Kilimanjaro Trekking

7 days—Kilimanjaro Trekking with Hilltop Travel – Your Ultimate Adventure- Machame Route

$1935-2750 USD

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Safari summary

The Machame Route, also known as the Whisky Route, is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro. This popular route winds through magnificent forests to gain a ridge, leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice Fields before joining the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be completed over a longer period and the incline is more manageable, it has a much higher summit success rate.
Duration: 7 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: High

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

Departing from Moshi, a 45-minute drive will take you through the village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle as many crews prepare for their journey. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Macahme Camp

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

Kilimanjaro

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route turns west and follows a river gorge until we arrive at Shira Camp. Temperatures begin to drop as we gain altitude.

Shira Cave Camp

Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro

Although we end the day at a similar elevation to where we began, this day is crucial for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo Peak, before heading southeast towards Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation: 4650m / 15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then descend to Barranco Camp for the night.

Baranco Camp

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley, where we will join the junction that connects to the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew as they zip over this wall with apparent ease. We will overnight at Karanga Camp.

Karanga Camp

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

We continue upward toward Barafu Camp. Once we reach Barafu, we will have completed the South Circuit, which offers breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. After an early dinner and some rest, we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Barafu Camp

Barafu Camp to Uhuru to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro

At midnight, you leave Barafu Camp, battling the cold and thin air as they ascend steep slopes towards Uhuru Peak. After hours of effort, the summit is reached at dawn, offering breathtaking views. After a brief celebration and photos, the descent begins towards Mweka Camp. The journey down is easier, with the temperature warming as they descend through the changing landscapes. By afternoon, Mweka Camp is reached, and you will rest, overwhelmed by the achievement of summiting Kilimanjaro.

Mweka Camp

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. Once at the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Enjoy a long-awaited hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and well-deserved relaxation!

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