Overview
Bestseller of Babul Adventure
Adequate acclimatization due to climbing high, sleeping low
Guaranteed departure for every date on the calendar
The Machame Route is a top choice for trekkers heading to Kilimanjaro. It’s not just a favorite among Babul Adventure’s Team Kili, but also one of the most popular routes, with approximately 35% of climbers choosing this route. Known as the “Whiskey Route” due to its more challenging nature compared to the “Coca-Cola Route” (Marangu), the Machame Route offers a variety of landscapes and excellent acclimatization opportunities.
In 2022, Sierd and Rintsje chose the Machame Route for their ascent. For more insights, check the video below.
Like all Babul Adventure packages, the 7-day Machame Route includes everything you need for the trek, such as:
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Guides
- Porters
- Meals
- Essential camping gear
An extensive list of included services can be found below.
Why Choose Babul Adventure?
At Babul Adventure, we prioritize our staff, focus on local operations, and ensure that every adventurer returns home safely. We exclusively work with certified local guides and porters, provide high-quality meals, and are transparent with no hidden costs. We value freedom, as reflected in the meaning of “Uhuru” in Swahili.
Itinerary
Day 1
Machame Gate (1,790m) – Machame Camp (3,010m)
- Duration: 04:40 h
- Distance: 10.3 km
- Ascent: 1200 m
You will be picked up by your guide and assistant guide at the gate. After weighing the porter’s load, enjoy a small meal prepared by the cook while you wait for the team to assemble. After completing the paperwork, you’ll begin your hike through the lush rainforest. Expect to see unique flora, such as the Impatiens Kilimanjaro, and possibly black-and-white colobus monkeys. At Machame Camp, relax, enjoy a hearty meal, and rest for the night.
Machame Camp
Day 2
Machame Camp (3,010m) – Shira Camp (3,845m)
- Duration: 02:50 h
- Distance: 4.75 km
- Ascent: 850 m
- Descent: 30 m
Start the day with tea or coffee and a satisfying breakfast. Today’s ascent will take you from the rainforest to dry moorland and heathland as you reach Shira Camp at 3,845 meters. The acclimatization process begins here, so take it easy and enjoy the views. Dinner is a delicious, freshly prepared meal, and you can hang out with the porters for good conversation and warmth.
Shira Cave Camp
Day 3
Shira Camp (3,845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
- Duration: 05:10 h
- Distance: 9.7 km
- Ascent: 770 m
- Descent: 650 m
Today, you’ll ascend towards Lava Tower, reaching 4,640 meters. While at Lava Tower, enjoy a well-deserved lunch before descending to Barranco Camp, which lies at 3,960 meters. The altitude will help your body acclimatize, preparing you for higher elevations later in the trek. In Barranco Camp, relax and get ready for tomorrow’s challenge.
Barranco Camp
Day 4
Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,930m)
- Duration: 02:40 h
- Distance: 4.45 km
- Ascent: 350 m
- Descent: 270 m
The day’s highlight is the Barranco Wall, which you’ll climb with the help of your guide. The route provides an excellent opportunity for acclimatization, as you ascend and descend along ridges. Eventually, you’ll reach Karanga Camp, situated at 4,035 meters. Enjoy the scenic views and prepare for the upcoming days.
Karanga Camp
Day 5
Karanga Camp (3,930m) to Barafu Camp (4,700m)
- Duration: 02:25 h
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Ascent: 570 m
Today, the trek takes you through dry desert terrain as you approach Barafu Camp at 4,700 meters. The effects of the altitude will be noticeable, so take it slow and steady. This marks the final leg before the summit. You’ll have an early night to rest up for the upcoming summit day.
Barafu Camp
Day 6
Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5,895m) (midnight start) descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
- Duration: 10:50 h
- Distance: 16.6 km
- Ascent: 1220 m
- Descent: 2790 m
The midnight wake-up signals the start of your summit attempt. After a light breakfast, you’ll trek under moonlight with only headlamps for guidance. The hike to Stella Point takes 5-7 hours, with another 1-2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. After capturing the moment at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Mweka Camp
Day 7
Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) to Moshi
- Duration: 03:40 h
- Distance: 8.7 km
- Descent: 1420 m
The descent takes you through the rainforest once again, offering one final chance to spot the colobus monkeys. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll complete paperwork and enjoy a celebratory meal, followed by your Kilimanjaro certificate. Afterward, you’ll be taken back to your hotel for relaxation and rest.
Mweka Camp
Included
- Private transport to and from airport to your hotel
Your trekking company will pick you up from the airport and transport you to your hotel. A return transfer to the airport is also included in the package. - Transportation to and from the start/end point
The transport from your accommodation to the start point and back is covered. - Four Season Mountain tents
Stay in strong, well-maintained four-season mountain tents, which are set up by the team upon your arrival at each camp. - Double Layered Sleeping Mats
Comfortable, double-layered mats provided by your trekking company will ensure a restful sleep. - Hot meals daily while on the mountain
Enjoy freshly prepared meals throughout the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your trekking company brings their own cook to ensure quality meals, including exclusive three-course dinners. - Treated and filtered water
There will be no shortage of drinking water during the trek, as it will be properly treated and filtered. - Hot water for washing
While not an extensive shower, you’ll have access to hot water for a decent wash. - Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit
Guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice daily. Emergency portable oxygen is also carried, and guides are qualified Wilderness First Responders. - KINAPA Rescue Fee
The Kilimanjaro Rescue Team fees are included, managed by KINAPA (Kilimanjaro National Parks). “Kinapa” means “We carry each other” in Swahili. - Park fee, camping fee, VAT, and other taxes
All park entry fees, crater fees, camping fees, VAT, and taxes are included in the price. - Fair salary, food, insurance, and accommodation for guide and porter(s)
The package also covers the basics for your guide and porters, including their salary, food, insurance, and accommodation, so there are no hidden costs. - Your own team of porters and guides
Depending on the group size, you’ll have a team of 1 guide, 1 cook, and 8 porters per person. Larger groups will enjoy more guides and porters. The exact number varies based on the route.
Excluded
- Visa for TanzaniaVisas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.
- Flights to and from MoshiThe total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Tanzania. To get an idea of which airlines are visiting Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), it is best to have a look at their website.
- Personal expensesAll personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.
- Travel Insurance Including RepatriationYour international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Tanzania.
- TippingTips for guides and porters are excluded. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read about tipping when you are planning to go trekking in Tanzania.
- Portable flush toiletPortable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for USD 70 for the entire trek.
- Accommodation before and after the trekWhether you stay in Moshi, Arusha or anywhere else, before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation and meals.
FAQ
- How Hard is the Machame Route?
- Best Season for the Machame Route
- What Makes the Machame Route So Special?
How to Book
- Booking
- Availability
- Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to eight weeks in advance!
Starting at
$ 1617
per person