Overview

Known as the “Whiskey Route” for its challenging yet rewarding nature, the Machame Route is one of the most scenic and successful paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). This 8-day adventure offers a gradual acclimatization profile, lush rainforests, panoramic ridges, and breathtaking views across the Shira Plateau and Lava Tower. Ideal for adventurers seeking a thrilling and picturesque climb, this route combines physical challenge with unforgettable beauty — all under the care of our experienced mountain guides and porters.

• Route: Machame Route
• Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Best For: Adventurers, photographers, and trekkers seeking scenic variety and good summit success rate
• Accommodation: Mountain Tents

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha / Moshi

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a pre-climb briefing and gear check with your mountain guide. Rest and prepare for your hiking adventure.

• Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi / Arusha

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,800m) – Machame Camp (3,000m)

Trek Time: 5–7 hours

After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration and meet your crew of guides and porters. Begin your hike through the lush montane rainforest, where you may spot blue monkeys and exotic birds.

Arrive at Machame Camp, situated just above the forest zone.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Machame Camp

Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000m) – Shira Camp (3,840m)

Trek Time: 4–6 hours

Today’s trek takes you out of the forest and into the moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily, revealing dramatic views of Shira Ridge and Kibo Peak. Reach Shira Camp, located on a beautiful plateau, and enjoy an evening above the clouds.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira Camp

Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,950m)

Trek Time: 6–8 hours

A key acclimatization day. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch, then descend through the scenic valley to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach greatly aids in acclimatization.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Trek Time: 4–5 hours

Start with the thrilling Barranco Wall climb — a highlight of the route! The path zigzags up the rock face with rewarding views. Continue through alpine desert landscapes to Karanga Camp, perched between valleys below Kibo Peak.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Trek Time: 3–4 hours

A short but steep hike brings you to Barafu Camp, the base for your summit push. Rest, eat, and prepare your gear for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Trek Time: 10–14 hours total

Summit Day! Start your climb around midnight under a sky full of stars. Ascend steadily to Stella Point (5,756m) and continue along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa!

Enjoy your moment at the top before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Departure

Trek Time: 3–4 hours

After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Drive back to Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and relaxation, or continue your adventure with a Tanzania safari or Zanzibar extension.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch