If Marangu is the "Coca Cola" route, then the Machame Route is the "Whiskey" route. It is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside.
It is done over 6 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the Mweka or Millenium camp the final night on the mountain.

Day 1 Nairobi – Moshi ( Approx. 6 Hrs Drive)
8.00 a.m. Depart for Moshi aboard the shuttle bus, lunch enroute. Spend the afternoon organizing any gear you may require for the trek. Overnight at Springlands Hotel on bed and breakfast basis. Lunch and dinner on own arrangement.

Day 2 Moshi – Machame Camp
Elevation (m): 1830m to 3100m
Distance: 18km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We now leave the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Day 3 Machame Camp- Shira Camp
Elevation (m): 3100m to 3840m
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira campsite.

Day 4 Shira Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp
Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876m / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860m / 12,664 ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

OPTIONAL DAY (at extra) Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.

Day 5 Barranco Camp - Barafu Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4600m
Distance: 13km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 13,779 ft), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Day 6 Barafu Camp- Summit(Uhuru peak 5895m) - Mweka Hut
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

Day 7 Mweka Camp - Moshi
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1830m
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.

Day 8 Moshi – Nairobi
After breakfast depart for Nairobi on the morning Shuttle arriving in the evening. Drop off at place of choice.

NOTE : Flights to Kilimanjaro Airport can be arranged(Return)

INCLUDED
Transport to & from the mountain ex Nairobi (Shuttle Bus)
Accommodation at Springlands Hotel BB (2nights)
Porters, Guide & Cooks Fee
Three meals a day whilst on the mountain
Accommodation in the mountain (Tents)
Camping fees
All park entry fees
Certificate of achievement

NOT INCLUDED
Tipping to the guide & porters, cooks
Personal climbing gear - clothing’s & rucksack
Personal travel insurance
Beverages & mineral water
Items of personal nature.


MOUNTAIN GEAR CHECK-LIST
A Racksack For Your Equipments - To Be Carried By Porters
Sleeping Bag [Mountain Type], Day Pack – For Your Personal Items
Hiking, Climbing Boots ,Camp Shoes, Trainers Not Sandals
Socks. 2 Thin Polypro Type For Quick Drying, 4 Thick Wind Pants, Wind shirts
High Gaiters, Warm Pants [Fleece], Jacket Or Pullover, 1 Rain Parka
2 Underwears,1 Hiking Shirt, Long Sleeve, 1 Bandanna
1 Warm Hat, 1 Hiking Shorts, Pants ,Balaclava, Fleece Neck Warmer
Headlamp, Bulb, Batteries, First Aid Kit, Pocketknife ,Sunglasses, Snow
Goggles ,Water Purification Tablets
Toiletry Item, Plus Sunblock, Lipsalve And Moisturizer
Walking Stick