Overview
Conquer Kilimanjaro via the Scenic Machame Route
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and successful paths for climbers ascending Mt. Kilimanjaro. This 8-day trek offers scenic views, diverse landscapes, and a higher acclimatization success rate. On Day 3, the route allows you to “climb high and sleep low,” which helps with altitude adaptation, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Additionally, the summit attempt from Barafu Camp is less challenging compared to other routes due to reduced loose scree, making the final ascent to the crater rim smoother.
- Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights Safari
- Road
Medium
- Minimum Age
12 Years Old
Full itinerary
Day to Day Itineray
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or the shuttle bus stop, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
- Habitat: Urban
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi/Arusha
- Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Machame Gate (1,830m) to Machame Hut (3,050m)
After breakfast, you’ll be driven through lush farmlands to Machame Gate. After registration, begin the trek through the dense and humid rainforest, filled with wildlife sounds and the chance to spot blue monkeys.
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 1,830m to 3,050m
- Hiking Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5 hours
- Flora: Lush forest, ferns, and orchids
- Fauna: Blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, birds
- Accommodation: Machame Hut
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Machame Hut to Shira Hut (3,810m)
The trail leaves the rainforest and enters the moorland zone. Hikers will encounter rocky outcrops and magnificent views of Mount Meru. The path leads to Shira Hut, located on the Shira Plateau with stunning views of Kibo’s glaciers.
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 3,050m to 3,810m
- Hiking Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4 hours
- Flora: Giant groundsels, heathers, lobelias
- Fauna: Hyraxes, birds of prey
- Accommodation: Shira Hut
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Shira Hut to Barranco Hut (3,950m)
Continue across the Shira Plateau to Lava Tower at 4,400m before descending into the Barranco Valley. This part of the trek offers incredible views of Arrow Glacier and impressive geological features.
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Elevation: 3,810m to 3,950m
- Hiking Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 4.5 – 5 hours
- Flora: Sparse vegetation, giant senecios
- Fauna: Alpine birds, occasional rodents
- Accommodation: Barranco Hut
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Hut to Barafu Hut (4,600m)
Today’s hike includes scaling the Breach Wall with the help of your hands at certain points. You’ll be rewarded with striking views of Heim and Kersten Glaciers before reaching Barafu Hut.
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Elevation: 3,950m to 4,600m
- Hiking Distance: 9 km
- Hiking Time: 6 hours
- Flora: Sparse, hardy plants
- Fauna: Birds, insects
- Accommodation: Barafu Hut
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Hut (3,090m)
reach Stella Point and, ultimately, Uhuru Peak. After taking in the awe-inspiring views from Africa’s highest point, descend back to Barafu Hut and continue to Mweka Hut.
- Habitat: Arctic desert (at summit), alpine desert, moorland
- Elevation: 4,600m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,090m
- Hiking Distance: 19 km
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours to the summit, 3-4 hours descent
- Flora: Lichens, mosses
- Fauna: Minimal due to extreme altitude
- Accommodation: Mweka Hut
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate (2,000m)
The final day is a descent through the forested path, bringing you back to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll receive your certificate for reaching Uhuru Peak before transferring back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 3,090m to 2,000m
- Hiking Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
- Flora: Lush forest, tropical trees
- Fauna: Monkeys, tropical birds
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi/Arusha
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure or continue your Tanzanian adventure.
- Habitat: Urban
- Elevation: 800m – 900m
- Accommodation: Not provided
- Meal Plan: Breakfast
Looking for expert help planning your African safari? Meet Mr. Jackson Kitesho, our experienced guide! He’s ready to assist you step by step. Reach out via WhatsApp (text or call) or email for personalized support!
Includes
- Airport transfers and two-night hotel stay in Moshi
- Mountain transfers and sleeping bag
- Professional Kilimanjaro guides, porters, and cooks (salaries and park fees covered)
- Four-season, waterproof tents (twin-sharing) with sleeping mattresses
- Emergency oxygen and nutritious meals on the mountain
- Purified drinking water and mess tents with tables and chairs
- Kilimanjaro park fees, including conservation, camping, rescue, and 18% VAT
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Excludes
- Tanzania Visa Requirements
- International and Domestic Flights
- Personal Trekking Gear (e.g., hiking boots, clothing, available for rent)
- Tips and Gratuities for Kilimanjaro Crew
- Travel Insurance for Kilimanjaro Trek
- Personal Expenses (laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Meals Not Included in Itinerary
- Alcoholic Drinks, Beer, and Bottled Beverages