Kilimanjaro Machame Route

8 days—Challenge yourself on the 7-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route! Experience stunning landscapes, varied terrains, and a great chance of summit success.

$1750-1950 USD

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Safari summary

The 7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is famous for its stunning views, challenging terrain, and high success rates. This route offers a more gradual ascent, allowing better acclimatization for trekkers. It starts at Machame Gate and ends at Mweka Gate, taking you through diverse landscapes from rainforests to alpine deserts before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. It’s an exhilarating and rewarding adventure for any climber.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

Internal flights
International flights
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Kilimanjaro

Arrival: You will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where a Nafika Tours representative will welcome you and transfer you to your comfortable hotel in Moshi. Pre-Trek Briefing: In the evening, you’ll meet your guides for a full briefing about the upcoming trek and gear check. Meals: Dinner included.

Panama Garden Resort

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

- Distance: 11 km / 7 miles - Hiking Time: 5-7 hours - Habitat: Rainforest Your adventure begins at the Machame Gate. After completing park registration, you'll hike through the lush rainforest and climb to Machame Camp, surrounded by giant ferns and moss-covered trees. - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Machame Camp

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Kilimanjaro

- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles - Hiking Time: 4-6 hours - Habitat: Moorland Leaving the forest behind, you'll climb steep ridges and enter the moorland zone with views of Kibo Peak. You’ll eventually reach the Shira Plateau and settle at Shira 2 Camp, with spectacular views of the surrounding volcanic formations. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro

- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles - Hiking Time: 7-8 hours - Habitat: Alpine Desert This day is crucial for acclimatization. You’ll hike from Shira Camp to the iconic Lava Tower (4,630m), where you stop for lunch and admire the views. Afterward, descend to Barranco Camp, giving your body a chance to adjust to the high altitude. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro

- Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 miles - Hiking Time: 4-5 hours - Habitat: Alpine Desert Your journey continues with the thrilling ascent of the Barranco Wall. Though steep, it’s manageable and rewards you with spectacular views of the glaciers and valleys. After crossing various ridges and valleys, you arrive at Karanga Camp for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

- Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles - Hiking Time: 3-4 hours - Habitat: Alpine Desert Today’s hike is shorter but steep as you make your way to Barafu Camp, the base camp before the summit attempt. You’ll reach camp by mid-day, allowing time to rest, eat, and prepare for the midnight ascent. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Barafu Camp

Day 7: Summit Day! Descent to Mweka

Kilimanjaro

Your summit night begins around midnight with a steep ascent to Stella Point (5,756m), where you'll take a brief rest and watch the sunrise. Then, push on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! After celebrating, descend back to Barafu Camp for lunch, followed by a final descent to Mweka Camp for your last night on Kilimanjaro. The entire journey covers 15 km (9.3 miles) and takes 12-15 hours of hiking through arctic and moorland terrains. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles - Hiking Time: 3-4 hours - Habitat: Rainforest The final stretch of the Machame Route descends through lush montane forests. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will be presented with your Kilimanjaro certificate for your achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower and celebration dinner! Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included.

Mweka Gate

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