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Ascending Mt Kilimanjaro - Kilimanjaro - Machame Route, Tanzania
Ascending Mt Kilimanjaro  | Peter Brooke
Exploring around Barranco Wall - Kilimanjaro - Machame Route, Tanzania
Exploring around Barranco Wall  | Kyle Super
Camp with stunning views of Kibo - Kilimanjaro - Machame Route, Tanzania
Camp with stunning views of Kibo  | Natalie Tambolash

Kilimanjaro - Machame Route

The most popular Kili route with around 50% of all Kilimanjaro trekkers choosing this trail

Tanzania
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 1 review

9 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: KIM
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 9 Days
Activities
  • 7 day trek
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 6 nights camping
  • 2 nights hotel
Meals
  • 8 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

39kg of CO2-e PP per day

(313kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Kilimanjaro - Machame Route Trip highlights

  • Climb Kilimanjaro via the iconic “Whiskey Route” - a well established trail, offering a full mountain traverse and diverse scenery
  • Ascend the spectacular Barranco Wall (3950m/ 12,960ft), a dramatic and rewarding ridgeline climb with sweeping valley views
  • Celebrate your achievement with panoramic sunrise views across East Africa, at Uhuru Peak (5895m/19,341ft)
  • Descend a different route via Mweka Gate to complete a true traverse of the mountain

Overview

Known as the “Whiskey Route”, the Machame trail is Kilimanjaro’s most popular approach - and for good reason. Joining in Arusha and with seven days on the mountain, this route provides an ideal balance of challenging terrain, stunning scenery, and effective acclimatisation.

The trail starts out in lush forest, then climbing steeply to the Shira Plateau, crossing alpine desert and ascending the Barranco Wall - one of the most dramatic sections of the entire mountain.

From your summit camp at Barafu, the final ascent begins under the stars, reaching Stella Point (5756m/18,885ft) at sunrise, before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5895m/ 19,341ft) – the highest point in Africa. The descent via the Mweka Trail gives a fresh perspective and completes the full traverse.

While the trek requires no technical climbing, the trails are demanding and require a very good level of fitness. With the support of our experienced guides, ample acclimatisation time and a proven route design, this trek offers not just a summit – but a journey of accomplishment.

Itinerary

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Today is an arrival day. If you choose to fly into Kilimanjaro Airport we recommend a private transfer to Arusha where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at the Moivaro Coffee Plantation which has spacious rooms, a pool, and restaurant. This afternoon at 16:30 you will meet the rest of the group and your guide for a trip briefing.

Meals: D

After completing the necessary registration formalities, the climb starts from Machame Gate (1800m) and follows a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain, and also the zone from where 96% of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! We have lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing’, a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3000m). We may get our first closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. [6-8 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here, and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3840m) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt Meru floating on the clouds. [4-6 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900 m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4000m), the last water point on the way to the summit. There is plenty of time to rest, or for a short optional acclimatisation walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp. [4-5 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4600m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [4-5 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5735m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite Millenium (3800m). [11-15 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m). Here we sign out from the National Park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! Overnight at Moivaro Coffee Plantation. [4-6 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

In Arusha, after breakfast at your hotel, the trip arrangements end.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

14 scheduled departures between 21 Oct 2026 and 5 Feb 2028.

  • Departs 21 Oct 2026 – ends 29 Oct 2026 (9 days)
  • Departs 19 Dec 2026 – ends 27 Dec 2026 (9 days)
  • Departs 26 Dec 2026 – ends 3 Jan 2027 (9 days)
  • Departs 17 Jan 2027 – ends 25 Jan 2027 (9 days)
  • Departs 16 Feb 2027 – ends 24 Feb 2027 (9 days)
  • Departs 17 Mar 2027 – ends 25 Mar 2027 (9 days)
  • … and 8 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Park entrance fees (valued at US$968)
  • 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
  • 2 nights in 3-star hotel in Arusha on a twin share basis
  • 6 nights fully supported camping on a twin share tent basis
  • Group camping equipment including tent
  • Experienced local mountain guides
  • Cook and camp crew
  • Emergency oxygen

Not included

  • International flights
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Arrival and departure transfers in Arusha
  • Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls and laundry
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items not listed as included
Climbing Safely On Kilimanjaro - What To Look For
Climbing Safely On Kilimanjaro - What To Look For
Kilimanjaro Treks - What To Look For In A Quality Trek

Reviews (1)

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Guides and tour setup (camps, food, hygiene) were exceptional. The care the whole team took in guiding us to achieving our goal of summiting was extraordinary - the fact we all summited is due in no small part to our teams professionalism and commitment.

T. Anderson|Hunters Hill, NSW
18 Oct 2017

Extra trip info

Who will I travel with?AccommodationKilimanjaro PermitsWill My Trip Run?Why Book With UsWildlife Safari Safety
Group shot, 'African wilderness in comfort' trip | Peter Walton

Travelling with our local partners

This trip is run by one of our local partners, on a departure shared with travellers from other companies.

What's the benefit to you? More departure dates, and dates that reach their minimum numbers sooner, because bookings from several companies go into one group. Your guides live and work in the region.

Who is in your group? Expect a mix of travellers and nationalities, not only people who booked with World Expeditions.

What will we tell you when you book? We advise the name of the local partner at the time of booking, along with any terms of their own, such as an additional deposit. These apply alongside our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Travelling alone? On some partner-operated trips your own room is required. The room options on this page show which applies to this trip.

Camp with stunning views of Kibo | Natalie Tambolash

Camping on Kilimanjaro

Our camping equipment is of proven quality and specifically designed for use on Kilimanjaro. We provide quality Vango mountain tents that are rated as 3 person tents. Hence there is plenty of personal space and ample luggage storage area in the two porches. A limited number of these tents are available as single tents at a supplementary charge (reserve in advance). You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and mat.

Camping beneath the snow capped peak of Kilimanjaro | Chris Buykx

Camping on Kilimanjaro

Breakfast and dinner are served in our communal mess tent with folding chairs, tables and a solar light. This tent is also available for communal use in the afternoon and evening. We supply a private toilet tent on all camping routes as we have found that the long drop toilets maintained by the national park are of a sub-standard quality.

Trekking group starting our adventure at Londorossi National Park gate | Heike Krumm

Climbing Kilimanjaro requires a series of permits and national park fees set by the Tanzanian government. These costs apply to every climber and are included in your trek price when travelling with a licensed operator.

Fees typically include conservation fees charged per person per day inside Kilimanjaro National Park, camping or hut accommodation fees depending on the route, and mandatory rescue fees that support the park’s mountain safety services.

Additional summit or crater fees may apply on certain routes.

Because these fees are charged daily, the total permit cost increases with the number of days spent on the mountain. Longer routes therefore cost more to operate, but they also allow for better acclimatisation and a higher chance of reaching the summit.

All Kilimanjaro climbs must be arranged through a licensed operator and accompanied by registered mountain guides.This system ensures climbers are supported by trained staff and that park regulations, safety standards and porter welfare rules are followed on the mountain.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • We've been providing active and immersive adventures since 1975, setting the standard for responsible trekking.
  • Trek with one of the first companies to implement a formal Porter Welfare Policy on Kilimanjaro, including proper meals, gear, fair pay and medical care.
  • Be supported by highly trained local guides, certified in wilderness first aid and experienced in high altitude trekking.
Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Read more

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