camping cot, also for an additional fee. All of our trips include a thick, 3-inch sleeping mat to ensure a good night’s rest.

Dining and Socializing

Enjoy meals in our strong, wind- and rain-proof dining tents. We provide camping tables with reusable cutlery and crockery, served and cleaned by our kitchen crew. We never use plastic disposable tableware.

We also provide comfortable, foldable chairs with back and arm support, so you can relax and socialize with your fellow hikers.

Camp Amenities and Management

Our camps include a hand-washing stand with hot water. Your camp managers arrive early to set up camp in the best spot and inspect all equipment to ensure a smooth trip. They also carry a repair kit for any quick fixes, though this is rarely needed.

You’ll be in excellent hands with our experienced team on the mountain. Our well-trained and WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certified guides will lead the way, ensuring your safety and success. Our hardworking porters will manage all your gear, and our dedicated cook will prepare delicious meals, making your entire trip enjoyable and seamless.

For your safety on the mountain, an emergency oxygen tank is included and will be carried by the crew throughout your climb.

Your safety is our priority. We include daily medical check-ups by our WFR-certified guides, and our crew will carry a fully loaded medical kit to address any health concerns that may arise during the trek.

For your peace of mind, we provide 24/7 support via satellite phone throughout your entire trip, ensuring constant communication and emergency access no matter where you are on the mountain.

To ensure a completely hassle-free experience, all necessary park entrance fees, conservation fees, rescue fees, and government taxes are fully included in your package price. This means you won’t encounter any hidden costs for accessing the national park or climbing Kilimanjaro itself, allowing you to focus purely on your adventure.

You’ll have the full backing of our dedicated support team throughout your entire journey. From your initial inquiry until you safely return home, we’re here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

Don’t worry about your extra luggage while you’re on the mountain. We provide a safe and secure storage room for any bags you don’t need to take on your climb. You can leave your belongings with us with complete peace of mind, and they’ll be ready for you upon your return

We’re passionate about protecting Mount Kilimanjaro’s natural splendor. Our “Leave No Trace” approach goes beyond words: we take proactive steps by deploying our dedicated teams during the off-peak season to remove any litter from the mountain. Our company fully funds these vital clean-up initiatives, ensuring every adventure with us contributes to a truly responsible and sustainable environment.

By booking directly with us, you directly fuel positive change. Your adventure provides stable employment for guides, porters, and cooks from nearby villages. We also commit to sourcing our supplies locally, ensuring your trip’s economic benefits flow right into the hands of area businesses and families, cultivating true prosperity within the region.

Climbing Cost Excludes

Please note that international flights are not included in the package price. You will need to arrange your own flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which serves as your entry and exit point for this trip.

Please note that tips for your climbing crew are not included in the package price. Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by our hardworking team for their excellent service. We encourage you to read more about our suggested tipping structure on our website for detailed guidance.

Please be aware that visa fees are not included in your package. You will be responsible for obtaining the necessary visa for entry into Tanzania.

Should you encounter any difficulties or have questions regarding the visa application process, we highly recommend you read our detailed article on visa application procedures available on our website. It provides step-by-step guidance to assist you.

Please note that personal gear rentals (e.g., specialized clothing, trekking poles, etc.) are not included in your package. While you’ll need to bring your own personal climbing and trekking equipment, it’s worth noting that there are reliable rental shops here in Tanzania.

This means you don’t necessarily have to buy all the equipment, especially if you don’t anticipate needing it for future treks. Instead of carrying a heavy load of gear from home, you can opt to bring essential items and rent the rest upon your arrival, making your travel much lighter and more convenient.

Please note that our package pricing is based on shared accommodation (double occupancy). If you are a solo traveler and prefer a private room, a single supplement will apply and will be an additional charge to your package.

Please be advised that travel insurance is not included in your package. It is mandatory for all clients to arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, evacuation, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Machame Route FAQs

Machame Route: The "Whiskey Route"

The Machame route, affectionately known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. Its nickname stems from a reputation for being more challenging than the “Coca-Cola” route (Marangu), though modern itineraries and professional guidance have made it highly accessible.

Key Features of the Machame Route:

  • Diverse Scenery: The Machame route offers a trek through a variety of ecosystems, including lush rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert. This visual diversity is a key reason for its popularity.
  • High Summit Success Rates: The route’s standard seven-day itinerary is designed with a “climb high, sleep low” profile, which is highly effective for acclimatization. This allows climbers to adjust to the altitude more gradually, leading to a significantly higher chance of reaching the summit. The six-day version is more demanding and is only recommended for very fit and experienced trekkers.
  • Unique Landmarks: Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic sights such as the Shira Plateau and the challenging but rewarding Barranco Wall. The descent follows the Mweka trail, providing a different perspective on the mountain than the ascent.
  • Difficulty: While considered moderately difficult, the route does not require any technical climbing skills. The main challenges are the steep sections and the high altitude, making the seven-day itinerary a great choice for both beginners and seasoned hikers.

Comparison with Other Routes:

  • Machame vs. Marangu: The main difference is the accommodation. Machame is a camping-only route, providing a more rugged experience, while Marangu offers dormitory-style huts. The Machame route also boasts a higher summit success rate on its seven-day itinerary compared to Marangu’s six-day option.
  • Machame vs. Lemosho: Both routes are known for their scenic beauty and high success rates. The primary distinction is the starting point. Machame begins at a lower elevation, offering a more gradual start through the rainforest. Lemosho begins higher up on the mountain, which can feel more challenging initially but also aids in acclimatization.

After the Ascent, the Adventure Awaits

Following your Kilimanjaro climb, you have the opportunity to extend your adventure by adding a safari or a relaxing beach vacation. This allows you to experience the diverse beauty of Tanzania in a single, comprehensive trip. We can customize an itinerary that seamlessly transitions from the high-altitude challenge of the mountain to the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti or the pristine beaches of Zanzibar.

Reviews about this route

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This guide covers everything: visas, money, safety, vaccinations to insurance ensuring you're fully prepared to explore Tanzania.
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