9-Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route
The 9-Day Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it offers a longer, more gradual ascent that improves acclimatization and greatly increases your chances of reaching the summit.
You’ll trek through five dramatic climate zones—from rainforest to alpine desert and finally the icy summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). This is a fully supported camping expedition led by professional guides and porters.
Why Choose the Machame Route?
- One of the most scenic Kilimanjaro routes
- Excellent acclimatization profile (higher success rate)
- Gradual ascent designed for safer climbing
- Full camping experience in nature
- Experienced guides and support team included
Perfect for adventurous trekkers who want a rewarding challenge with strong summit success chances.
Quick Facts
- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Trekking Days: 7 Days
- Route Type: Camping (tents)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highest Point: 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
- Best Time: Jan–Mar & Jun–Oct
Who This Is For
This trek is ideal for:
- Fit beginners with hiking experience
- Active travelers seeking a real mountain adventure
- Climbers who prefer scenic, varied terrain
- Those focused on summit success, not just the climb
No technical skills required—just good fitness and determination.
Health & Safety
Your safety is supported throughout the climb by professional mountain guides.
- Daily health & altitude checks
- Oxygen saturation monitoring
- Emergency oxygen available
- Structured acclimatization schedule
- Clean water and nutritious meals provided daily
Summit Success Rate
The 9-day Machame Route offers a high summit success rate thanks to its longer acclimatization profile and “climb high, sleep low” approach.
Optional Add-ons:
- Flight from Oslo (+ NOK 8,500 – 20,000 depending on season)
What’s Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees (entry, camping, rescue)
- Professional guides, cooks, and porters
- All meals on the mountain
- Clean drinking water
- Camping equipment (tents, mattress, dining setup)
- Daily health monitoring
- Emergency oxygen
- Pre-climb briefing
- Luggage transport by porters
- Summit certificat
- Hotel before/after climb
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel & high-altitude insurance
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, clothing, poles)
- Tips for crew
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
- Optional portable toilet
- Extra nights due to weather or health delays
-
Departure/Return Location
Departures and returns available from all major European and American hubs -
Included
All accommodations (as per selected tier)All ground transportationAll meals during safariAll park entrance and conservation feesDomestic flightsSafari in private 4x4 vehicle with English-speaking guide -
Not Included
International flightsSafety equipment (first aid)Summit certificateTips & personal expensesTravel insuranceVisa for Tanzania
From our gallery
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport → Moshi
Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet our Lille Bille Safari representative. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi, with Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the town. Relax, settle in, and meet your guide for a full climb briefing and gear check.
Day 2: Moshi → Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800 m → 3,000 m
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
We begin our adventure at Machame Gate, where formalities are completed before entering the lush rainforest. The trail winds through dense vegetation filled with birdlife, towering trees, and moss-covered paths. As we gain altitude, the forest gradually thins, leading us to Machame Camp, our first night on the mountain.
Highlights: Rainforest scenery, tropical vegetation, first Kilimanjaro camp experience.
Day 3: Machame Camp → Shira Camp
Elevation: 3,000 m → 3,840 m
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Leaving the rainforest behind, we climb into the heath and moorland zone. The landscape opens up with sweeping views across the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. The gradual ascent supports acclimatization as we reach Shira Camp, set beneath Kilimanjaro’s western glaciers.
Highlights: Expansive views, Shira Plateau, changing landscapes.
Day 4: Shira Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,840 m → 4,630 m → 3,950 m
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
This is a key acclimatization day. We trek uphill to Lava Tower, entering the alpine desert zone, before descending to Barranco Camp. The “climb high, sleep low” approach helps the body adapt to altitude. Barranco Camp offers breathtaking views of the Barranco Wall and the Southern Glaciers.
Highlights: Lava Tower, alpine desert, acclimatization benefits, dramatic scenery.
Day 5: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,950 m → 4,035 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
After breakfast, we tackle the iconic Barranco Wall. With guidance from our experienced Lille Bille Safari guides, the climb is steady and rewarding. The trail continues across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, allowing time to rest and further acclimatize.
Highlights: Barranco Wall, panoramic views, shorter trekking day.
Day 6: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,640 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
We make a gradual ascent to Barafu Camp, our base for the summit push. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing equipment. After an early dinner, we rest before the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Highlights: Summit preparation, high-altitude environment, views of Mawenzi Peak.
Day 7: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Just after midnight, we begin our summit attempt. Guided step-by-step by Lille Bille Safari’s experienced mountain team, we ascend to Stella Point, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, we descend carefully to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Highlights: Summit night, Uhuru Peak, sunrise above the clouds, unforgettable achievement.
Day 8: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi
Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,640 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
We descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where your successful climb is celebrated and summit certificates are awarded. A transfer takes us back to Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and overnight stay.
Highlights: Rainforest descent, summit certificates, comfort and celebration.
Day 9: Moshi → Kilimanjaro Airport
