Experience the wonders of the renowned Machame route, famously known as the Whiskey Route, with Serengeti Heroes Safaris. This iconic trail, nestled amidst lush tropical forests and awe-inspiring landscapes, offers an unforgettable journey for adventurers of all levels.
Choose between our 6- and 7-day Machame route itineraries, each tailored to suit your preferences and capabilities. Our meticulously planned 7-day option ensures optimal acclimatization and summit success rates, making it ideal for trekkers seeking a memorable Kilimanjaro experience.
Traverse the diverse climatic zones of Kilimanjaro, conquer the legendary Barranco Wall, and marvel at the unique Dendrosenecio kilimanjari. However, exercise caution when considering the 6-day variation, which may pose challenges for inexperienced climbers due to its shorter duration.
Are you excited about spending the night under the stars, or do you prefer the comfort and protection of a hut? If hut accommodation is a must-have for you, then the Marangu route is your ideal choice, as it’s the only route that provides dormitory-style hut lodging.
At Serengeti Heroes Safaris, we prioritize your safety and satisfaction above all else. Join us on the Machame route for an enriching adventure in the heart of Africa’s wilderness.
Lemosho Route
The Kilimanjaro Machame route stands out as a favorite path to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. Renowned for its popularity and success rates, the 6-day route presents a considerably more demanding trek. It is advisable solely for seasoned trekkers with prior experience or individuals who have undergone robust acclimatization beforehand.
Along this journey, you’ll conquer the iconic Barranco Wall, witness diverse flora and fauna, and savor a majestic sunrise over the African plains from Uhuru Peak after the summit night.
Embarking from the South-West Kilimanjaro National Park gate, the Machame route unveils numerous highlights over seven days, including the majestic Barranco Wall, Shira Volcano, Lava Tower, Karanga Valley, scenic southern circuit vistas, Stella Point, and more. The descent via the Mweka trail promises additional stunning panoramas. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a novice, the Machame route’s scenic allure and comprehensive seven-day itinerary make it an excellent choice for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Join us on the Machame route for an enriching adventure in the heart of Africa’s wilderness.
For private climbs, please fill out the enquiry form bellow.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a representative from Serengeti Heroes Safaris will greet you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel included in your package. The hotel offers all the essentials for a comfortable stay, featuring cozy rooms, hot water, courteous staff, a refreshing swimming pool, and Internet access. An evening briefing with our managers will ensure you are well-prepared to commence your climb.
For private tour packages, shared airport transfers are included for your group. Additional charges may apply for individual transfers, so coordinating your group’s arrival and departure times can help avoid extra costs.
PLEASE NOTE: Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
In the morning, a guide and a mountain support crew will meet you at your hotel for a brief introductory session. Following this, you’ll embark on a journey by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s entrance at Machame Gate. Once there, you’ll complete the necessary formalities, including obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service. From Machame Gate, the trek to Machame Camp begins, passing through a lush rainforest where tropical showers are common. We advise packing spare clothes and a raincoat to ensure you’re prepared for any weather conditions on Day 1 of the Machame Route adventure.
PLEASE NOTE: The acclimatization hike aids in the acclimatization process, significantly enhancing the chances of a successful Kilimanjaro ascent and mitigating altitude sickness risks.
As it’s your first day at this altitude, adhere to the following guidelines:
– Refrain from consuming alcohol and caffeine.
– Hydrate with over 4 liters of bottled water daily, sipped frequently.
– Consider using preventive measures like high-altitude aid medicine to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness; consult your doctor beforehand for potential allergies or health concerns.
Nighttime may bring discomfort due to acclimatization to high altitude. Your body receives less oxygen during reduced nighttime breathing, potentially causing sickness or headaches. Be attentive to your body and inform your guide of any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours 
Distance: 5 km
Following breakfast, you’ll commence your ascent towards the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp. As you ascend, you’ll transition from the lush rainforest environment to breathtaking vistas of the Shira Plateau. While the trek itself is not overly strenuous, the change in altitude may be noticeable, so it’s important to listen to your body and maintain a suitable pace. Upon reaching Shira Camp, you’ll enjoy lunch and some relaxation time before embarking on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp, which involves a 400-meter (1,312-foot) elevation gain. After returning to Shira Camp, a hearty dinner will be served to replenish your energy for the journey ahead.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours Distance: 5 km
Change in Elevation:Hiking distance: 2 km Hiking time: 1-2 hours
Following breakfast, depart from Shira Camp and proceed towards the pivotal point of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,088 ft). This segment involves numerous ascents and descents culminating in a camp situated above 4,600 m / 15,088 ft. Certain sections of the trek may pose challenges, and you may experience some discomfort. However, spending at least 1–2 hours at this altitude is crucial for successful acclimatization, making it the ideal spot for your lunch break.
Subsequently, descend to Barranco Camp (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where the renowned Barranco Wall awaits, striking in both its massive size and steepness! While you’ll be conquering it the next day, rest assured that it features a straightforward hiking trail that is far from intimidating.
Trekking time: 6-8 hours Distance: 11 km
Today begins with an early rise, followed by a hearty breakfast to fuel your climb up Barranco Wall. To avoid congestion along the trail, we advise departing camp as soon as possible. Ascending the gorge wall is relatively straightforward and typically takes about an hour. Upon reaching the top, you’ll have the opportunity to rest and capture photos with the breathtaking backdrop of Kibo volcano.
Next, the journey continues with a more challenging trek to Karanga Camp. This leg of the hike involves several ascents and descents, but rest assured, our experienced guides will set a suitable pace for the group. Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, a warm lunch awaits. After a brief respite, the ascent to Barafu Camp begins, where a hot dinner will be served. It’s advisable to spend the remainder of the day recuperating and resting in preparation for the summit push later tonight.
Trekking time: 8-10 hours Distance: 11 km
At nightfall, your group will set out from Barafu Camp (4,673 m /15,327 f) for the ultimate summit push towards Kilimanjaro’s highest point – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). While technically straightforward, the ascent can feel taxing due to the altitude, requiring vigilance over physical exertion. To ensure utmost safety and support, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a personal guide throughout the ascent, closely monitoring their well-being. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, the pinnacle of Mount Kilimanjaro and the climax of the Lemosho Route, adventurers can opt to descend to the nearby glacier before returning to Barafu Camp for a brief 2-hour rest. Following this, the journey continues with a descent to Millenium Camp (3,950 m /12,956 f).
Kindly note:
It’s crucial to remain vigilant during the descent, as a majority of accidents, including toe injuries, occur during this phase.
Trekking time: 7-12 hours Distance: 15 km
Nestled within a lush tropical rainforest, Millenium Camp offers a serene backdrop as you awaken, greeted by a sense of relief from the descent and the exhilaration of summit success. Following a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on the journey towards the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m /5,379 f). Upon arrival, the entire group will gather to extend heartfelt congratulations, inviting you to share your reflections on the climb in the guestbook. Concluding the memorable adventure, you’ll be presented with commemorative certificates at our office before being chauffeured back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours Distance: 12 km
Relax at the hotel before transferring to the airport.
Kindly be advised that hotel check-out is scheduled for 11:00 AM. Should your flight depart in the evening and you require a late check-out, you have the option to extend your hotel stay for an additional fee.
Cost
Climbing Cost Includes
- All transfers Upon Arrival
- Hotel before and after the hike
- Camping equipment
- Meals during the Climb
- Professional guides and porters
- Oxygen tanks
- GPS Trackers
- All park fees and taxes
- Dedicated support team
- Safe room and storage room
- Environmentally friendly treks
- Medical check-ups
- Fully-loaded medical kits
- And in-company doctor
Climbing Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fee
- Tips to the climbing crew
- Personal gear rentals
- Single supplement accommodations during the climb
- Travel insurance
- Portable toilet
- Lunch and dinner in the hotel
Lemosho Route FAQ
Once dubbed the “Whiskey Route” due to its perceived difficulty, the Machame route on Mount Kilimanjaro has evolved significantly over time. While historically considered more challenging than the Marangu’s “Coca-Cola Route,” modern expedition organization has leveled the playing field. Recent data reveals that the seven-day Machame route now boasts notably higher summit success rates than any Marangu itinerary, debunking its former reputation.
These two classic itineraries are often compared due to their distinct features. Marangu stands out for its unique offering of overnight stays in dormitory-style huts, making it particularly advantageous for climbs during the rainy season, along with northern Kilimanjaro routes like Rongai 7. Both Machame and Marangu 6 are quite popular, with Marangu potentially even busier as it follows the same path on ascent and descent. However, this similarity limits the variety of landscapes experienced along the Marangu route.
Despite these differences, summit success rates are comparable on both routes, with approximately 86% of hikers reaching the summit. This figure is slightly lower than longer itineraries like Lemosho 7 or Machame 7, primarily due to the more challenging acclimatization profiles. If deciding between Machame 6 and Marangu 6, our recommendation would lean towards Marangu 6.
The Machame route offers two expedition options: a 6-day or 7-day trekking itinerary on the mountain. Please note that these durations do not include additional days before or after the expedition. A recommended timeframe of 8-9 days in Tanzania should be allocated.
Additionally, if you wish to complement your Kilimanjaro climb with a Tanzanian safari or an island vacation, we are more than happy to accommodate your preferences.
The Machame route’s 7-day variation presents an excellent option for beginners looking to summit Kilimanjaro, boasting one of the highest success rates. With a moderate difficulty level, the 7-day itinerary facilitates smoother acclimatization transitions. Conversely, the 6-day Machame route itinerary is recommended solely for individuals with significant high-altitude trekking experience and/or prior acclimatization.
Yes, the Machame route goes via the Barranco Wall. Despite its appearance, many climbers navigate it successfully, including seniors, without significant difficulty.
You will share a room with your travel companion during the trip, or, if traveling solo, with a same-sex traveler. Should you prefer a single room, please request a single supplement at your earliest convenience. Our hotels often reach full capacity, so securing your accommodation in advance is advised. Additionally, if you decide to descend earlier than planned, extra charges for any additional nights spent in our hotels will apply. Please contact your travel consultant to arrange a single room booking.
On the day preceding the climb, our managers will conduct an orientation briefing at your hotel, and our vehicle will pick you up to embark on your Kilimanjaro adventure.
During your adventure with Serengeti Heroes Tours & Safaris, our dedicated mountain chefs and waiters will ensure that you are well-fed with delicious and energy-rich meals. Our menu has been meticulously crafted with the expertise of a professional dietitian to provide hikers with the nutrition they need while delighting their taste buds.
Understanding that dietary preferences vary, we proudly offer a range of meal options, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free dishes. Simply inform your manager of your dietary requirements, and our mountain chef will happily accommodate your needs at no extra cost.
For breakfast, anticipate a hearty spread featuring porridge, eggs, sausages, local-style spinach (“mchicha”), and freshly brewed coffee or tea. Lunches typically include a variety of soups, stews, salads, and main dishes, while dinners feature flavorful soups, salads, stews, and a selection of chicken, beef, or fish entrees. Fresh fruits like mangoes, oranges, pineapple, and bananas are served after each meal to boost your vitamin intake.
We prioritize sourcing organic, locally grown produce and meat from nearby farms with certifications from the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA). By supporting small local farms, we ensure that our ingredients are always fresh, organic, and contribute positively to the local economy.
During the expedition, our mountain chefs handle all meal preparations except for lunch on the first day, which is provided by our restaurant chefs from the Hotel. This meal is packed in sturdy compostable packaging from an eco-friendly food packaging supplier.
While our chefs strive to maintain quality standards in challenging conditions, please understand that factors like inclement weather and camping constraints may occasionally affect the appearance and presentation of our dishes. Nevertheless, our team remains committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences amidst the demanding environment of Kilimanjaro.
During your journey with Serengeti Heroes Tours & Safaris, you’ll be guided by our exceptional team of Kilimanjaro mountain guides.
Extensive Experience:
Our guides boast a minimum of seven years of experience and possess in-depth knowledge of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s terrain, flora, and fauna.
Certified Wilderness First Responders:
Rest assured, all our mountain guides are certified Wilderness First Responders through Wilderness Medical Associates, an esteemed USA-based organization. This certification ensures they are well-equipped to handle any emergencies that may arise in the wilderness, providing you with peace of mind throughout your journey.
Compelling Storytellers:
Our guides are skilled storytellers, ready to captivate you with Kilimanjaro legends and tales while imparting knowledge about the mountain’s ecosystem and history. For those interested, they can also share insights into local culture, lifestyle, and customs. However, they understand the importance of solitude and will respectfully give you space to immerse yourself in nature when desired.
Dedicated Support Team:
Supported by a diligent team of porters, camp managers, and crew members, our guides ensure that every aspect of your expedition runs smoothly. From setting up camp to fetching water from mountain streams and transporting supplies, our support team works tirelessly to enhance your experience.
When embarking on your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure, essential personal gear such as hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking pants, thermals, and trekking poles are necessary. For a comprehensive list, please refer to our equipment checklist.
At Serengeti Heroes Tours & Safaris, our gear rental shop stands as the premier choice on Kilimanjaro, offering climbers access to all the necessary equipment for their journey. Our gear selection comprises top brands like The North Face, Black Diamond, RedFox, Columbia, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and more.
To streamline your rental process, simply provide us with a list of the gear you require in advance. Rest assured, we’ll have everything prepared for you prior to your arrival in Tanzania, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
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