Trekking Overview
Kilimanjaro Machame Route with Masai Jungle is a trekking route that starts on the southern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. This path takes around 7 days to complete and is considered one of the most spectacular on the mountain, with views of the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower, and Kibo’s peak along the way. The route is also known as the Whiskey route, and it is thought to be more challenging than the other routes but with more rewards. During the trek, you will gradually gain height until you reach the top of Kilimanjaro (Uhuru peak). The Tecomate Tours Machame Route is an excellent opportunity to explore the splendour of the Kilimanjaro region while also challenging yourself to reach the summit. You will sleep in the very nice outdoor tents pitched by the team in the campsite area
- Type of Tour: Private tour
- Level of the Tour: Basic Level
- Nature of the Tour: Active Tour
- Destinations Visited: Mount Kilimanjaro
Trip Itinerary
Itinerary Details - Day-by-day
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Leaving Arusha, you’ll enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive through the village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While waiting for your permits to be processed, you can observe the lively preparations of other trekking crews. Once the trek begins, you’ll be immersed in the lush rainforest, following winding trails surrounded by vibrant flora and fauna. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the local ecosystem along the way. The lower elevations can be muddy and slippery, so we highly recommend wearing gaiters and using trekking poles for extra stability and comfort.
Distance: 10.75km Duration: 5-6 Hours
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude gained: 1210m
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and begin our ascent, crossing the valley and climbing a steep, rocky ridge. The trail veers westward, winding along a dramatic river gorge before reaching the Shira campsite. As we gain altitude, the temperatures begin to drop, marking our transition into higher elevation
Distance: 5.3km Duration: 4-5 Hours
Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m
Accommodation: Shira Camp
Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Though the day ends at a similar elevation to where it began, it’s crucial for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau, we head east along a ridge, passing a junction pointing toward Kibo Peak. Our route then continues southeast toward the iconic Lava Tower, also known as “Shark’s Tooth” (4,650m/15,250ft). Just beyond the tower, we reach another junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier route.
Distance: 10.75km Duration: 5-6 Hours
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 147m
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we start the steep ascent up a ridge, gearing up to tackle the thrilling Barranco Wall, one of the trek’s most exciting highlights. From the summit, we descend into the stunning Karanga Valley, where we reach the junction connecting to the Mweka Trail. This day offers a chance to witness the incredible strength, agility, and teamwork of your crew as they navigate the wall with ease. We finish the day with an overnight stay at Karanga Camp.
Distance: 5.2km Duration: 3-4 Hours
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained: 48m
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue your ascent toward Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit. This section provides breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit from several angles. Upon reaching the camp, enjoy an early dinner and rest to prepare for the demanding summit night ahead. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Distance: 3.3km Duration: 3-4 Hours
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 628m
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
The excitement builds as we begin our final ascent between midnight and 2 a.m., the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek. Moving between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, we stay focused on the incredible achievement ahead. After navigating switchbacks through scree, we reach Stella Point on the crater rim, where a breathtaking sunrise awaits—faster hikers may even catch it from the summit.
From Stella Point, it’s a one-hour climb to Uhuru Peak, likely through snow. Congratulations! You’ve reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent! After celebrating, we begin the steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended for the loose gravel and ash terrain. A well-earned rest awaits at Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Distance: 16.36km Duration: 10-13 Hours Altitude gained: 1233m
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude lost: 2789m Descent: 3106m/10,190ft
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi: 9.1km/6mi|3-4hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye.Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them today. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
Includes
- 1- Arrival and 1- departure airport transfer
- Dedicated Mountain crew (professional English-speaking guide, potters and chef)
- Park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue fee
- All Meals as per itinerary
- All camping equipment
- Government taxes and 18% VAT (Value Added Tax)
- 3 litres of treated water per person per day during trekking.
- 2 nights in Arusha before and after trekking.
- 2-way transfer from/to the mountain gate
Excludes
- Any changes which attract extra charges
- Travel Insurance
- Personal mountain equipment
- Mobile toilet
- Visa ($100 for USA citizens and $50 for other nationalities)
- Tip for the mountain crew
- Things of a personal nature
- Laundry service
- Sleeping bag
- Oxygen tank
- Drinks in the accommodations
Have Inquiries? Our Team is Ready to Assist.
cated team is ready to assist at any time. Feel free to contact us—we’re here to help you craft the perfect safari experience.