Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Machame Route
KILIMANJARO EXPEDITION - MACHAME ROUTE Route Itinerary
The Machame Route known as the “Whiskey Route” is one of the most popular and scenic routes on Kilimanjaro. The varied terrain, excellent acclimatisation profile and dramatic landscapes make it a favourite among experienced trekkers. Our 9-day itinerary gives you the best possible chance of reaching Uhuru Peak, with all meals, camping equipment, and a fully experienced guiding team included throughout.
Included in Package
Your expedition with Vertex Expeditions includes:
- 7-day Machame Route climb on Mount Kilimanjaro
- 2 nights hotel accommodation (pre- and post-climb)
- All national park fees, camping fees and rescue fees
- All ground transport (Moshi to park gates and return)
- Return airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport to hotel)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Professional local mountain guides, porters and cook team
- Tents, sleeping mats and all group camping equipment
- Safe drinking water throughout the expedition
- Fully supported itinerary with proper acclimatisation profile
- Pre-expedition guidance and ongoing support from the Vertex team
What’s Not Included
The following are not included in the expedition price:
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tanzania visa fees
- Personal trekking equipment (e.g. sleeping bag, boots, clothing)
- Tips for guides, porters and mountain crew (recommended $250–$350 per person)
- Drinks and personal snacks
- Single room or single tent supplements (if requested)
- Additional hotel nights outside the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs or extra services
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL - KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
All trekkers are required to arrange their own international flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival, your Vertex Expeditions representative will be on hand to welcome you and arrange a private transfer to the Springlands Hotel in Moshi. That evening you will meet your lead guide and fellow trekkers for a full pre-climb briefing, covering the route, equipment checks, safety procedures, and what to expect in the days ahead.
Transport: Private transfer Accommodation: Springlands Hotel, Moshi Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2 - MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive from Moshi to Machame Gate (1,800m) for park registration. Our porters prepare and pack all supplies before we begin our ascent along the forest trail through dense montane rainforest. The canopy is rich with bird life and draped in moss as the trail climbs steadily upward. We emerge above the treeline as we approach Machame Camp (3,000m), where we make camp for the night.
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours Ascent: 1,200m Max. altitude: 3,000m Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 3 - MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAVE CAMP
Leaving Machame Camp, we cross a small valley before the trail climbs steeply up a rocky ridge covered in heather. The landscape opens up dramatically as we gain altitude and leave the forest behind. Our route turns west towards the Shira Plateau before we arrive at Shira Cave Camp (3,850m) for dinner and overnight camping. Tonight will be noticeably colder than the previous night, with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours Ascent: 850m Max. altitude: 3,850m Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 4 - SHIRA CAVE CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP (VIA LAVA TOWER)
One of the most important days on the route in terms of acclimatisation. We head east across the Shira Plateau towards the base of the iconic Lava Tower (4,600m), where we stop for lunch and allow our bodies time to adjust to the altitude. This will be our toughest day so far and you may, for the first time, feel the effects of altitude. Following the golden principle of ‘walk high, sleep low’, we then descend around 650m to Barranco Camp, dramatically situated in a valley beneath the Great Barranco Wall. The descent takes approximately two hours and offers spectacular views of the Western Breach and glaciers above.
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours Ascent: 750m Descent: 650m Max. altitude: 4,600m Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 5 - BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
A shorter but exhilarating day, beginning with the famous Great Barranco Wall scramble a steep but non-technical ascent that is one of the most memorable sections of the entire route. Your guides and porters will assist throughout. From the top, we traverse across scree into the Karanga Valley (3,930m), passing beneath the spectacular icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. We arrive at Karanga Camp in the early afternoon with time to rest, eat well, and prepare for the push to Barafu tomorrow.
Hiking time: 4 hours Ascent: 260m Descent: 280m Max. altitude: 4,210m Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 6 - KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
We leave Karanga Camp and join the junction of the Mweka descent trail before continuing our ascent to Barafu Camp (4,675m) , the final camp before the summit push. The trail becomes increasingly rocky and exposed as we gain altitude. From camp, the two peaks of Kilimanjaro are clearly visible — Mawenzi to the east and Kibo towering directly above. We arrive in good time to rest, enjoy an early dinner, and receive a final summit briefing from your lead guide. Sleep as much as you can you will be woken around midnight.
Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours Ascent: 465m Max. altitude: 4,675m Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 7 - SUMMIT NIGHT - BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK, THEN DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP
You will be woken at approximately 23:30 with hot tea and biscuits. We begin our summit bid under headtorch, ascending steep scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers towards Stella Point on the crater rim (5,732m). This is the most physically and mentally demanding section of the trek; a slow, steady pace and consistent breathing are everything. At Stella Point we stop briefly and, weather permitting, witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises on earth. From here it is just one hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) the highest point on Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. After celebrating at the summit, we begin the long descent back through Barafu for lunch before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100m). Trekking poles are essential on the loose scree descent. Tonight we enjoy our final dinner on the mountain.
Hiking time: 14 – 16 hours Ascent: 1,220m Descent: 2,795m Max. altitude: 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
DAY 8 - MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE -TRANSFER TO SPRINGLANDS HOTEL
Your final day on the mountain. After breakfast we make the last descent of approximately 1,300m through the forest to Mweka Gate (1,800m), where you collect your official Kilimanjaro summit certificates from the Park Headquarters, a well-deserved moment. Tips for your crew are traditionally given here. We then transfer back to the Springlands Hotel in Moshi for a shower, dinner, and a very well-earned night’s sleep.
Transport: Private transfer Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours Descent: 1,300m Max. altitude: 3,100m Accommodation: Springlands Hotel, Moshi Meals included: Breakfast / Dinner
DAY 9 - DEPARTURE
After a final breakfast at the Springlands Hotel, your Vertex Expeditions representative will bid you farewell. If you have arranged onward airport transfers, a safari, or a Zanzibar extension through us, we will collect you at the agreed time for your onward journey. We hope to see you on the mountain again soon.
Transport: Private transfer Meals included: Breakfast
Vertex Expeditions Member Benefits
- Vertex Expeditions welcome pack including:
- Branded t-shirt
- Branded hat
- Kilimanjaro summit patch
- Vertex Free personalised training plan tailored to the expedition
- Access to group training hikes and community meet-ups
- Continued support and guidance from the Vertex team
- Discounted personal training and coaching support
- Exclusive discounts with partner outdoor and equipment brands
Additional Notes
- All expeditions are operated in partnership with a fully licensed local operator in Tanzania
- Group sizes are kept manageable to ensure safety and quality of experience
- A detailed kit list, training plan and preparation guidance will be provided after booking
- Clients are responsible for ensuring they are adequately prepared and insured for high altitude trekking
Trip Details
Duration
9 Days
Price (pp)
£2,350
