Kilimanjaro
The Machame Route
11 days
The Machame Route, also known as the Whisky Route, is considered one of the most scenic ways to climb Kilimanjaro, with stunning views of Mount Meru and Kibo along the way. Its varied altitude profile and carefully planned number of days provide excellent acclimatization. The descent follows the Mweka Route.
Norwegian tour leader: Monica V. Carter
Price: NOK 42,400
Day‑by‑day Kilimanjaro itinerary
Day 1:
Departure from Oslo.
Day 2:
Arrival in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport. The journey continues to the foothills of Kilimanjaro and the town of Moshi, where dinner and an overnight stay are included. The hotel offers a swimming pool and excellent opportunities for relaxation.
Day 3:
After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate (1,811 m), a drive of about 45 minutes. Here the group meets the expedition team: guides, cooks, and porters.
The first stage of the trek leads through lush rainforest, where black-and-white colobus monkeys are often spotted. The pace is kept relaxed to enjoy the surroundings and allow for acclimatization. A packed lunch is brought along, and there are several breaks during the hike.
Arrival at Machame Camp (3,021 m), beautifully located at the edge of the montane forest. Tea and coffee are served in the dining tent, followed by dinner, where the cooks often provide pleasant surprises.
Day 4:
The landscape opens up as the route continues into shrubland, and the true scale of the mountain becomes clear. Before lunch there are a few short, steep climbs, but the overall ascent remains steady and relaxed. After crossing a valley, the trail turns west towards Shira Camp. Following 5–6 hours of gentle hiking, Shira Camp is reached at 3,839 meters above sea level, where camp is set up for the night. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5:
The journey continues to Barranco Camp (3,839 meters above sea level). Although the day ends at almost the same altitude as it begins, it plays a key role in acclimatization. Along the way, the route passes Lava Tower, also known as “Shark’s Tooth”, at 4,650 meters above sea level. It is essential to maintain a slow, steady pace to allow the body to adapt to the altitude. After 6–8 hours of trekking, Barranco Camp is reached, with plenty of time in the afternoon to relax in the tent, take photos, or play cards in the mess tent.
Day 6:
The route continues today to Karanga Camp at 4,034 m a.s.l. The day begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, also known as the “Breakfast Wall”. This is one of the most impressive stages for watching the local team in action – it is fascinating to see how they move lightly and confidently across the steep, exposed terrain at this altitude. Today’s hike takes around 5–6 hours.
Day 7:
The journey continues towards Barafu Camp (4,662 m a.s.l.), the final camp before the summit push. Along the way, there are sweeping views of Uhuru Peak – Kilimanjaro’s highest point – from several different angles, a truly spectacular sight. The landscape is now barren and desert-like, with no natural water sources. After 6–8 hours of hiking, arrival at Barafu Camp is followed by dinner before turning in early to rest and gather strength for the night-time ascent to the summit.
Day 8:
Around midnight, everyone is woken, dresses warmly and, with headlamps on, begins the ascent towards the summit. The trail climbs in zigzags up a vast scree slope, and the pace is calm and steady. After 5–7 hours (approx. 6 km), Stella Point is reached at 5,756 m above sea level on the crater rim, where a spectacular sunrise and a sweeping view down into the crater await.
Those who still have energy continue along the crater rim for about one more hour to Uhuru Peak, the summit of freedom, at 5,895 m above sea level. Walking beside the glaciers and finally reaching the goal is an unforgettable experience. After a short photo stop at the top, the descent begins at a much faster pace. There is a break for food and rest at Barafu Camp before continuing down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight. In total, the walking time this day is 14–18 hours.
Day 9:
After a good night’s sleep and breakfast at Mweka Camp, the final stage down to Mweka Park Gate begins, a 3–4 hour hike through lush, green vegetation. Here the guides and porters are thanked for their outstanding efforts, and farewells are said.
Afterwards, there is a drive back to the hotel, where a hot shower and a well-deserved meal await.
Day 10:
After breakfast, departure for Moshi, a vibrant, medium-sized African town. Enjoy a short sightseeing tour, a visit to the local market and time for shopping. After lunch, transfer to the airport and the journey home begins.
Day 11:
Arrival in Norway.
NB: The tour may be carried out with minor adjustments.
Click here for contact/registration:
Upon registration, a deposit of NOK 3,500 is payable.
Contact Høyfjellspesialisten for more information.
Tel.: +47 478 63 522
hoyfjellspesialisten@gmail.com
Information about the trip:
Price includes: round-trip flight Oslo–Tanzania, all ground transport according to the program, Kilimanjaro trek, guides, porters, cooks, park fees on the mountain, and all meals during the trek. In Marangu, full board is included. Norwegian tour leader with a minimum of 6 participants.
Not included: Vaccinations, insurance and visa. Single room supplement. In general, beverages for personal consumption and tips for guides and porters (approx. 170–200$).
Language: Kiswahili and English
Visa:
Required for Norwegian citizens in Tanzania. A valid passport (also valid for the return journey) must be brought. Visa is purchased upon arrival (50$).
Currency:
Tanzanian shilling. 1$ corresponds to approx. 2500 Tsh. It is easiest to bring cash in USD, preferably small denominations for tips etc. Tips for guides and porters are given in USD. The price level is now relatively high.
Food and drink:
Bottled water can be purchased. Otherwise, boiled water is used for drinking. There are generally few problems related to food and drink on the mountain.
VACCINATION: For recommended vaccines, contact a vaccination clinic at least two months before departure. See
Useful travel advice can be found at: https://www.reisemedisin.no/
Shopping:
Makonde sculptures, batik and malachite figures. Bargaining is common.
If any issues arise, the tour leader will try to resolve them as best as possible.
Ps.: Any old mountain equipment that can be donated to the guides and porters after the trip is greatly appreciated.
TRAVEL TERMS for Kilimanjaro trip
1. Booking.
The booking covers the services agreed between the organizer and the traveler. Any subsequent changes or deviations must be confirmed in writing by the organizer.
2. Payment.
When booking, a deposit of NOK 3,500 is payable. The booking becomes binding for the buyer once the deposit has been paid, and the buyer accepts the travel terms upon booking. The tour operator is not bound until 1 week after the deposit has been received. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before departure. For bookings made later than 60 days before departure, the full price of the trip must be paid immediately upon confirmation of a place. Currency and price changes are reserved. Breach of the payment terms is regarded as a cancellation, and the places may be resold without prior notice.
Note: "Social Anthropologist Marit Andreassen Consulting Services" acts as an intermediary between the customer on the one hand and airlines, local agents and hotels on the other. The organizer can therefore not be held responsible for delays/cancellations or expenses in connection with accidents, injuries or theft. In the event of unforeseen incidents or force majeure, it may be necessary to make changes to the program, such as rerouting, changing means of transport, accommodation, etc. The organizer also cannot assume responsibility for injuries or illness that the traveler may incur during or after the trip, nor for damaged or lost luggage or valuables, but will provide all possible assistance based on the circumstances.
3. Travel/health insurance and cancellation protection The traveler is responsible for arranging travel/health insurance and any cancellation protection. Cancellation protection is often included in travel insurance. The cancellation protection must be valid from the time the trip is booked.
A defect
There is considered to be a defect in the trip if the traveler has not received the services included in the trip according to the organizer’s program.
The following are not considered defects: flight delays, natural disasters, labor disputes, power outages and similar circumstances beyond the organizer’s control (force majeure).
The organizer may cancel if:
I. there are not enough participants registered for the trip. Any cancellation by the organizer must take place no later than 14 days before departure. II. circumstances beyond the organizer’s control, such as war or similar conditions, make it inadvisable to carry out the trip.
When a trip is cancelled, the traveler is entitled to a full refund of the price of the trip.
Beyond this, the traveler cannot make any further claims.
5. Reservation regarding changes and errors in the description
All information is provided subject to changes in exchange rates, prices, departure times and hotels that may occur after the trip has been confirmed. It is also subject to possible printing errors, or that the program may be carried out in reverse order or with other variations that do not change the overall character of the trip.
6. Disputes and complaints
If disputes arise between the organizer and the buyer that cannot be resolved amicably, the buyer may bring the matter before the Consumer Council within 2 weeks after a response from the organizer has been received and the organizer has informed about the deadline. Complaints about defects related to accommodation, food, etc. must be made immediately to the tour leader or directly to the accommodation/restaurant.