8 days trip · 6 days on the mountain 95% summit success

6 Days Machame Route

Ahsante Tours is the #1 leading local tour operator for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, trusted by most agents. So why not book with us and experience the adventure of a lifetime?

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Machame Route Overview

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.

Did You Know? The Machame Route, known as the "Whiskey Route," is famous for its stunning scenery and diverse landscapes, from rainforest to glaciers!

Difficulty Challenging

Start point Machame Gate

Descent Mweka Gate

Gallery

Photos from the trail

Success rate on this route

Machame Route - Summit Success Rate

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.

95% summit success rate

20K+ successful summits in over 20 years

Why it is that high

Award-winning We're award-winning Kilimanjaro tour operators.

Luxury Luxury camping, food, tent, toilets and more

20K+ Successful summits Over 20K successful summits in over 20 years

Get help Get help choosing the best route for your team

Route map

Machame Route Map

Camps and altitude profile

Machame Gate1,817 m

Machame Camp3,021 m

Shira Camp3,830 m

Barranco Camp3,972 m

Barafu Camp4,640 m

Uhuru Peak5,895 m

Millennium Camp3,790 m

Mweka Gate1,630 m

Our experience on this route

Ahsante Tours' Experience with Machame Route

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.

Day by day

6 Days Machame Route Itinerary

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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. Meals: Dinner Only. Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge.

Day 2

Machame Gate (1,817m / 5,961ft) to Machame Camp (3,021m / 9,911ft)

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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Machame Camp

Altitude3,021 m

Walking6 – 7 hours

Distance10 km / 6.2 mi

HabitatRainforest

Day 3

Machame Camp (3,021m / 9,911ft) to Shira Camp (3,830m / 12,566ft)

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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Altitude3,830 m

Walking5 – 6 hours

Distance4.8 km / 3 mi

HabitatMoorland

Day 4

Shira Camp (3,830m / 12,566ft) to Barranco Camp (3,972m / 13,031ft)

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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Altitude3,972 m

Walking7 – 8 hours

Distance10 km / 6.2 mi

HabitatAlpine desert

Day 5

Barranco Camp (3,972m / 13,031ft) to Barafu Camp (4,640m / 15,223ft)

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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Altitude4,640 m

Walking7 – 8 hours

Distance8.5 km / 5.3 mi

HabitatAlpine desert

Day 6

Barafu Camp (4640m / 15,223ft) to Uhuru Peak (5895m / 19,340ft) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m / 12,434ft)

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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Altitude5,895 m

Walking12 – 15 hours

Distance13.4 km / 8.3 mi

HabitatArctic summit

Day 7

Millennium Camp (3790m / 12,434ft) to Mweka Gate (1630m / 5,348ft)

A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Accommodation is at the Weru Weru River Lodge on Bed & Breakfast basis. Alternative accommodation of the same standard will be provided if the primary accommodation option is unavailable. *For those on a lower budget, you can request for alternative accommodation at a lower price or no accommodation as part of the package.

Altitude1,630 m

Walking6 – 7 hours

Distance12.1 km / 7.5 mi

HabitatRainforest

Day 8

Depart Kilimanjaro

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. *We also welcome you spare an hour of your day to plant a tree, as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region. *Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania Meals: Breakfast Included.

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

Price per person, by group size

Private climb prices by group size. Joining a group departure? Secure your spot with a deposit of just €150 / USD 200 per person. The balance is due before departure — no full payment needed to confirm your dates.

Group size Per person Note

1 Adult $2,845

2 Pax $2,610

3 Pax $2,485

4-6 Pax $2,390

7-9 Pax $2,300 Joining Group

10+ Pax $2,130

Private climb prices, total cost per person. Available until 2 days before departure.

What is and is not included

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

Included

Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees & services
3 Season Mountain tents (double occupancy)
Sleeping Bag
3-inch-thick foam Sleeping Mat/Pad
Spacious mess tent with all tables and chairs for rest and dining
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Transportation to and from the airport
Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
Three meals daily while on the mountain
Katadyn filtered water throughout the trek
Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb
Fair wages for the mountain crew
Tree donation in support of our environmental conservation projects
Supplemental Oxygen tanks & Pulse Oximeter
1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent
Free of charge use of a storage room and a safe room at the lodge
Celebration dinner at the hotel after the trek

Not included

International and Domestic Flights
Visa
Tips to mountain crew
Single supplement
Rental Gears
Laundry Services
Travel Insurance
1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent for group sizes less than 4 people

Downloads

Kit lists and trip documents

Free Kilimanjaro Packing List with gear necessary for the hike and recommendations from Ahsante Tours Team

PDF Free Kilimanjaro Kit Checklist Free Kilimanjaro Packing List with gear necessary for the hike and recommendations from Ahsante Tours Team

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

What is the Machame Route?

The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is one of the most popular and scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a more challenging yet rewarding experience for climbers, with diverse landscapes and breathtaking views.

How long does the Machame Route take?

The Machame Route typically takes 6 to 7 days to complete. The additional day is often recommended to aid in acclimatization and improve summit success rates.

What is the success rate of the Machame Route?

The Machame Route has a high summit success rate of around 95%, making it one of the most successful routes for climbers. This is largely due to its "hike high, sleep low" acclimatization strategy.

What kind of accommodation is available on the Machame Route?

The Machame Route is a camping route, meaning climbers sleep in tents at designated campsites throughout the journey. Ahsante Tours provides all camping gear, including tents and sleeping arrangements.

What is the scenery like on the Machame Route?

The route is known for its diverse and stunning scenery. It begins in lush rainforests, passes through moorland and alpine deserts, and offers spectacular views of glaciers as you approach the summit.

Is the Machame Route crowded?

As one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro, the Machame Route can be busy during peak climbing seasons. However, its scenic beauty and high success rate still make it a top choice for climbers.

Awards and certifications