The 6-day Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse terrain, the route provides climbers with stunning views of rainforests, alpine deserts, and glaciers on their way to Uhuru Peak.
This trek begins from the southern base of the mountain and ascends through lush forests, the Shira Plateau, and the Lava Tower before reaching the summit via the dramatic Barafu Camp route. Though physically demanding due to the steep sections and shorter acclimatization time, the Machame Route is well-suited for those with good fitness levels and determination.
Climbers on this route enjoy the benefits of the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which helps improve acclimatization and increases summit success rates. It’s the perfect choice for trekkers seeking a challenging yet rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
Can start any day
6 Days
Challenging
Private Tour
Customizable
Itinerary
Toyota Hiace
Minivans / Bus
Breakfast, Lunch
& Dinner
Kilimanjaro Int.
Airport
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our friendly team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi, the gateway to Kilimanjaro. In the evening, meet your mountain guide for a detailed climb briefing and gear check. Use this time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for your adventure. Overnight stay in Moshi.







Tulivu has always been in our hearts, even though opening a boutique hotel wasn’t something we initially envisioned. Our passion for hosting family and friends, creating unforgettable experiences, and sharing fine dining brought us so much joy over the years. Eventually, we realized this warmth and hospitality could be shared with others. That’s when the idea for Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat and Campsite was born.




Begin your journey with a trek through lush rainforest filled with birds and monkeys. The trail can be muddy, but the gradual ascent helps warm up your legs. Arrive at Machame Camp for dinner and overnight.
Climb out of the forest and into the moorland zone with spectacular views of Shira Ridge. The path gets steeper, but the stunning surroundings keep you energized. Arrive at Shira Camp for acclimatization and rest.
Today is a key acclimatization day. Ascend to Lava Tower for lunch and exposure to high altitude, then descend to Barranco Camp. The “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps prepare your body for the summit.
Start by scaling the Barranco Wall—an exciting and scenic climb. Traverse across alpine valleys before reaching Barafu Camp. After dinner and rest, prepare for your summit attempt, which begins just before midnight.
Begin your summit push in the dark, navigating steep switchbacks and scree to Stella Point, then on to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point. After photos and celebration, descend back to Barafu, then onward to Mweka Camp.
Descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. After receiving your summit certificates, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and celebration. Overnight in Moshi.







Tulivu has always been in our hearts, even though opening a boutique hotel wasn’t something we initially envisioned. Our passion for hosting family and friends, creating unforgettable experiences, and sharing fine dining brought us so much joy over the years. Eventually, we realized this warmth and hospitality could be shared with others. That’s when the idea for Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat and Campsite was born.




Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you’re continuing with a safari or Zanzibar beach holiday, we’ll assist with smooth connections. Your Kilimanjaro adventure concludes with a deep sense of achievement, new friendships, and incredible memories from Africa’s rooftop.
Private Toilet – $150 per trip
Enjoy added privacy and comfort with a personal portable toilet for your group.
Private Tent – $5 per day
Perfect for solo climbers or those who prefer not to share sleeping space.
Kailas X3 III Alpine Tent with Vestibule – $10 per day
A high-performance alpine tent offering extra space and weather protection. (Click here for specifications)
Thicker Sleeping Mattress – $10 per mattress
Upgrade to a thicker foam mattress for improved sleep and insulation.
Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pad – $15 per pad
A premium self-inflating pad for maximum comfort and warmth on the mountain.
Tipping is an important tradition on Kilimanjaro climbs. Your mountain crew—guides, cooks, and porters—work tirelessly to support you on the trek, and tips are a meaningful way to show appreciation for their hard work.
Tips are usually handed over at the farewell ceremony on the last day at the park gate.
It is best to place tips in an envelope and give them to the lead guide, who will distribute fairly among the team.
Tips should be in US Dollars (clean, undamaged notes) or Tanzanian Shillings.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary and greatly appreciated.
Larger groups usually share the tip equally among climbers.
If you feel service exceeded expectations, you are welcome to give more.
After climbing Kilimanjaro, explore Tanzania’s top parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire. See lions, elephants, and more in their natural habitat on unforgettable game drives and scenic landscapes.
Visit local Maasai villages, explore Chagga traditions, or join a coffee tour near Moshi. Learn about Tanzania’s people, taste traditional food, and enjoy music, dancing, and storytelling with locals.
Posted on kevinrscottVerified Cannot Say Enough about ETA!!! I truly cannot say enough good things about Explore Trekking Adventures and Martin’s entire team. From start to finish, this was one of the most incredible and a life-changing experience.Climbing Kilimanjaro is no small undertaking, and the professionalism, knowledge, and preparation of this team were evident every single day. They were extraordinarily organized, safety-focused, and deeply experienced. I always felt supported and confident in their guidance. Their expertise on the mountain — from pacing and acclimatization to encouragement on summit night — made all the difference.Beyond their skill and professionalism, what truly sets this company apart is the people. The entire team was patient, kind, and unbelievably fun. They created an atmosphere of camaraderie and positivity that carried us through every challenge. There was constant encouragement, laughter, and genuine care. They were invested in our success and well-being in a way that went far beyond expectations.Martin leads an exceptional group. His integrity, leadership, and attention to detail are reflected in every member of the crew. You can tell this is not just a business...it’s something they deeply believe in.Whether you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro or go on safari in Tanzania, I would recommend Explore Trekking Adventures without hesitation. They will always be my go-to team in Tanzania. Five stars are not enough.Posted on Jessica RVerified January Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek via Machame Route I had an amazing experience with Explore Trekking Adventures on a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Their team was nothing but amazing, from working out last minute travel logistics to caring for us on the mountain. Martin and his team are truly an exceptional group. I will absolutely be coming back to book one of their safari trips!Posted on Benjamin VVerified Exceptional Team for a Great Experience with Explore Trekking Adventure With Martin at the helm of Explore Trekking Adventure, this is a great option to achieve the ascent of Kilimanjaro and any other activities in Tanzania. We were able to reach the summit of Kili via Umbwe in 6 days; each day was remarkable thanks to an exceptional support: porters, chef, waiter, qualified guides... It was a human adventure with a rigorous and experienced team whose only objective and to make you live a beautiful experience coaching, health monitoring, .... Martin’s strength, through his background in education around tourism in Tanzania is his ability to recruit the right people to form a Great Team that will do everything to allow you to achieve your dream, as a couple, with family or with friends, in a quality atmosphere, far from the expeditions punctuated by marketing.One team, One Dream! A word of advice: do not prepare your ascent of Kilimanjaro without contacting Martin, Explore Trekking Adventure.Good preparation and great adventure!!Posted on gabriel tVerified Amazing, humbling adventure I cannot say enough positive things about this trip. I never anticipated the depth of emotion I experienced during it, continue to feel upon my return, and will likely carry with me for years to come. To imagine such a rich and meaningful collection of experiences compressed into so few days is truly remarkable.The care, confidence, compassion, and competence of Martin and the ETA team were unmatched and absolutely vital to the success of our journey. This was a rare treasure of mind-expanding, challenging, joyful, interesting, and deeply humbling experiences—one I will forever be grateful for.Asante sana, Babu Simba.Posted on Jamie DeFVerified Life changing This adventure was truly life-changing. Martin and the ETA team have a rare gift for blending exceptional skill and safety with genuine heart. I owe every bit of my success to their encouragement, attention to comfort, constant presence, and joyful personalities. Their singing and dancing carried us through even the hardest moments. Reaching the peak was unforgettable, but it cannot compare to the love and sense of safety I felt from those who quite literally carried me there. I will hold this experience with me forever.Posted on Sophia BVerified Telling Everyone I Know about ETA One of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Martin and his team were excellent, and I could not have successfully made it up the mountain without them (looking at you, Fred!). They provided not only support, but also delicious meals, safe lodging, and good vibes. Hakuna Matata.Posted on Lara PVerified A true gem in a touring company! I am very grateful to be able to join Martin and his team (Explore Trekking Adventures) now 2 years in a row! Their incredible team guided me and a group of medical professionals to a successful summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro on a medical education expedition. From start to finish, their level of safety, expertise, and thoughtful attention to detail was truly exceptional.As an ER physician, safety and preparation were paramount for our group. ETA's understanding of altitude physiology, acclimatization and route knowledge was impressive. They made sure to meticulously tracked each individual’s progress throughout the climb, adjusting pacing, rest and support to ensure that every member of our group had the best possible chance for a safe and successful summit. Martin and his team tailored this experience to our group. They are thoughtful, adaptive, and genuinely invested in their climbers’ well-being. For example, at altitude, many of our appetites understandably declined, and the team went to extraordinary lengths to make sure we were still properly nourished. One evening, they overheard us joking about craving pizza. To our absolute amazement, later that night our cook had prepared fresh pizza at altitude. They even made an impromptu cake when they discovered it was one of our members’ B day! That moment perfectly captured the heart of this group.The guides, cooks and every porter were outstanding. Their kindness, strength and pride in their work were evident every day. They functioned as a seamless team lifting us up both literally and figuratively. It is impossible to overstate how much their energy and encouragement contributed to our success.ETA gave us the preparation, confidence, and strength to make this climb a success. I trust them completely and feel so lucky to be able to work with this team. I will follow ETA to the ends of the earth and back!!Posted on Krishi KVerified One dream Great trip great team one dream nonstop to the top. Singing is especially memorable. Value safety, fun, summitting and amazing food.Posted on Valérie BVerified Unforgettable ascent How not to recommend E.T.A. who pampered us during our ascent of Kilimanjaro. ETA is a great team that houses us, feeds us, and guides us throughout the ascent. A discreet team of 47 people who we barely met while they were there so that everything was ready before we arrived on the base camps. Not to mention the small snacks with hot drinks that were offered to us during our trekking days.Success is due in part to the entire Martin team and its 47 porters.Thanks to ETA, we will all have an unforgettable memory of this adventure. Asante SanaPosted on Soline BVerified Hakuna Matata! An incredible and unprecedented experience! As president of the Kili Usher Association, Martin and his entire team took very seriously our project which was to accompany a group of 9 visually and hearing impaired. We were pampered, supported, supported, safe; while keeping their joie de vivre and good mood. It has been a real pleasure to have them with us and we are counting on them again for our next challenge in two years.You can go with your eyes closed!Soline and the whole team Kili UsherTripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 55 reviews,showing our latest reviews
For questions or booking inquiries, call +255 713 928 045 or contact us.
Explore Trekking Adventure (ETA) offers expertly guided treks, authentic cultural experiences, and responsible travel. With local knowledge, quality gear, and personalized service, ETA ensures safe, unforgettable journeys across East Africa.