Trip Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and successful paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-day itinerary allows excellent acclimatization, diverse landscapes, and a high summit success rate.
Expect breathtaking forests, sweeping valleys, alpine deserts, and the iconic Uhuru Peak at 5,895m — the roof of Africa.
Itinerary
At GameDrive Africa, we offer one of the most scenic and rewarding routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Our 7-day Machame Route is designed to give climbers excellent acclimatization, a high summit success rate, and an unforgettable journey through diverse landscapes and true mountain wilderness.
Machame Route Pricing – GameDrive Africa
Pricing varies based on the number of climbers in your group.
The larger the group, the lower the cost per person.
Solo Climber: $3,588 per person
2 Climbers: $2,935 per person
3 Climbers: $2,477 per person
4 or More Climbers: $2,623 per person
Drive from Moshi/Arusha to Machame Gate for registration.
Begin hiking through lush rainforest with wildlife, waterfalls, and unique flora.
Gradual ascent to Machame Camp.
Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–7 hours
Steeper climb across rocky ridges.
Trek into the moorland zone with stunning views of Kibo peak.
Overnight at Shira Camp.
Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–6 hours
Trek through alpine desert toward Lava Tower for acclimatization.
Descend to Barranco Valley for overnight.
One of the most important acclimatization days.
Distance: 10 km | Time: 6–8 hours
- Climb the famous Barranco Wall (fun and scenic, not technical).
- Gentle ups and downs leading to Karanga Camp.
Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–5 hours
- Gradual ascent through the alpine desert.
- Early dinner and rest before the summit push.
Distance: 4 km | Time: 3–4 hours
- Start summit attempt around midnight.
- Steep climb to Stella Point (5,756m) then walk along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa.
- Descend to Barafu, rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.
Distance: 16 km | Time: 12–16 hours
- Descend through rainforest.
- Receive summit certificates.
- Transfer back to Moshi/Arusha.
Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hours
Costs Included
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- Professional licensed mountain guides
- Experienced porters & cook
- All meals on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Purified drinking water
- Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, chairs & tables)
- 2-way airport transfers (optional)
- Pulse oximeter & first aid kit
- All government taxes
- Accommodation before & after the climb (optional)
Cost Excluded
- International flights
- Tips for guides, cook & porters
- Personal climbing gear (boots, jackets, poles, etc.)
- Travel/medical insurance
- Additional hotel nights (unless mentioned)
- Snacks, energy bars & soft drinks
- Portable toilet (on request – extra)
FAQs
The Machame Route is considered moderately challenging. Good fitness is recommended, but no technical climbing skills are required.
The standard itinerary is 7 days / 6 nights on the mountain, which gives you better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate.
The Machame Route has a high success rate — 85–90% when done in 7 days.
Park fees, rescue fees, guides, porters, meals, tents, drinking water, and all logistics on the mountain. (You can list your own includes/excludes.)
The minimum age allowed by TANAPA is 10 years old.
