Overview
On our shared Machame departures you climb Kilimanjaro alongside a small group of other travelers on the same dates, splitting the cost of guides and porters instead of paying for a private climb.
Machame, often called the Whiskey Route, is known for its ridge walks and the traverse beneath the Southern Icefields. This seven-day version adds an acclimatization day to our six-day plan, which makes a real difference higher up. You have the same licensed guides, porters and cook as on a private trip; you simply share the trail with a few others.
Read our route length guide, or contact us for upcoming group dates.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (8 days)
ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where Abakombe Tours drives you to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel. In the evening you meet the group for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check, and we confirm your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
After registering at Machame Gate, you set off through beautiful, lush rainforest, stopping for a picnic lunch on the way, and camp at Machame Camp (about 2,990 m / 9,800 ft).
About 5-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
INTO THE MOORLAND TO SHIRA CAMP
The forest soon gives way to moorland dotted with giant heather. The path climbs steadily over rocky ground with wide views of the Shira Plateau, and from camp near Shira Hut (about 3,840 m / 12,600 ft) you can watch Mount Meru rise above the clouds.
About 4-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP
A long morning climb with sweeping views brings you to lunch near Lava Tower (about 4,540 m / 14,900 ft). The trail then drops into the Barranco Valley (about 3,900 m / 12,800 ft), where the camp sits beneath towering cliffs with views down to the plains.
About 7-9 hours on foot. All meals included.
BARRANCO WALL TO KARANGA CAMP
You scramble up the Barranco Wall and follow a rolling trail along Kibo's south-eastern slopes, with views of the Southern Icefields. The ground turns to scree broken by pockets of greenery before a short walk to Karanga Camp (about 4,000 m / 13,100 ft), the last water point before the summit.
About 5-7 hours on foot. All meals included.
KARANGA TO BARAFU CAMP
An easy but steady path on firm scree climbs to Barafu Hut (about 4,510 m / 14,800 ft) in time for lunch. A short acclimatization walk takes you higher up the south-east valley (about 4,790 m / 15,700 ft), and the rest of the day is for resting before the summit attempt.
About 3-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT NIGHT, THEN DOWN TO MILLENNIUM CAMP
You start by head torch at about 1 am and climb the zig-zags of loose scree slowly and steadily to Stella Point (about 5,730 m / 18,800 ft), arriving around sunrise over Mawenzi. Those still feeling strong continue for about two hours return along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), past glaciers and ice cliffs. The descent to Barafu is quick, and after refreshments you carry on down to Millennium Camp (about 3,810 m / 12,500 ft).
About 11-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
MWEKA GATE AND RETURN TO ARUSHA
A long descent on a good path through birdsong-filled rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate (about 1,650 m / 5,400 ft), then through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village, where you are driven back to Arusha.
About 4-6 hours on foot. Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
After saying goodbye to your crew, our included private transfer takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), unless you decide to add a short safari or another extension.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.