Machame Route Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(9,273 reviews)- Choose from 50+ Machame Route tours
- 750+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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Table of contents
- The best Machame Route tour packages
- What people love about Machame Route Tours
- 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
Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days *
46 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The crew looked after our welfare, ensuring that we were safe, comfortable, and well-fed. I appreciate all the luxuries, which were only possible due to the efforts of the team.”
Alana, 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 Operator Zara Tours (Zara Tanzania Adventures) From
- NZ$7,349
7 Days Machame Route - Kilimanjaro Climb with Top Notch Services
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We've had an amazing time and our guides(Emanuel &Robert) are top notch professionals.”
Daniel, traveled in July
The challenging 'Whiskey Route' features steep trails through rainforest to Shira Plateau. Hikers rest at six scenic sites including Machame Camp and Karanga Camp. Professional guides assist through technical sections like Barranco Wall before the midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak.
Duration 7 days Destinations Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Barranco Camp, Karanga, Barafu Hut, Lower Mweka Hut, Mweka Gate Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Kilimanjaro Heroes Adventures From
- NZ$3,237
Climb Kilimanjaro - Machame 7 Days + Free Chemka Hot Springs | Expert Guides & Eco-Certified
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were able to reach the summit as we had the best team of guides, the porters and cook. It is a one in a lifetime opportunity to watch sunrise from the top of Africa.”
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 10 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
- NZ$4,129
Kilimanjaro climbing machame route 7 days
124 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The summit climb is an incredibly challenging experience and John made this very do able for me.”
Alex, traveled in January
The popular Machame Route stretches from rainforest at 1500m through heath and moorland to alpine desert. Camp at strategic sites including Machame Camp (3000m), Shira (3840m), and Barafu (4600m). Navigate challenging sections like Barranco Wall before summit night's push to Uhuru Peak.
Duration 7 days Destinations Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Barranco Camp, Karanga, Barafu Hut, Mweka Gate Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Almighty Kilimanjaro From
- NZ$3,500
Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route 7 Days 6 Nights
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Migration Venture Africa provided exceptional service throughout my Mt. Kilimanjaro climb. Highly recommended!”
Mark, traveled in September
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
- NZ$3,498
What people love about Machame Route Tours
- Kilimanjaro climbing machame route 7 days
We did a day trek which is manageable even without any training just needed a longer rest periods.
- Kilimanjaro Machame Route 7 Days *
Excellent service was provided.
- Climb Kilimanjaro - Machame 7 Days + Free Chemka Hot Springs | Expert Guides & Eco-Certified
We went for a trip in Tanzania that consisted of five days Machame on Mt. Kilimanjaro and four day safari to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. We used Word Adventure Tours for the entire trip and they were amazing. Every aspect of the trip was planned perfectly by the company. When we arrived at the airport, Jasper of Word Adventure Tours, welcomed us to Tanzania and took us to Springlands hotel where we also met Jean our Kili guide. The next morning Jean and his assistant guide Moses took us (wife and me) to Machame gate where we met the rest of the crew that included six porters and one chef. I thought that the number was excessive for two climbers but I later realized that all the six porters were important to have. Our equipment and supplies were a lot and looked heavy. The entire team was very helpful and took great care of us. The chef made sure that we always had hot meals and snacks. The guides monitored our health closely to ensure we acclimatized to the rising altitudes. The safari with guide Faraji was amazing as well. He was really skilled and experienced. His incredible skills enabled him to show us all the members of the big five in two days. I highly recommend Word Adventure Tours to anyone who wants to have the experience of a lifetime.
Travel Machame Route your way
The Machame Route offers really solid Kilimanjaro treks ranging from 6 to 9 days, with our qualified guides and sustainability certifications setting the standard. Most people go for the 7-day option since that extra day makes a huge difference for getting used to the altitude - we see much better summit success rates when climbers take this route. Our travelers constantly mention guides like Mushi, Japheth and Frank by name in their notes back to us. You'll find your camp ready when you arrive each day, and the cooks manage to create proper hot meals even at high altitude. For experienced climbers or those short on time, the 6-day trek works well, though we do suggest going longer if you can. What makes these trips work so smoothly is the detailed equipment check and briefing in Moshi before you start, plus careful health checks as you climb. Our clients often tell us how much they enjoy learning about local culture, politics and Swahili from the guides while tackling the mountain. The 9-day route gives you the most time to adjust to altitude changes and explore the different environments along the way. Having your own chemical toilet and a proper mess tent for meals makes a real difference up there - it's practical stuff that matters when you're climbing this high. We keep the number of guides high compared to climbers across all our tours, so everyone gets the attention they need during the climb.
Select from our extensive range of 54 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Machame Route with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Machame Route. We have 23 adventures that vary from 1 days to 11 days. With the greatest number of departures in December, this is also the most popular time of the year.
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?
Group
66 tours in Machame RouteThere's something special about climbing Kilimanjaro with a group - our travelers always tell us how people bond over the shared challenge, especially when tackling tough spots like the Barranco Wall. Groups usually have 8-15 climbers with two or three guides making sure everyone can move at their own pace. The dining tent becomes this great social space where people swap stories over surprisingly tasty mountain food. Past clients often say their favorite memories come from celebrating together - whether it's joining the porters for songs at camp, supporting each other during the night climb or sharing that amazing moment when the whole group makes it to Uhuru Peak. The 7-day group trips have particularly good success rates since that extra day helps everyone adjust to the altitude and also gives the group more time together.
Small Group
35 tours in Machame RouteSeveral standout small-group tours follow the Machame Route, with groups of 8-15 climbers getting solid support from professional guide teams. One operator that our travelers often mention uses a smart system of two guides per group, so faster and slower climbers can each move at their own pace - particularly helpful when tackling the steep Barranco Wall. Another top choice includes bonus acclimatization hikes from Shira Camp up to Lava Tower before the main climb, which has pushed success rates at the summit significantly higher. The social side makes these tours special, with groups connecting over hot meals in proper dining tents, learning Swahili phrases and local history from guides, and sharing celebrations at Uhuru Peak during sunrise. Behind the scenes, dedicated teams make it all work smoothly - skilled cooks serve up three-course meals at high altitude, while porters not only handle the gear but also boost morale by singing traditional songs during the tougher climbing sections.
Private / Personalized
11 tours in Machame RouteEnjoy the exclusivity of our Private Machame Route tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace with over 11 itineraries to choose from.
Top Machame Route travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 7-day Machame Route has become a favorite among our climbers, and it's easy to see why. That extra day makes a real difference - you'll notice how the gentler pace helps your body adapt to the changing altitude. Your journey kicks off with a drive from Moshi, winding through local villages before you enter the misty rainforest at Machame Gate. Our local guides are experts at finding the right rhythm, with most groups taking 5-7 hours to reach the first camp. The middle section is where this week-long route really shines. After leaving the forest, you get a full day crossing the Shira Plateau, where the views of the Western Breach just keep improving. The team serves proper hot meals at every camp - something our travelers say matters a lot when you're dealing with thin air at 4,600 meters near Lava Tower. The guides do health checks twice daily and know exactly when to push on and when to take it slow. Summit day begins around midnight, and while it's definitely tough going, that extra acclimatization day makes the final push feel more doable. The guides have perfected their pacing system, getting most groups to Stella Point just as dawn breaks, then on to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. What makes these tours work so smoothly is the precise planning - from quality camping equipment, proper medical monitoring and also experienced local teams who understand every mood of the mountain.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Karanga, Barafu Hut, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Gate
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira Camp One, Barranco Camp, Karanga, Barafu Hut, Lower Mweka Hut, Mweka Gate, Karatu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Arusha
Demographics
The 6 and 7-day Machame Route works really well for people traveling alone. You get your own tent for privacy but there's also a great social side with group meals in the dining tent and walking together during the day. Our solo travelers tell us they love how the guides create this warm, welcoming atmosphere - you can chat with other climbers while moving at whatever pace feels right. The crew becomes like family over the week; porters teach basic Swahili phrases, share stories about life in Tanzania and make sure everyone feels included. The guides are good at reading the group, often splitting people into smaller teams so faster and slower hikers can both enjoy their day.
Couples tend to pick our 7-day Machame climb because it strikes this nice balance between private time and group experiences. You'll have your own two-person tent as your private space, plus dedicated guide support when you need it - especially useful on summit day when you might want to move at your own speed. The feedback we get from couples highlights how well the guides handle this mix: private moments for partners but also fun social time during meals and on the trail. Many mention really appreciating those quiet moments together, like watching the sun go down at Shira Plateau, while still having the support of porters setting up camp and cooks preparing hot meals throughout the day.
The 6 and 7-day Machame routes attract lots of younger climbers, from college groups and also young professionals who connect while tackling challenges like the Barranco Wall. Our crews know exactly how to match this energy - they teach local songs, share Tanzania's culture and wildlife stories and keep the atmosphere fun even during tough climbs. The younger crowd loves hanging out at camp, especially during group dinners where everyone talks about their day on the mountain. When the going gets tough, our porters and guides lift spirits with singing and cheering as groups make their final push to each camp.
Solo Travelers46 tours- Couples26 tours
- Seniors (50+)15 tours
Best time to visit Machame Route
- Fall / Autumn 2025
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 54 tours
- 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 56 tours
- 42 tours
- 35 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 33 tours
- 30 tours
- 30 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 32 tours
- 31 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
Tassanee
Expert in Machame Route at TourRadar
Tassanee 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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+64 4888 0182What 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.