The most well-traveled path on Kilimanjaro is the Machame route, sometimes referred to as the "Whiskey" route. Machame's appeal lies in its breathtaking scenery. However, mostly because of its shorter itinerary, the trail is regarded as difficult, steep, and convoluted. Therefore, people who are more daring or who have some expertise hiking, backpacking, or high altitude are better suited for this path. The journey starts with an hour-long drive from Arusha to Machame Gate, which is the southern entry point to Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 1: Moshi - Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)

Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft

Hiking Time:  5-7 hours

Distance: 11 km | 7 miles

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals: Full Board

We travel 45 minutes from Moshi to the Machame Route gate, where we meet our porter crew, finish park procedures, and begin our ascent! Through stunning, lush jungles, the first part of the ride climbs steeply. Because it is less frequently used, this walk may become slightly overgrown and is frequently muddy and wet underfoot.

Day 2: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Distance: 5 km | 3 miles

Habitat: Heath

Meals: Full Board

There are great views of the mountain as we continue up through the forest until we reach the difficult hike onto the Shira Plateau. In the distance, you can see Mount Meru rising sharply over the town of Arusha.

Day 3: Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Elevation: 12,598 ft to 13,044ft

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 10km |6.2 miles

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals:             Full Board

 

Now that we are walking on high moorland, the scenery completely alters the trek's character. After crossing the last portion of the Western Breach and the Lava Tower on Kilimanjaro's southwest flank, we arrive at the camp. Despite spending the day at an elevation of 4600 meters, we adhere to the mountaineering maxim "walk high, sleep low" in order to let our bodies adjust to the higher altitude.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Distance: 3 km | 2 miles

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Full Board

Our day starts by descending into the entrance of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeaster slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technically demanding but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten Glaciers, we head towards the Karanga Valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga Valley to our night’s camp at Karanga Camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong, we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 5 km | 3 miles

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Distance: 12 km | 7 miles

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals: Full Board

Around midnight, we set out on our arduous ascent to the peak glaciers. We will spend four to five hours climbing the scree, but in a short period of time, we will reach amazing heights. The vistas are breathtaking. When the sun's first rays reach us, we should be atop the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m). We are surrounded by amazing ice cliffs inside the crater, and the views of the rocky Mawenzi mountain and beyond are stunning. We trek for another hour to reach the summit of Uhuru Peak (5895m). Before making our way down to Millennium Camp for a lengthy, well-earned rest, we start our descent by going back to Stella Point, then descending on a scree slope and tracking back to Barafu Camp for breakfast.

Day 6: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m) - Moshi

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Distance: 10 km | 6 miles

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals: Half Board

After a leisurely walk through the jungle, we arrive at Mweka Gate, where we fulfil park requirements and are given certificates that you can proudly display! After being greeted by our cars, we head back to the hotel in Moshi, where you can have a warm shower.

PRICE INCLUDED

• Porterage
• Rescue fee
• Climbing gear
• Park fees (For non-residents)
• All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
• All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinking water (On all days)

PRICE EXCLUDED

• International flights (From/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips
• Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees