Kilimanjaro Trekking – Machame Route (8 Days/7 Nights)
From
Duration
-
Time of Year
2023
Package Summary
The Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers gradual ascents through diverse landscapes—from lush rainforests to alpine deserts—and features stunning views of Shira Plateau and the glaciers on Kibo. While more challenging than the Marangu Route, it rewards climbers with breathtaking scenery.
Included/Exclude
- Airport transfer to Nakara Hotel in Marangu
- Accommodation at Nakara Hotel (Full Board)
- Transfer to Marangu Gate
- Park entry fees and hut accommodations
- Salaries for guides and porters
- Food and water throughout the expedition
- Accommodation at Outpost Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
- Return transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport
- International airfare
- Medical insurance
- Visa fees
- Tips for guides and porters
Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and after immigration and customs, you’ll meet your mountain guide and transfer to Outpost Lodge in Arusha. (Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast)
- Hiking Time: 7 hours
- Distance: 18 km
- Habitat: Rainforest
Start your day with a briefing, followed by breakfast. Drive 45 minutes to Machame Gate, where registration and preparations are completed. Begin your trek through dense rainforest to reach Machame Camp by late afternoon. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Hiking Time: 6 hours
- Distance: 9 km
- Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, ascend to the top of the forest, then continue through the moorland zone to reach Shira Camp on the plateau. Enjoy panoramic views of Western Breach and Kibo's glaciers. Overnight at Shira Camp. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Hiking Time: 7 hours
- Distance: 13 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s route heads into a rocky landscape toward Lava Tower. After a lunch stop, descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m), helping your body acclimatize to the high altitude. This is a challenging day, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Hiking Time: 7 hours
- Distance: 13 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Continue trekking over ridges and valleys to Barafu Camp, the final stop before the summit attempt. Prepare your gear, including thermal clothing and headlamps, for the nighttime climb. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 6-7 hours descent
- Distance: 7 km ascent, 15 km descent
Start your ascent around midnight. Climb through scree to Stella Point on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. After a brief celebration, descend back to Barafu Camp for rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Hiking Time: 3 hours
- Distance: 10 km
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, climbers receive their certificates of achievement before transferring to Arusha for an overnight stay at Outpost Lodge. (Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast)
After breakfast, depart for Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your onward flight.
Important Travel Documents: Passport, visa, travel insurance, immunization records, and cash/credit card.
Essential Items: Duffel bag (15 kg limit), day pack, sleeping bag, hiking poles, water bottle, waterproof clothing, thermal layers, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, and personal medication.
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