Kilimanjaro – Machame Route – Excelent Kilimanjaro

Q: What is the summit success rate with Excellent Kilimanjaro?

While individual success varies, our focus on longer routes for acclimatization (e.g., 7 or 8 days), the expertise of our certified guides, and our emphasis on safety protocols contribute to a significantly higher success rate for our climbers compared to shorter, less supported treks.

Transportation
Bus, Airlines
Accomodation
4 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude
5,895 metres
Departure from
Arusha - Tanzania
Best season
January to Mid-March & June to October ,Mid-March to May & November to December
Tour type
Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Language
English, Spanish, French, Chinese
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Group Size
2-15
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Join Excellent Kilimanjaro on the renowned 7-day Machame Route, often dubbed the “Whiskey Route” due to its challenging yet highly rewarding nature. This incredibly scenic path is celebrated for its diverse landscapes, from dense rainforests to expansive moorlands and alpine deserts.

Crucially, the Machame Route excels in offering an excellent acclimatization profile through its “climb high, sleep low” strategy, significantly enhancing your chances of a successful summit. Prepare for a memorable camping-based expedition that promises breathtaking views and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Highlights

The "Whiskey Route" Experience
Optimal Acclimatization Strategy
Diverse & Spectacular Scenery
Conquering the Barranco Wall

Day 1 :

Arrival & Preparation in Arusha / Moshi

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our dedicated Excellent Kilimanjaro team will provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. After settling in and enjoying a delicious meal, you’ll meet your certified mountain guide and coordinators for a comprehensive pre-trek briefing. This session ensures you are fully prepared, with all your questions answered and gear checked, before your incredible journey begins. You'll spend the night relaxing at a comfortable hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast)

Day 2 :

Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After a hearty breakfast and final briefing, our vehicle will transfer you from Moshi to the Machame Park Gate (1,800m). Following registration formalities, your trek commences as you step into the enchanting montane rainforest. The trail winds gently uphill, offering glimpses of unique flora and fauna. Your Excellent Kilimanjaro porters will establish your camp at Machame Camp (3,000m), where a hot dinner prepared by your chef awaits.

Altitude: 1,800 m – 3,000 m
Hiking Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 3 :

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Today, the landscape dramatically changes as you leave the rainforest and ascend into the open moorland zone. The path becomes steeper, offering increasingly expansive views as you gain altitude. Our destination is Shira Camp (3,840m), located on the vast Shira Plateau, an ancient caldera of the volcano. Upon arrival, your camp will be ready, and you'll have time to rest and absorb the stunning panoramic vistas.

Altitude: 3,000 m – 3,840 m
Hiking Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 4 :

Early trek to Poon Hill, Back to Ghorepani and Trek to Tadapani

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (Crucial Acclimatization) This is a pivotal day for acclimatization, employing the crucial "climb high, sleep low" strategy. You'll embark on a challenging ascent to Lava Tower (4,630m), a dramatic rock formation, traversing a semi-desert and rocky terrain. After a well-deserved lunch at Lava Tower, you'll begin a significant descent to the beautiful Barranco Camp (3,960m). This up-and-down profile helps your body adapt more effectively to the altitude changes.

Altitude: 3,840 m – 3,960 m (High Point: 4,630 m)
Hiking Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 5 :

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

An exciting day begins with the famous Barranco Wall. This section involves a thrilling, non-technical scramble up a steep rock face. Our expert guides will provide assistance and ensure your safety throughout. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with incredible views before descending into the picturesque Karanga Valley and then ascending to Karanga Camp (4,035m). After lunch, an acclimatization hike further up towards Barafu Camp will be offered, enhancing your preparedness for the summit.

Altitude: 3,960 m – 4,035 m
Hiking Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 6 :

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Summit Base Camp)

Today marks a significant step closer to the summit as you trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m), your final base camp. The trail consists of varied terrain, with rocky sections and gradual slopes as you ascend higher into the alpine desert. Upon arrival, our team will ensure your camp is perfectly set up for you to rest and conserve energy. Your guide will conduct a detailed briefing in the evening, outlining the plan for your midnight summit attempt.

Altitude: 4,035 m – 4,640 m
Hiking Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 7 :

Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

The pinnacle of your journey! You'll be awakened around 11:30 PM for a quick tea and biscuits before commencing your final ascent. The challenging 6-hour trek under the stars leads you to Stella Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, often timed perfectly for an unforgettable sunrise over the African plains. After a brief rest, it’s a final 2-hour push across snow-covered terrain to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa! Celebrate your monumental achievement, capture triumphant photos, and then begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest. Afterwards, you continue descending to Mweka Camp (3,090m) for a well-deserved dinner and your final night on the mountain.

Altitude: 4,640 m – 5,895 m – 3,090 m
Hiking Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 15+ hours
Accommodation: Tented Camp

Day 08 :

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Return to Arusha / Moshi

After a celebratory breakfast at Mweka Camp, enjoy your final descent through the montane forest to Mweka Gate (1,650m). Here, you’ll receive your well-earned summit certificates. Our Excellent Kilimanjaro vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a hot shower, a delicious lunch, and well-deserved rest. We encourage you to celebrate your incredible accomplishment and show appreciation to your dedicated climbing crew.

Altitude: 3,090 m – 1,650 m
Hiking Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How difficult is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is challenging but achievable for most people with good physical fitness and determination. It’s not a technical climb requiring ropes or specialized mountaineering skills, but rather a long, strenuous trek at high altitude. Prior hiking experience and cardiovascular fitness are highly recommended.

What about altitude sickness? How do you manage it?

Altitude sickness is a common concern. We combat this by recommending longer routes (like the 8-day Lemosho), which provide better acclimatization. Our guides are highly trained to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and monitor your health closely. We also emphasize a slow, steady pace (“pole pole” – slowly slowly in Swahili) and proper hydration. We carry pulse oximeters and supplementary oxygen for emergencies.

What is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro

The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October. These months generally offer clearer skies and more stable weather conditions, though conditions can change rapidly on the mountain at any time.

What is the summit success rate with Excellent Kilimanjaro?

While individual success varies, our focus on longer routes for acclimatization (e.g., 7 or 8 days), the expertise of our certified guides, and our emphasis on safety protocols contribute to a significantly higher success rate for our climbers compared to shorter, less supported treks.

What kind of gear do I need to bring? Do you provide rentals?

You’ll need appropriate clothing layers (including warm summit gear), sturdy hiking boots, a good quality sleeping bag, headlamp, trekking poles, and personal items. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking. While we don’t typically include personal gear rentals in our standard packages, we can advise on reputable local rental services for items like sleeping bags, jackets, and trekking poles if needed.

How do I book a climb with Excellent Kilimanjaro?

You can easily book a climb by using the search function on our Hero Section, selecting your preferred mountain, route, and dates. Alternatively, you can browse our “Explore Popular Climbs” section or contact us directly via phone or email. Our team will assist you in tailoring the perfect itinerary.

What happens after the climb?

After your successful descent, our team will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha for a well-deserved rest and celebration. We’ll present you with your summit certificate. Many climbers choose to relax or extend their adventure with a safari extension or a trip to Zanzibar, which we can also arrange for you.

What is your payment and cancellation policy?

Our payment terms typically require a deposit upon booking to secure your climb, with the remaining balance due closer to your departure date. We understand that plans can change, so we have a clear cancellation policy. Full details will be provided during the booking process and are available in our Terms & Conditions.

Kilimanjaro – Machame Route

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Map

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