7 days · Machame Route · Group departures 92% summit success

7 Days Machame Route

The Whiskey Route from the south: steeper, busier and the best-value seven-day climb on the mountain. We never sell the six-day version.

Check availability Book now See the full itinerary Download the kit list ↓

The Popular route for a reason

The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” begins on the southwestern side of Mount Kilimanjaro and can be completed in 6 to 7 days. Known for its stunning scenery, it is a popular choice among photographers and nature lovers. The route follows a “hike high, sleep low” strategy, enhancing acclimatization and making it a favorable option for climbers. Throughout the journey, climbers transition from lush forests to moorland and glacier areas, showcasing the diverse landscapes of Kilimanjaro. The adventure concludes at the Mweka Gate, marking the end of a memorable trek.

Difficulty Challenging, steep early days

Best months Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct

Start point Machame Gate, southern side

Descent Mweka Route

Group size 2–12 climbers

Gallery

Photos from the trail

Success rate on this route

What we do differently on Machame

The Machame Route with Ahsante Tours offers an exceptional Kilimanjaro trekking experience, boasting an impressive 95% summit success rate—the highest among all Kilimanjaro routes. This success is attributed to its well-planned itinerary that emphasizes effective acclimatization through the renowned “hike high, sleep low” strategy, ensuring trekkers adjust gradually to the altitude. Ahsante Tours’ expertise and commitment to safety make the Machame Route the ideal choice for adventurers aiming to conquer Africa’s highest peak with confidence.

Why it is that high

7 Never six days We do not sell the six-day Machame. The extra night at Karanga roughly doubles the odds of reaching Uhuru Peak.

2× Daily health checks Pulse oximeter and symptom checks morning and evening, with a clear turn-around policy your guide explains up front.

15 kg Porter load limit Weighed at the gate and again on the mountain. Fair loads mean a crew that is still strong on summit night.

Route map

The route on the mountain

Camps and altitude profile

Machame Camp2,835 m

Shira Camp3,750 m

Lava Tower (lunch)4,630 m

Barranco Camp3,960 m

Karanga Camp4,035 m

Barafu Camp4,673 m

Millennium Camp3790 m

Mweka Gate3,100 m

Our experience on this route

We have run this route for years

The Machame Route holds a special place in the heart of Ahsante Tours and comes highly recommended as their favorite Kilimanjaro route. It carries personal significance for the team, as the CEO, Cuthbert, hails from Machame Village, creating a deep and meaningful connection with the trail. This unique bond adds an extra layer of passion and dedication to every trek, making the Machame Route an unforgettable journey for adventurers.

Cuthbert Swai
Managing Director

Day by day

Full itinerary

Switch between a one-screen summary and the full day-by-day.

artturi jalli WUYFbcqrtiw unsplash scaled

Day 1

Arrival in Kilimanjaro

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by an Ahsante Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

Day 2

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Half an hour drive from Moshi lies the gate to the Machame route, where you will complete park registrations, then you are off on your 6-day trek. The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.

Altitude1,800 → 2,835 m

Walking5–6 hrs

Distance11 km

HabitatRainforest

Day 3

Machame to Shira Camp

Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha City in the distance.

Altitude2,835 → 3,750 m

Walking4–6 hrs

Distance5 km

HabitatMoorland

Day 4

Shira to Lava Tower to Barranco

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.

Altitude3,750 → 3,960 m

Walking7 hrs

Distance10 km

HabitatAlpine desert

Day 5

Barranco Wall to Karanga

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

Altitude3,960 → 4,035 m

Walking4–5 hrs

Distance5 km

HabitatAlpine desert

Day 6

Karanga to Barafu

We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

Altitude4,035 → 4,673 m

Walking4 hrs

Distance6 km

HabitatAlpine desert

Day 7

Barafu Camp to UHURU PEAK . Down to Millennium Camp

We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

Altitude4,673 → 5,895 → 3790 m

Walking12–14 hrs

Distance17 km

HabitatArctic to rainforest

Day 8

Trek Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before our big celebration. Overnight in Moshi

Altitude3,700 → 1,640 m

Walking3 hrs

Distance10 km

HabitatRainforest

Day 9

Depart Kilimanjaro

The day is left free to rest and relax after a long, challenging week of trekking. You will be transferred to the airport to catch your morning flight back home.

Want this as a PDF to share with your group? Download the itinerary

Per person sharing, based on group size.

Group size Per person Note

1 climber $3,245 Private climb

2 climbers $2,963

3 climbers $2,685

4–6 climbers $2,570 Joining Groups

7-9 climbers $2,540 Best value

10+ climbers $2,460

What is and is not included

Read the short list, or open each line for the detail.

Included

All park, camping, rescue and conservation fees
Professional mountain guides and assistant guides
Porters carrying up to 15 kg per climber
Three cooked meals a day on the mountain, plus snacks
Filtered drinking water throughout the climb
Four-season mountain tents and sleeping mats
Private portable toilet and toilet tent
Pulse oximeter checks twice daily
Two nights hotel in Moshi, bed and breakfast
Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International (JRO)
Pre-climb briefing and kit check with your guide
Summit certificate

Not included

International flights to and from Tanzania
Tanzania visa (currently 50 USD for most nationalities)
Travel and medical insurance, including evacuation cover
Personal climbing gear and clothing (rental available)
Tips for guides, cooks and porters
Drinks and meals not listed in the itinerary
Personal spending, laundry and phone calls

Included in the price

All park, camping, rescue and conservation fees

Kilimanjaro National Park charges roughly 140 USD per climber per day in park, camping and rescue fees. Every one of those days is already in the price you see.

Professional mountain guides and assistant guides

Wilderness First Responder certified, licensed by the park authority, and paid above the Goverment recommended rate. One assistant guide for every two climbers so a descent never breaks up the group.

Porters carrying up to 15 kg per climber

Loads are weighed at the gate and again on the mountain. You carry a daypack with water, layers and camera; everything else moves with the crew.

Three cooked meals a day on the mountain, plus snacks

Cooked fresh at camp by a dedicated cook. Vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free are all standard if you tell us at booking.

Filtered drinking water throughout the climb

Collected from streams, filtered and treated at camp. Plan on three to four litres a day — dehydration is the quiet cause of most turn-arounds.

Four-season mountain tents and sleeping mats

Four-season expedition tents, two climbers per three-person tent, with a 5 cm foam mat each. Single tents on request at no charge.

Private portable toilet and toilet tent

Carried and serviced by the crew, at every camp. The public long-drops are the single most common complaint on budget climbs.

Pulse oximeter checks twice daily

Blood oxygen and resting pulse, morning and evening, recorded on a chart your guide reviews before each ascent day.

Two nights hotel in Moshi, bed and breakfast

The night before and the night after the climb, at a mid-range hotel with hot water, wifi and a pool. Extra nights are 60 USD.

Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International (JRO)

Met inside the arrivals hall with your name on a board, whatever time you land.

Pre-climb briefing and kit check with your guide

The afternoon before you start. Your guide goes through the route, the health checks and every item on the kit list, and sends you to the rental shop for whatever is missing.

Summit certificate

Signed at Mweka Gate, with your name and the date you stood on Uhuru Peak.

Not included

International flights to and from Tanzania

We can hold your climb dates while you look for fares. Fly into Kilimanjaro International (JRO), not Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania visa (currently 50 USD for most nationalities)

100 USD for US passport holders. Apply online before travel or on arrival at JRO; both work, online is faster.

Travel and medical insurance, including evacuation cover

Mandatory. Your policy must cover trekking to 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation. We check the certificate at the briefing.

Personal climbing gear and clothing (rental available)

Down jacket, sleeping bag, poles and boots can all be rented in Moshi from 10 to 60 USD per item for the whole climb.

Tips for guides, cooks and porters

Budget 250 to 350 USD per climber for the whole crew, pooled and handed over at Mweka Gate. Your guide explains the split at the briefing.

Drinks and meals not listed in the itinerary

Lunches and dinners at the hotel in Moshi, and anything from the bar.

Personal spending, laundry and phone calls

Bring small US dollar notes printed after 2009 — older notes are refused by most banks in Tanzania.

Downloads

Kit lists and trip documents

Everything you need before you book, in one pack.

PDF · 480 KB Kit list Every item you need, split into what to buy, what to rent in Moshi and what to leave at home. PDF · 620 KB Training plan A sixteen-week plan written by our guides for climbers starting from average fitness.

Reviews from this route

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 212 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Priya S 
 
 
 
 Verified A Memorable Safari - Thanks to the Wonderful Team at Ahsante Tours
We had a fantastic experience with Ahsante Tours on our Tanzania safari. Everything was well organized, and the trip went smoothly from beginning to end. Holyfield Edwin, our main contact, deserves special recognition. He was warm, professional, responsive, and incredibly helpful, patiently answering all our questions both before the trip and while we were on safari. When I accidentally left my Kindle at Rafiki Retreat in Arusha, he went out of his way to arrange for it to be retrieved and sent to Kigali, our final destination. That kind of personal attention really stood out. Our guide and driver for nine days, Aston, was equally outstanding. He worked incredibly hard every day, was always patient and professional, and made us feel safe on the road. His knowledge of wildlife and ability to spot animals were impressive—we saw the Big Five multiple times! Most of all, we loved his genuine enthusiasm. He seemed just as excited about each sighting as we were, which made the experience even more enjoyable. He was also considerate and unobtrusive, allowing us to take in each moment at our own pace. The accommodations were generally three-star, and we enjoyed most of the bush camps and hotels along the way. Ahsante also coordinated our Rwanda extension to see the gorillas through Mist Safari, which was another wonderful experience. Brian K., our contact in Rwanda, was super responsive and easy to communicate with. All in all, we were very happy with Ahsante Tours. The team was reliable, thoughtful, and professional, and the personal touches made a real difference. We would absolutely recommend them to anyone planning a Tanzania safari, especially if you value good communication, a knowledgeable guide, and a team that genuinely cares about your experience. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for a trip filled with wonderful experiences and memories we will cherish for years to come!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sam S 
 
 
 
 Verified Trip of a lifetime!
I went with Ahsante Tours via Explore on a trip to climb Kilimanjaro (Lemosho route) followed by safaris in Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. All the guides were very friendly and nice to talk to - I got along with all of them very well. For the Kilimanjaro climb, I was consistently impressed by how above and beyond all the staff went to make sure we had everything and we were comfortable. The level of care, service and concern for our health and safety was unmatched. For the safaris, our guide was very knowledgeable with what everything was and was amazing at spotting even the smallest animals in secretive hiding spots. I think this was the best trip of my life and I will always remember it incredibly fondly!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sophie N 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible
An incredible experience with the best team of guides and porters we could have asked for. They made it fun, interesting and ensured we were safe and happy at all times. I cannot thank Mussa, Joshua , Michael , Juma , Uhuru and the rest of the team enough for the trip of a lifetime. Thank you 🙏
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Blair T 
 
 
 
 Verified 10/10 review for a great company
Uk - Scotland based review. This is my second time using Ahsante tours and they can’t be faulted. I booked Kilimanjaro in 2025 with them and they were brilliant from the first initial contact. They planned out the trip according to my dates etc and were in communication throughout until I arrived. I used them again this year to book a safari trip for my partners birthday. Again, from initial contact their communication was excellent. I provided them with how I’d like my trip to look and executed it to perfection. We stayed with a Masai tribe before starting safari trip and this was a 10/10 experience. Would recommend. We thereafter visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara and then Serengeti for safari game drives. An experience that will last a life time that was made possible by using Ashante Tours. All accommodation we stayed in was clean, staff all friendly, food was good, all packed lunches provided for game drives and they were good as well. We had a safari guide Godwin, who was with us for 6 days. He was so friendly, so knowledgeable and just an overall really nice guy. Couldn’t have picked a better guide myself. The Weru Weru lodges, where you stay when booking with Ahsante is clean, good food and staff very friendly (both times). Would recommend anyone looking to book a trip to climb Kilimanjaro or safaris to book through Ahsante tours. Both times zero complaints. If I was to return to Tanzania I will use again. Ahsante to all - Ahsante Tour staff 👏🏻
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ukiyo 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect!
Professional, flexible, and friendly team. We spent 17 days with this company. From Kili to Safaris, everything was organized and managed to a perfection. Big thanks to Daniel, Benson and Derick.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Shabana S 
 
 
 
 Verified They didn’t just get us to the summit — they got us through Kilimanjaro
I don’t think you fully understand the importance of choosing the right Kilimanjaro team until you are actually on that mountain. We climbed with Ahsante Tours in September 2026, and there are moments from those days that I will genuinely never forget. Kilimanjaro tests you in ways that go far beyond physical fitness. There are long days, altitude, exhaustion, freezing temperatures, moments of complete awe and moments when your mind and body simply do not want to cooperate anymore. And during those moments, the people around you become incredibly important. Our Ahsante team were exceptional. The guides knew when to push us, when to slow us down, when we needed encouragement and when we simply needed someone beside us. The porters were absolute heroes. Watching how hard this team works while still greeting us with warmth, humour and encouragement every day gave me an entirely new level of respect for what goes into getting someone up Kilimanjaro. Summit night is where I understood it most. By that point, this wasn’t a holiday or even just a trek anymore. It was mental, physical and emotional. There were moments when reaching Uhuru Peak felt impossibly far away, but our team never stopped believing that we could get there. And we did. I stood at Uhuru Peak knowing that although my legs had carried me there, I absolutely had not got there alone. The organisation, food, camps and logistics were all handled extremely well, but what separates a good Kilimanjaro company from an unforgettable one is the people. These are the people who see you exhausted, cold, emotional and completely stripped of your usual comforts — and somehow keep you moving forward. To everyone at Ahsante who carried, cooked, guided, encouraged, laughed with us and quite literally walked this journey with us: asante sana. Kilimanjaro gave me one of the hardest and most extraordinary experiences of my life, and I will always be grateful that Ahsante Tours was part of it. Five stars, without hesitation. ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Heena K 
 
 
 
 Verified Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
My Kilimanjaro Experience with Ahsante Tours 🏔️ Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was something I wanted to do for the adventure, but the experience turned out to mean so much more than I expected. From the beginning, Ahsante Tours made the process smooth and well organised. The communication before the climb, the arrangements, and the preparation all gave me confidence going into the journey. The climb itself was challenging—physically. But having a supportive and experienced team around me made a huge difference. The guides were encouraging throughout the entire climb, constantly checking on us, reminding us to take it *pole pole*, and making sure we were comfortable and safe. The porters were equally incredible. Seeing how much they carried and how hard they worked every day gave me an entirely different appreciation for the people behind the climb. Summit night was by far the toughest part. It was cold, dark, exhausting and mentally challenging, but every step brought me closer to the goal. Finally reaching Uhuru Peak at **5,895 metres** was a feeling I honestly cannot put into words. After all the preparation, tiredness, doubts and long days, standing at the summit and knowing **I DID IT** was unforgettable. But what I loved most about this experience is that Kilimanjaro taught me things beyond climbing a mountain. It taught me to appreciate my comfort at home, to trust my body, to keep moving at my own pace, and to understand that sometimes you are capable of much more than you think. I am genuinely grateful to the entire Ahsante Tours team for being part of such an important experience for me. From the first step to the final descent, their support contributed greatly to making this journey memorable. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Duncan 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable trip (in a good way)
I joined an Ahsante group climbing the Kilimanjaro Machame route. Ascending isn’t easy, but the Ahsante team worked hard to maximise the chances of a successful ascent. Out of our group, nearly all managed to get to the top (something that isn’t usual). The guides were superb - supportive, very experienced and very friendly. Our team contained a medical doctor who was very reassuring and who was conducting research on the effects of altitude on the body. The Ahsante team are very welcoming, experienced and knowledgeable. The friendliness of the group, the stunning scenery and the Ahsante team made this an unforgettable trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   seangamage 
 
 
 
 Verified Life long memories.
Our experience was split into two parts. Firstly, the Ahsante team got me and my friend to Uhuru Peak. Nine days, Northern Circuit - absolutely amazing. Professional, supportive and fun; we could not have asked for more. After the climb, Ahsante got four of us from Weru Weru River Lodge to Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Central/Northern Serengeti. Knowledgeable guides, great camps - saw the Great Migration over the Mara River, lions, rhino, cheetah, elephant, zebra, crocodile, hippo, giraffe. Life long memories.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   mark s 
 
 
 
 Verified Safari-tastic!
Our 5 day Safari was amazing (if a little too long!) We saw such a great variety of animal life , and our drivers/ guides Godwin and Derek were very knowledgeable and could answer pretty much every question we asked, adding more information where they could. Godwin is a very skilled driver ( Derek is still training so not allowed to drive with customers) and handled those bumpy roads well. It was also great that he had car mechanic knowledge to sort out a few problems with our jeep along the way. They are both very professional but also friendly and we really enjoyed our time with them!

Frequently asked questions

Do I need climbing experience?

No. There is no technical climbing on any of our routes. What matters is cardiovascular fitness and the ability to walk five to seven hours a day for several days in a row. Most climbers train for three to four months beforehand.

What happens if I cannot continue?

An assistant guide walks you down to the nearest gate while the rest of the group continues. Every group carries oxygen, a first aid kit and a stretcher, and our guides do twice-daily health checks so problems are caught early.

When is the best time to climb?

January to mid-March is dry and clear with colder nights. June to October is the long dry season and the busiest window. April, May and November are the rainy months and we do not recommend them.

How much should I budget for tips?

Plan on 250 to 350 USD per climber for the whole crew, pooled and handed over at the end of the climb. Your guide explains the split at the pre-climb briefing.

Can you arrange a safari afterwards?

Yes. Most climbers add two to four days in Tarangire, Ngorongoro or the Serengeti. Tell us in your enquiry and we will price the combined trip.

Awards and certifications