Kilimanjaro Complete Trek Guide 2026-Machame Route
Start atMoshi
DifficultyChallenging
Ends atMoshi
ActivityWalking
TransporationPrivate Vehichle
AccomodationHotel & Tented Camp
Duration8 days
MealsHot Meals ( Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
Max Altititude5,895m
Best Seasons(June-Oct) (Dec-Feb)
Kilimanjaro Complete Trek Guide 2026-Machame Route
Climb Africa’s highest peak via the scenic Machame Route on this 7-day adventure. Known for its lush forests, moorlands, and panoramic summit views, this trek is ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Major Attractions
- Lush Rainforests: Dense tropical forests full of exotic plants and birds.
- Shira Plateau: Open moorlands offering panoramic views of Kibo Peak.
- Barranco Wall: Iconic scramble providing adventure and scenic vistas.
- Lava Tower: Unique volcanic rock formation at 4,600 m.
- Alpine Desert: Stunning rocky landscapes before the summit.
- Uhuru Peak Sunrise: Rewarding sunrise view from Africa’s highest point (5,895 m).
- Diverse Flora and Fauna: Unique ecosystems along the route, including rare highland plants.
Best Time to Trek
- June – October: Dry season with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
- December – February: Dry season with colder nights, fewer crowds.
- Avoid: March–May (long rains) and November (short rains).
Trek Difficulty
- Level: Moderate to strenuous
- Factors: High altitude, long trekking days (up to 16 hours), steep terrain.
Success Tip: Gradual acclimatization is crucial; Machame Route has a higher summit success rate due to slower ascent.
Weather and Climate
- Rainforest (1,800–2,800m): Warm and humid, occasional rain.
- Moorlands & Alpine Desert (3,000–4,500m): Dry, cold nights, sunny days.
- Summit Zone (4,500–5,895m): Extremely cold, potential snow, strong winds, freezing nights.
- Packing Tip: Layering is essential; bring waterproof and windproof gear.
Preparation Tips
- Train on hills, stairs, or treadmill for endurance.
- Do long hikes with a backpack to simulate trekking conditions.
- Acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before trekking.
- Consult a physician for high-altitude readiness.
Accommodation in City
- Moshi: Comfortable hotels with Wi-Fi, hot water, and meals.
- Options: Budget lodges, standard hotels, luxury hotels.
Accommodation During Trek
- Camps: Well-equipped tents with sleeping pads, tables, and chairs.
- Facilities: Dining tent, kitchen tent, and shared portable toilets (optional private toilets available).
Hotel Upgrade Option
- Luxury hotels in Moshi: Options with air conditioning, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, and spa facilities.
- Pre/Post Trek: Perfect for rest and relaxation before or after your climb.
Transportation Details
- Airport Transfers: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi hotels.
- Trek Transfers: Moshi to Machame Gate and return from Mweka Gate.
- Included: Private vehicles .
Permits and Entrance Fees
- Kilimanjaro National Park Entry Fees
- Camping Fees for all campsites
- Rescue and Environmental Fees
- Park registration at Machame Gate
Internet & Electricity / Phone Access
- City: Full mobile coverage and Wi-Fi at hotels in Moshi.
- During Trek: Very limited mobile coverage; satellite phones optional.
- Electricity: Charging facilities in camps are limited; power banks recommended.
Meals and Dining on Trek
- 3 hot meals daily: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Balanced nutrition: carbohydrates, proteins, fruits, and snacks.
- Special diets (vegetarian/vegan) can be accommodated with advance notice.
Drinking Water on Trek
- Boiled, filtered, or purified water provided at camps.
- Tip: Bring water bottles and purification tablets for hiking days.
Team Info
- Professional, English-speaking guides
- Trained porters and cook
- Daily health checks and oxygen support available
Trekking Equipment
- Provided: Tents, sleeping pads, dining tents, chairs, cooking gear
- Bring: Warm clothing, trekking boots, trekking poles, headlamp, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Know About High Altitude Sickness (AMS)
- Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue
- Prevention: gradual ascent, hydration, medication if prescribed
- Emergency: guides carry oxygen and can evacuate if necessary
Why Choose Everest View Treks & Expedition ?
- Experienced guides and porters
- High summit success rate due to careful acclimatization
- Quality camping equipment and support
- Safe and organized trekking experience
Who Can Participate?
- Healthy individuals aged 12–60
- Good physical fitness level required
- No technical climbing experience needed
Short Itinerary of Kilimanjaro Trek Via Machame Route (Summary)
Day 0: Arrival in Moshi
Day 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp
Day 3: Shira – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco – Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga – Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi / Departure
Health and Awareness
- Consult a doctor before high-altitude trekking
- Maintain hydration and nutrition
- Be aware of altitude-related risks
How to Reach Tanzania
- Fly: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Transfer: Private vehicles or shuttle to Moshi (approx. 1 hour)
Travel Insurance
- Mandatory for all trekkers
- Must cover high-altitude trekking, medical evacuation, and accidents
Tipping Culture
- Tips are appreciated for guides, porters, and cook
- Approx. $150–$200 per trek group suggested
Booking and Cancellation Policy
- 10% deposit to confirm booking
- Balance due 20 days before trek
- Cancellation fees vary by notice period; refundable if trek is canceled due to weather or permits
Fixed Departure Dates
| Trip Date | Seats Remaining | |
|---|---|---|
| October 1 - October 8 | 15 Seats Left | Book Now |
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania
- Activity: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Meet your representative and transfer to your hotel in Moshi for a pre-trek briefing.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
- Highlights: Check your gear, finalize preparations, and rest well for the climb ahead.
Day 2
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate (1,800m) and Trek to Machame Camp (3,000m)
- Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 m (3,937 ft)
- Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
- Overview: Begin with a scenic drive to Machame Gate. Register, then start trekking through lush rainforest. Gradually ascend to Machame Camp.
- Overnight: Machame Camp
- Highlights: Dense rainforest, exotic flora, first exposure to Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty.
Day 3
Trek from Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,850m)
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 850 m (2,789 ft)
- Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
- Overview: Start with a short, steep ascent out of the rainforest into open moorlands. Trek to Shira Camp with views of Kibo Peak and Shira Plateau.
- Overnight: Shira Camp (Shira Cave Camp)
- Highlights: Moorland landscapes, panoramic mountain views.
Day 4
Shira Camp (3,850m) – Lava Tower (4,600m) – Barranco Camp (3,900m)
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 750 m to Lava Tower, then descent 700 m to Barranco Camp
- Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
- Overview: Acclimatization day. Trek to Lava Tower (4,600 m) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp to adjust to altitude.
- Overnight: Barranco Camp
- Highlights: Lava Tower, altitude acclimatization, breathtaking highland scenery.
Day 5
Barranco Camp (3,900m) – Karanga Camp (4,200m)
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 300 m (984 ft)
- Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
- Overview: Climb the famous Barranco Wall, then trek through Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp, a shorter day to aid acclimatization.
- Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Highlights: Barranco Wall scramble, scenic valley and mountain views.
Day 6
Karanga Camp (4,200m) – Barafu Camp (4,673m)
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 473 m (1,552 ft)
- Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
- Overview: Trek across rocky terrain to Barafu Camp, the staging point for the summit push. Rest and prepare for the nighttime ascent.
- Overnight: Barafu Camp
- Highlights: Rocky alpine landscapes, summit preparation.
Day 7
Barafu Camp (4,673m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
- Distance: 17 km (11 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 1,222 m (4,009 ft) to summit, descent 2,815 m (9,235 ft) to Mweka Camp
- Trekking Time: 12–16 hours
- Overview: Start the summit trek around midnight. Ascend steep scree slopes to Stella Point, then Uhuru Peak. Descend to Mweka Camp after enjoying the sunrise.
- Overnight: Mweka Camp
- Highlights: Sunrise at Uhuru Peak, breathtaking summit experience.
Day 8
Mweka Camp (3,080m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m) and Drive to Moshi
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Elevation Loss: 1,440 m (4,724 ft)
- Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
- Overview: Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate, celebrate, and transfer back to Moshi.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi / Departure
- Highlights: Farewell celebration, certificate of achievement.
Day 9
Departure Day
Travel from Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport and depart with unforgettable memories and the satisfaction of achieving a remarkable adventure.
Includes/Excludes
- Two night Accomodation in Moshi (Before and After Trek)
- Airport Transfers and All transportation to and from the mountain.
- 3 Hot Meals a Day (Breakfast ,Lunch ,Dinner )
- Professional English Speaking Guide ,trained Porters and Cook.
- Quality Tents,Table ,Chair,Sleeping pads,Cooking equipment
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping fees, normal rescue fees.
- Summit certificates, daily health checks, and emergency oxygen
- Sleeping bags, trekking poles, personal clothing
- Health and travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips: Gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks
- Private Toilet : Portable toilet and special porter carry it and take care.
Photo Gallery
FAQs
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular routes on Kilimanjaro. It offers a gradual ascent, increasing your chances of successful summit, and takes you through rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and rocky alpine terrain.
The trek is moderate to strenuous. It involves long walking days (up to 16 hours on summit day), steep ascents, and high altitude. Good physical fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended, but no technical climbing skills are required.
The ideal times are:June to October: Dry season with clear skies and stable weatherDecember to February: Dry season with colder nights and fewer crowdsAvoid the rainy months of March–May and November, as trails can be slippery
No technical climbing experience is required, but regular exercise and hiking experience will make the trek easier. Training with hills, stairs, and long walks is highly recommended.
Most climbers take 7 days / 6 nights. This schedule allows proper acclimatization and increases the likelihood of reaching Uhuru Peak safely.
Accommodation is in well-equipped camps along the route, with tents, sleeping pads, dining tents, and shared portable toilets. Private portable toilets can also be arranged.
Three hot meals are served daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Balanced meals include carbohydrates, proteins, fruits, and snacks. Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan) can be accommodated with advance notice.
Yes, the trek provides boiled, filtered, or treated water at camps. Carry water bottles and hydration systems. Water purification tablets are recommended for extra safety.
Limited connectivity is available in Moshi and some lodges before/after the trek. During the trek, mobile coverage is minimal and electricity is limited. Power banks are recommended for charging devices.
Gradual acclimatization is key. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and climb slowly. Guides carry oxygen and will monitor health daily. If symptoms persist, descent may be necessary
Professional English-speaking guides lead the trek, supported by trained porters who carry tents, cooking equipment, and luggage. Meals are prepared by a cook at the camps.
Summit day is 12–16 hours of trekking, with steep slopes at high altitude. Cardiovascular endurance and leg strength are crucial. Training with long hikes and uphill walking is strongly recommended.
Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping fees, and standard rescue fees are mandatory. Your tour package usually includes all permits and park fees.
Yes, basic trekking gear such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, and jackets can be rented in Moshi. High-quality personal gear is recommended for comfort and safety
Trekking days range from 3–8 hours. Summit day is the longest, with up to 16 hours including ascent and descent.
Tipping guides, porters, and cooks is customary and appreciated. A suggested range is $150–$200 per group, depending on service and satisfaction.
Safety is the top priority. Guides may recommend descending to a lower camp if needed. You can still enjoy most of the route and receive support, including certificates for your trek.
A 10% deposit confirms your booking.The balance is due 20 days before the trek.Cancellation policies vary, and some refunds are possible if notice is given in advance or if the trek is canceled due to weather/permits.
Price Per Person
USD 2,399
Package Info