Arusha and Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro by the Machame Route: A Seven-Day Climb
Rainforest, moorland and alpine desert on the way to Africa's highest summit.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Destinations
- Arusha and Kilimanjaro
- Best months
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- Group size
- 1 to 12 guests
- From
- $2,200 per person
Overview
Rainforest, moorland and alpine desert on the way to Africa's highest summit.
Climbers call the Machame Route the Whiskey Route, and the trail threads from rainforest through moorland to alpine desert, which is a big part of its reputation. Many people rate it the most scenic way up Kilimanjaro. Seven days gives the body time to adjust, and the line over Lava Tower builds in a climb-high, sleep-low day that makes a real difference on summit night.
You are looked after throughout by experienced mountain guides, a porter for every climber, a cook and a camp crew, with rescue equipment carried as standard. Every night is spent under canvas, and apart from putting one foot in front of the other, the logistics are all taken care of.
- A route widely rated as the most scenic on the mountain
- Acclimatisation through Lava Tower before the summit push
- Experienced mountain guides and porters on every step
- Camping equipment and safety gear provided
Best forSolo travellersCouplesGroups
Wildlife radar
What you can expect to see
The best climbing windows are January to March and June to October, when the weather is driest and the skies clearest. June to October is the busiest and coldest at night, while January and February are warm with fewer climbers. The long rains of April and May and the short rains of November are best avoided.
- Blue monkeyHigh
Montane rainforest on the first day
- Black-and-white colobus monkeyRare
- Hartlaub's turacoHigh
Rainforest-belt birdlife
- BushbuckRare
Seen at the forest edge
Day by day
Your itinerary
Gallery
Along the route
Photo credits: Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Price
From $2,200 per person
Quoted per person sharing a double or twin room. The exact price for your level of stay, group size and dates is set out in your personal quote, and park fees can change, so the quote you accept is the price that applies.
What's included
- National park and camping fees
- An experienced mountain guide
- A porter team, with a dedicated porter for each climber
- A cook and camp crew
- All meals on the mountain
- Sleeping tents and a dining tent
- Rescue equipment
Not included
- International flights
- Personal trekking gear
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Hotel nights before and after the climb
Good to know
- The day-by-day plan above shows each camp, with distances and elevations for every stage.
- Rates are per climber on a camping basis, so no single supplement applies.
- Personal gear such as boots, warm layers and a sleeping bag is not provided. A packing checklist is available on request.
- Rates and availability can vary with the exact date within the climbing season.
- TANAPA, the Tanzania National Parks Authority, determines the Kilimanjaro National Park charges, and these can be revised without notice.
Questions
Good to know
Kilimanjaro by the Machame Route: A Seven-Day Climb
Tell us your dates and group size and we will confirm availability and a personal quote.