Machame Route Tours & Trips
Think Kilimanjaro's Machame Route offers the best balance? Called "Whiskey Route,” Machame takes longer with better acclimatization. You’ll ascend via Shira Plateau, camping at Barranco with its wall to scramble, approaching summit from Barafu Camp. The route's scenic, has higher success rates, and descends differently than it ascends. Whichever route you choose, Kilimanjaro always delivers.
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Vasant • traveled in February, 2025
Guides were great. Very helpful and gave great pointers for hiking.
Climb Kilimanjaro - Machame 7 Days | Expert Guides & Eco-Certified - P
Paula • traveled in September, 2025
We reached the summit of Kilimanjaro using the Machame Route with Tanzania Wildlife Adventures in 6 days, which was 2 days quicker than we had initially planned. Our success is thanks to the incredible crew who accompanied us, the favorable weather throughout the trek, all coming together for our achievement. Our guides, Brian and Moses, were outstanding, knowledgeable, and friendly. The chef also did a fantastic job of keeping us well-fed the entire time. The route offered beautiful scenery, and we enjoyed great views throughout the journey. I was so impressed by Patrick who organized the last-minute trip to Ngorongoro and Tarangire with all the frills and support. I sincerely appreciate the support from Tanzania Wildlife Adventures and will share their contact information with my family and friends.
Kilimanjaro Machame Route 8 Days - H
Hefen • traveled in August, 2025
Climbing Kilimanjaro with guides Epa and Odas of Migration Venture Africa is an unforgettable adventure, entire team is bright, positive, and caring, filling the campsite with laughter and warmth. Epa is very knowledgeable and always make sure we are comfortable with the high attitude and coldness during the night. Without Epa’s help it’s hard to reach the Uhuru peak for us.
Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route 7 Days 6 Nights
Traveler Photos & Videos from Machame Route tours
PTPatrick
Kilimanjaro Machame Route 8 Days
WDWoon
6 Day Machame Route | Kilimanjaro Climbing
HHeather
Climb Kilimanjaro – Machame 6 Days | Expert Guides & Eco-Certified
Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route 7 Days 6 NightsHefen
MLMarie
Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days *
7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Trek - Unforgettable Adventure for All LevelsMartin
7 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Via Machame Route ( Kilimanjaro Trek Tours )Julie
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JHJo
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Machame Route 9 Days (all accommodation and transport are included)
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Table of contents
- The best Machame Route tour packages
- Travel Machame Route your way
- Best tour companies for Machame Route tours
- Machame Route tours for every type of group
- Top Machame Route travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Machame Route
- Machame Route travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Machame Route travel experts
- What our customers ask about Machame Route Tours & Trips
The best Machame Route tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaMachame Route travel expert at TourRadar
Climb Kilimanjaro - Machame 7 Days | Expert Guides & Eco-Certified
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“World Adventure Tours was perfect in all aspects of the trip. We were given fine mountaineering equipment and the chef made some of the best meals we ate in Tanzania.”
Olivier, traveled in June
The famous Machame 'Whiskey Route' leads through diverse ecosystems to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Camp at strategic points including Machame (3,100m), Shira (3,840m), and Karanga (4,035m). Professional guides ensure safety with 4.8/5 rating across 7-day summit attempt.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Karanga, Barafu Hut, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Gate Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator World Adventure Tours From
- US$2,360
Kilimanjaro Machame Route 8 Days
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The porters were also amazing as they helped out with the chores, setting up and breaking down camps, and all the heavy lifting.”
Melanie, traveled in August
The popular Machame Route rises from 1,800m through rainforest to rocky terrain. Scenic camping spots include Shira Plateau (3,840m) and Karanga Valley. The summit day features a pre-dawn climb via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Karanga, Barafu Hut, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Gate Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator Tanzania Wildlife Adventures From
- US$1,900
Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route 7 Days 6 Nights
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The guides were experienced and provided valuable insights about the mountain.”
Jack, traveled in December
The premier Machame Route offers expert guidance through varied terrain. Trek from Machame Gate through rainforest to moorland at Shira Camp. Challenge yourself on Barranco Wall before final push from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, with careful acclimatization at each stage.
Duration 7 days Destinations Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Barranco Camp, Karanga, Barafu Hut, Lower Mweka Hut Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Migration Venture Africa From
- US$1,900
6 Day Machame Route | Kilimanjaro Climbing
77 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Reaching the summit was an emotional and triumphant moment, and I believe that our successful ascent was largely due to the outstanding support from this incredible team.”
Lars, traveled in February
Starting at Machame Gate (5,400ft), the path rises through rainforest to moorland camps. Route features Shira Plateau crossing, Lava Tower visit, and Barranco Wall traverse. Culminates in summit attempt from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak at 19,345ft.
Duration 6 days Destinations Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Barranco Camp, Barafu Hut, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Gate Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Migration Venture Africa From
- US$1,650
6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Climb
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very Exciting Experience with Travel Africa Safari Agency.”
Vaitasalanbee, traveled in July
Trek Kilimanjaro's most scenic path from Machame Gate through lush rainforest to alpine desert. Camp at strategic points including Shira Plateau (3,850m) and iconic Barranco Wall. Experience 60% summit success rate with careful acclimatization before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Duration 6 days Destinations Arusha, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Barafu Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, Lower Mweka Hut Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Travel Africa Safari Agency From
- US$1,814
Machame Route - 7 Days
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Getting the right one is essential. TourRadar's Kilisa was very experienced and gave my son and I a truly first class experience.”
Cody, traveled in June
Follow the Machame Route's carefully planned ascent from 5,400ft through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert. Trek 47km over 7 days with stops at Machame Camp, Shira Camp, and Barranco Camp before summiting via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak.
Duration 7 days Destinations Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Barranco Camp, Karanga, Barafu Hut, Mweka Gate Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Kilisa Tours & Safaris From
- US$1,990
Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days *
50 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The climb was challenging but extremely rewarding. The food by Calisto, our chef, was outstanding.”
Anna, traveled in August
The popular Machame Route extends from rainforest through moorland to glacial zones. Journey includes camping at key sites like Shira Camp (3,840m), Barranco Camp (3,950m), and Barafu Camp (4,670m). Professional guides maintain 1:2 ratio ensuring personalized attention throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Karanga, Barafu Hut, Lower Mweka Hut Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Zara Tours (Zara Tanzania Adventures) From $4,200
50% Off- US$2,100You save $2,100
Climb Kilimanjaro – Machame 6 Days | Expert Guides & Eco-Certified
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was well organized and supported, with a variety of food and plenty of it.”
Lianna, traveled in February
The scenic Machame Route rises from rainforest at 1,800m through moorland to high camps. Diverse terrain unfolds over 6 climbing days, camping at Machame (3,010m), Shira (3,840m), and Barranco (3,960m) camps before summiting Uhuru Peak at 5,895m.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Barafu Hut, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Gate Age Range Ages 13+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator World Adventure Tours From
50% Off- US$1,965
7 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Via Machame Route ( Kilimanjaro Trek Tours )
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This an unforgettable experience. Gasto always checked in to make sure I was feeling okay.”
Annie, traveled in December
The scenic Machame Route begins at its namesake gate at 1,490m through lush rainforest. The path leads over the challenging Great Barranco Wall with camps at iconic sites including Shira (3,840m) and Karanga (3,950m), reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) via Stella Point.
Duration 7 days Destinations Arusha, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Barranco Camp, Karanga, Barafu Hut, Lower Mweka Hut, Uhuru Peak Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Serengeti African Tours From
50% Off- US$2,500
6 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour Via Machame Route
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food was excellent, 3 hot meals a day served beautifully always with more food than we could consume.”
Erick, traveled in January
The scenic 'Whiskey Route' climbs from Machame Gate (1,490m) through rainforest to alpine desert. Stay at strategic camps including Machame (2,980m) and Shira (3,840m) while acclimatizing. Culminates in challenging summit push via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Duration 7 days Destinations Arusha, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Barranco Camp, Barafu Hut, Mweka Gate Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Serengeti African Tours From
50% Off- US$2,640
Travel Machame Route your way
Best tour companies for Machame Route tours
From our experience arranging Kilimanjaro climbs, there are several excellent operators taking the Machame Route. World Adventure Tours gets consistently good feedback for delivering solid value - their pricing is competitive and our travelers often mention how dedicated their full support team is, from the guides right through to the cooks and porters. Spider Tours and Safaris has built a strong reputation too, particularly thanks to their guide Frank who really knows his way around the mountain. Their clients frequently highlight the professional approach and depth of experience the team brings to each climb. If you're after a bit more comfort, Almighty Kilimanjaro provides some nice touches like larger tents and proper three-course meals on the mountain. Their guides Justice, Augustino and Innocent receive regular mentions in customer reviews for their attentive service and genuine expertise. Hazzes Adventure brings together skilled guides with tasty mountain meals, which isn't always easy at altitude. Their clients often tell us the experience changed how they view themselves and what they can achieve. From what we see, all these operators maintain strong safety standards and know the Machame Route well. They each bring something different - whether it's luxury touches, exceptional value or standout guides - but they're all solid choices for taking on Kilimanjaro.
Machame Route tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Machame Route travel itineraries to fit your plans
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers34 tours- Couples18 tours
- Seniors (50+)13 tours
Best time to visit Machame Route
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter climbers will find some excellent Machame Route choices between December and March, with the 7-day treks getting particularly good feedback from our travelers. One top pick comes with qualified mountain guides and sustainability certification - their guests really connected with guides who shared Swahili phrases and local history during the journey. Another solid option starts at Springlands Hotel where you can rent any gear you're missing and get properly briefed before heading up. The winter support teams do an amazing job - porters have heated mess tents ready when groups arrive, and the cooks somehow manage hot three-course meals even in the cold conditions.
- popular 40 tours
- 37 tours
- 31 tours
- Spring 2026
The 8-day and 9-day Machame Route climbs get excellent feedback from our travelers, especially when it comes to guide expertise during spring months. These skilled teams navigate effectively through all five climate zones, with one particularly successful approach including extra acclimatization hikes from Shira Camp to Lava Tower before the main ascent, pushing success rates above 85%. The support crews show impressive organization, as porters set up heated mess tents in advance, while dedicated cooks manage to serve three-course hot meals even at the highest camps. Our clients often form strong connections with guides like Arnold and Sunday, who blend technical mountain knowledge with cultural elements, teaching basic Swahili phrases and offering local perspectives throughout the journey. The comprehensive camp setup features private toilet facilities, comfortable sleeping quarters and also welcoming dining areas where groups gather to share their daily experiences over remarkably well-prepared mountain meals.
- popular 35 tours
- 32 tours
- 33 tours
- Summer 2026
The Machame Route really shines from June through October when the weather stabilizes and more groups take to the mountain. Several 6-8 day options stand out, with our travelers especially loving one tour's smart approach to getting used to the altitude - guides take you on extra hikes from Shira Camp toward Lava Tower before the main climb. Another highly-rated choice gives you two guides per group, so faster and slower climbers can each go at a comfortable pace. The summer camping setups are particularly good with private toilet tents, roomy sleeping areas and dining spaces where everyone gathers for surprisingly fancy meals that the mountain chefs prepare fresh each day.
- popular 35 tours
- 35 tours
- 35 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
The Machame Route up Kilimanjaro offers excellent autumn climbing options, according to feedback from our travelers. An 8-day tour stands out for its smart acclimatization approach, with guides taking groups on bonus exploration hikes near Shira Camp and Lava Tower before tackling the summit push. Groups get two guides on another popular option, allowing hikers to naturally split into faster and slower packs while coming together for sociable meals in the mess tent. Tours depart from Moshi or Arusha, and experienced guides like Arnold and Sunday earn high marks for their steady support through tougher sections. The camping arrangements make these trips comfortable - you'll find private toilet facilities, generous sleeping quarters, and dining spaces where mountain chefs create fresh multi-course meals at high elevation. Our clients frequently mention the porters on autumn expeditions, who reliably have camp fully prepared when hikers arrive after demanding days of trekking.
- popular 35 tours
- 34 tours
- 31 tours
Machame Route travel guides - curated by our experts
The Machame Route: Success Rate, Difficulty & 6 Days Itinerary
Learn everything you need to know to prepare for attempting the Machame route. Discover the basics, use our packing list and study the training guide.
Best 10 Machame Route Tour Operators & Trekking Companies
Choose from the best tour operators & trekking companies for Machame Route with 11 reviews. Find the right tour company for your climb to Machame Route.
Contact our Machame Route travel experts
Esteban
Expert in Machame Route at TourRadar
Esteban is one of our seasoned Machame Route Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Machame Route tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Machame Route Tours & Trips
What's the difficulty level of the Machame Route?
The Machame Route's pretty challenging actually - you're looking at about 62 miles total with a serious climb from 1,800m at Machame Gate all the way up to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m that's around 4,000m of elevation gain. But here's the thing it's really well designed with this smart "climb high sleep low" approach where you go up and down strategically to help your body adjust. That's why it gets such great summit success rates around 85-90% which is pretty impressive for a challenging route.
How long does climbing Kilimanjaro via Machame take?
Most people go for either 6 or 7 days on Machame and if you're new to high-altitude hiking definitely consider that 7-day option. It gives you an extra day to adjust to the altitude which makes a huge difference - the stats from TourRadar show about 95% of people make it to the top on the 7-day trek.
What makes the Machame Route special?
They call it the "Whiskey Route" which is kind of fun - it's basically a playful way of saying it's tougher than the "Coca-Cola Route" on Marangu. But what really makes it stand out is how much variety you get. You'll trek through these amazing different zones from thick rainforest through moorland and alpine desert right up to the glacial summit. TourRadar climbers always rave about the views and you'll get to see some pretty incredible landmarks like the Shira Plateau Lava Tower and the challenging but exciting Barranco Wall.