Embark on an unforgettable journey to the roof of Africa with this 8-day Kilimanjaro trekking adventure via the Machame Route. Known as the “Whiskey Route” for its challenging terrain, the Machame Route is a favorite among trekkers for its stunning landscapes and excellent acclimatization profile. This trek offers a diverse and scenic path that will take you through five distinct ecological zones, each offering its unique beauty, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts, culminating in the exhilarating summit of Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Moshi
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative. After a brief introduction and a refreshing bottle of mineral water, you will be directly transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you can rest and settle in. Later, our Kilimanjaro team will meet you at the hotel to provide a detailed briefing about your upcoming trek, ensuring you are well-prepared. Your stay tonight includes a bed and breakfast.
Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate (1490m) to Machame Camp (2980m)
- Hiking Time: Approximately 7 hours
- Distance: About 18 km
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Your day starts early with a briefing from the tour organizer and guides, followed by a 70-minute drive from your hotel in Moshi (910m) to Machame village (1490m). Upon arrival, the guides and porters will prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment. You will receive a packed lunch, and water can be purchased in the village. Depending on road conditions, you may drive to the Machame Gate, or walk the 1 km distance, which takes about 30 minutes. After registering at the gate, you will begin your ascent through the lush rainforest. The trail may become foggy, muddy, and slippery, especially if it rains. A lunch stop is scheduled midway, and you will reach Machame Camp by late afternoon. Your porters, who have arrived earlier, have set up your tent. In the evening, drinking and washing water will be boiled, and dinner will be prepared before you retire for the night. Expect night temperatures to drop close to freezing at this altitude. Full board accommodation is provided.
Day 3: Machame Camp (2980m) to Shira Camp (3840m)
- Hiking Time: Approximately 6 hours
- Distance: About 9 km
- Habitat: Moorland
Wake up early at Machame Camp and enjoy breakfast before starting your day’s climb. The trek begins with an hour-long ascent through the forest, followed by a two-hour gradual climb through the moorland zone. After a short lunch break, you will continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau. From here, you can enjoy views of the Western Breach and its stunning glaciers, as well as a westerly view of Kibo. By mid-afternoon, you will arrive at Shira Camp, situated at 3840m. Here, your porters will boil drinking and washing water, and dinner will be served. The night at this exposed camp will be significantly colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Full board accommodation is provided.
Day 4: Shira Camp (3840m) to Barranco Camp (3950m)
- Hiking Time: Approximately 7 hours
- Distance: About 15 km
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
This day’s route turns east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape surrounding the “Lava Tower,” where you will reach an altitude of 4630m after a 5-hour trek. Lunch will be served at a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630m). This will be the most challenging day so far, with some climbers possibly experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, such as breathlessness, irritability, and headaches. After lunch, you will descend almost 680m to Barranco Camp. The descent offers excellent acclimatization benefits, making it easier for your body to adjust to the high altitude. The two-hour descent to Barranco Camp also provides great opportunities to photograph the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, where you may witness a memorable sunset while waiting for dinner. Full board accommodation is provided.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3950m) to Barafu Camp (4550m)
- Hiking Time: Approximately 7 hours
- Distance: About 13 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After spending the night at the base of the Great Barranco Wall, you will start the day by ascending this imposing obstacle. Despite its intimidating appearance, the climb is usually easier than expected. After topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you will appreciate the stunning beauty of Kilimanjaro. The route then descends through the Karanga Valley, crossing intervening ridges and valleys before joining the Mweka route, which you will use during your descent. After turning left up the ridge, you will reach Barafu Camp after another hour or so. This is the final water stop, as there is no water at Barafu Camp. The word “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, and the camp is a bleak and inhospitable place to spend the night, with tents pitched on a narrow, stony ridge. Familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid accidents. Prepare your equipment, ski sticks, and thermal clothing for the summit attempt. Make sure to replace your headlamp and camera batteries and carry a spare set. To prevent freezing, it is advisable to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed around 19:00 to get some rest before the summit attempt. Full board accommodation is provided.
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp (4550m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka Camp (3100m)
- Hiking Time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka Camp
- Distance: Approximately 7 km ascent, 23 km descent
- Habitat: Stone Scree and Ice-Capped Summit
You will rise around 23:30 and, after some tea and biscuits, you will begin your ascent. Heading northwest, you will climb through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour walk to Stella Point is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m), you will stop briefly to rest and take in the magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From here, you may encounter snow on the two-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The time spent at the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Be cautious not to linger too long, as the cold and fatigue may make it difficult to continue. After celebrating your achievement, you will begin the descent back to Barafu Camp, which takes about 3 hours. Here, you will have a well-deserved rest and collect your gear before descending further to Mweka Camp. The route is not difficult and takes you down a rocky and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared. Full board accommodation is provided.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1980m)
- Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours
After a hot breakfast at Mweka Camp, you will begin your final descent towards Mweka Gate. The walk takes about 3 hours, and upon arrival at the gate, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Accommodation is provided on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 8: Airport Drop-Off
On this day, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Safe travels, and we hope you have enjoyed your Kilimanjaro adventure!
PRICE INCLUDES
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Mountain and Safari Special Camping fees
- X6 nights Full board Accommodation on the Mountain
- X2 night BB Accommodation at Kili wonders Hotel in Moshi
- Mountain Camping facilities tents, table, chairs, mess tent
- Mountain Rescue fees
- Mountain and Safari Guides
- Crew of Porters and Chef
- Evacuation fees (Flying Doctor)
- Local government taxes
- Transfers to and from the mountain gate
- clean water daily
- Lunch boxes
PRICE EXCLUDES
- International, and Local airfare & Visa fees
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- All items of a personal nature e.g. telephones
- Sleeping bag
- Personal trekking gears
- Travel insurance