7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Group Joining | Machame
About this tour
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Roof of Africa with our 7-day Kilimanjaro group join tour via the Machame Route. Perfect for solo travelers, friends, and small groups who want to experience the thrill of conquering Kilimanjaro in a supportive, sociable atmosphere—without the cost of a fully private climb. The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is renowned for its beautiful scenery, varied landscapes, and excellent acclimatization profile, which increases your chances of reaching the summit. Over seven days, you’ll journey through lush rainforests, dramatic valleys, alpine deserts, and up to the iconic Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft)—the highest point in Africa. Led by Twende Africa Tours’ experienced local guides and supported by our dedicated mountain crew, you’ll share this once-in-a-lifetime challenge with fellow trekkers from around the world—forming friendships, sharing stories, and creating memories that last forever.
The second most popular and indeed one of the most beautiful routes up the mountain is the Machame Route. Also known as the Whisky Route, this trail is both longer and slightly more challenging than the Marangu Route. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. The route is better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route. Provided of its challenge about 80% of hiker makes to the summit of Africa.
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Moshi, Tanzania to Machame Camp, Barangata, Tanzania
The first day trekking begins at Machame Gate (1,640 meters). Typically you will drive from the town of Moshi to the gate, which takes approximately an hour. On the way you will get to see subsistence farming and the town of Machame. The first day trek on the Machame Route is a long one (~11km / 7miles) and takes approximately 5-7 hours to complete. We mostly supply packed lunch for this route and 2-3 litres of bottled water. This is the only bottled water you will receive. From here on porters will collect water from mountain streams. The day’s trekking ends at Machame Camp (2,835 meters) which sits near the border of the rainforest zone and the low alpine zone. By the time you arrive your porters will have already setup your camp and tents, and dinner will be served. Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 30 km) Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours (11 km) Ascent: 1200 m altitude: 3000 m Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Machame Camp, Barangata, Tanzania to Shira Cave Camp, Gilman's Point, Tanzania
On day two you will rise early, pack your gear and prepare for the trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters). The trek is relatively steep as you enter the low alpine zone which is characterized by moorlands and grasslands. Shira Camp 2 sits on a plateau which provides you with the first views of Kibo in the North-West and Mount Meru in the East. Day two takes approximately 4-6 hours and covers a distance of 5km / 3miles. Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours (5 km) Ascent: 850 m altitude: 3850 m Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Shira Cave Camp, Gilman's Point, Tanzania to Baranco Camp, Gilman's Point, Tanzania
Day three is a long and tough trek east off the Shira Plateau through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’, up to Lava Tower and the Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters and then back down via the Southern Circuit to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters). After lunch we will descend to Barranco Camp, following the ‘walk high, sleep low’ golden rule of acclimatization. Our descent to Barranco Camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The route is approximately 11km / 7 miles in length and takes 5-7 hours to complete. Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours (7 km) Ascent: 750 m Descent: 650 m altitude: 4600 m Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Baranco Camp, Gilman's Point, Tanzania to Karanga Camp, Tanzania
A short, but fun, day starting with a scramble to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. We then traverse over scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m) beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. We will stay overnight at Karanga campsite. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours (5 km) Ascent: 260 m Descent: 280 m altitude: 4210 m Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp, Tanzania to Barafu Camp, Gilman's Point, Tanzania
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours (4 km) Ascent: 670 m altitude: 4700 m Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Camp, Gilman's Point, Tanzania to Mweka Camp, Gilman's Point, Tanzania
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist, or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Hiking time: 12 – 14 hours (17 km) Ascent: 1295 m Descent: 2795 m altitude: 5895 m Accommodation: Camping Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp, Gilman's Point, Tanzania to Mweka Gate, Tanzania
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi for shower and then later our driver will pick you and be transferred to Moshi at the hotel of your choice and this will mark the end of our tour. Transport: Private transfer (0.5 hour, 17 km) Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours (10 km) Descent: 1300 m altitude: 3100 m Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Lindrin Lodge
What's included
Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Pre & Post Trek accommodation at Parkview Inn or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, or similar Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and 18% VAT on tour fees & services,s which cost nearly 55% of the total cost charged. 4 Season mountain tents Sleeping Mats Transportation to & from the mountain gate Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters 3 meals daily while on the mountain Filtered water throughout the trek Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO) A portable flush toilet can be provided for free upon the client’s request.
Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival, USA and CANADA passport holders USD.100 Personal Expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.) Hiking Gears Tips and gratuities to your mountain crew.
Languages spoken
What to know
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Parkview In hotel/Lindrin Lodge or Karanga River lodge in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at your arranged Hotel. Hotel is Bed & Breakfast basis. How to reach there: Transfer from you hotel and drive from Moshi to Machame gate which takes about 45 minutes passing the Machame village which cultivate bananas and coffee Depart Moshi Tanzania The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some gift before heading to the airport. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time. Hotel: Bed &Breakfast To visit Tanzania, you need a valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your stay) and a tourist visa. You can apply for a visa online before your trip or get one upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. However, getting it in advance is recommended to avoid long queues and potential delays. Visas typically cost around $50, although US citizens may pay $100. UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, and most EU citizens need a visa to enter Tanzania. You can also apply online at the Tanzania eVisa. Make sure to read the guidelines and ensure you are entering through an approved entry point. Where to obtain a Tanzanian visa In Dar es Salaam: The Office of the Director of Immigration Services In Zanzibar: The Office of the Principal Immigration Officer Abroad: Any Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission or via the Tanzania Immigration Services website Entry points to Tanzania: Any gazette entry point, including international airports, Zanzibar Airport, the port of Kigoma, Horohoro, Sirari, Tunduma, and Nagama Please be advised that, whilst we make every effort to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information, travel requirements can change quickly and sometimes without notice. We urge you to double-check the visa and passport requirements for your trip, and consult with an embassy or consulate.
Route & locations
Moshi, Tanzania to Machame Camp, Barangata, Tanzania