• The Machame Route

    “You climb the mountain — we rise together.”

Kilimanjaro Trek – The Machame Route

Trek to the Roof of Africa through forest, moorland, and alpine desert. KAONE’s Machame Route — often called the “Whisky Route” — is a challenging yet deeply meaningful journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft). Along the way, experience lush rainforests, lava towers, glacier-capped peaks, and the quiet strength of the Tanzanian crew that supports every step. With full-service Comfort-level camping and space for shared stories and reflections, this climb honors both the path and the people.

    • Scenic, high-success route with built-in acclimatization and a well-paced ascent along Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful trail.

    • Expert Tanzanian crew with ethical treatment and porter support baked in

    • Chef-prepared meals, quality tents, and personal porter service

    • Daily moments for reflection, storytelling, or cultural connection

    • Post-summit gratitude ceremony and optional co-created summit journal

    • Full board throughout the climb

    • Tanzanian-owned with dignity and fairness at its core  

    • Crew-first model with fair pay and storytelling integration  

    • Comfort trekking with full logistical support and reflection built-in  

    • The journey is shared — every summit moment includes the people beside you  

    • Minimum age: 12 years  

    • Comfort level: Guided, full-service camping with personal porters  

    • Gear: Sleeping bags not included (available for rental)  

    • Best Season: June to October, January to March  

    • Optional Extensions: Arusha Forest Reflection Walk, Lake Natron, Safari Add-ons  

Itinerary

    • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)  

    • Warm welcome from KAONE staff and private transfer to your lodge  

    • Evening orientation includes an introduction to the guiding philosophy and how your journey directly supports a Tanzanian crew  

    • Optional reflection prompt: “Why did I come to the mountain?”

    • Accommodation: Comfort lodge in Arusha or Moshi  

    • Meals: Dinner included  

    • Full safety briefing and gear check with your lead guide and assistant  

    • Opportunity to meet select crew members and learn about their stories  

    • Optional soft cultural immersion (e.g., local market visit or artisan cooperative)  

    • Journal moment: “Who are the people I will walk with?”  

    • Accommodation: Same lodge  

    • Meals: Full board  

    • Effort Level: Light  

  • (1,800 m / 5,900 ft → 2,800 m / 9,200 ft)  

    • Drive to Machame Gate for registration and crew introduction  

    • Begin ascent through rich rainforest with endemic flora like Impatiens kilimanjari

    • Spot colobus and blue monkeys

    • Evening: Crew sets up camp and shares a short safety and intention update

    • Accommodation: Tent at Machame Camp

    • Meals: Full board

    • Effort Level: Medium

  • (2,800 m / 9,200 ft → 3,800 m / 12,470 ft)

    • Trek through heather and moorland with wide views of Shira Plateau  

    • Optional acclimatization walk to Shira Cave  

    • Evening story-sharing in the mess tent: a guide or porter shares their first memory of reaching the summit.

    • Accommodation: Tent at Shira Camp  

    • Meals: Full board  

    • Effort Level: Medium to High  

  • (3,800 m / 12,470 ft → 4,600 m / 15,100 ft, → 3,900 m / 12,800 ft)

    • Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend through alpine gardens to camp beneath the towering Barranco Wall.

    • Spectacular views of the Western Breach

    • Crew storytelling circle in the evening — hear personal summit stories 

    • Accommodation: Tent at Barranco Camp  

    • Meals: Full board  

    • Effort Level: High

  • (3,900 m / 12,800 ft → 4,000 m / 13,120 ft)  

    • Climb Barranco Wall (non-technical scramble) with support from crew  

    • Shared encouragement ritual before ascent  

    • Optional reflection prompt: “What am I carrying that I no longer need?”  

    • Accommodation: Tent at Karanga Camp  

    • Meals: Full board  

    • Effort Level: High

  • (4,000 m / 13,120 ft → 4,600 m / 15,090 ft)  

    • Trek through alpine desert with quiet focus  

    • Early dinner and rest at Barafu Camp  

    • Optional group intention-setting circle ahead of summit night  

    • Accommodation: Tent at Barafu Camp  

    • Meals: Full board  

    • Effort Level: High

  • (5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,100 m / 10,170 ft)

    • Early morning climb to Stella Point (5,756 m / 18,885 ft) and onward to Uhuru Peak

    • Watch sunrise over Africa — a moment of collective triumph  

    • Optional: Co-create a summit journal entry with guide/crew  

    • Descend to Barafu, continue to Mweka Camp

    • Evening gratitude circle or crew affirmation toast  

    • Accommodation: Tent at Mweka Camp  

    • Meals: Full board  

    • Effort Level: Very High

  • (3,100 m → 1,600 m / 5,250 ft)  

    • Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate

    • Receive summit certificate  

    • Optional: Crew lunch or storytelling tea (based on availability)  

    • Transfer to your lodge to rest and reflect  

    • Accommodation: Comfort lodge in Arusha or Moshi  

    • Meals: Full board  

    • Effort Level: Medium

    • Transfer to JRO Airport  

    • Optional: Cultural Capstone Walk with Tanzanian host before departure  

    • Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

  • International Visitors

    Standard pricing for travelers from countries outside the East African Community (EAC), based on non-resident national park fees.

    View Prices

  • International Family

    Designed for families where all members are International Visitors, ensuring a consistent pricing structure that mirrors national park adult and children rates for international visitors.

    Contact Us

  • EAC Citizen & Mixed Nationalities

    Available for nationals of EAC member states, requiring proof of nationality. This category also applies to mixed-nationality groups where at least one traveler is an EAC citizen, ensuring equitable pricing aligned with park regulations.

    Contact Us