What to Expert
Adventurous Kilimanjaro Machame Route 8 Days Trek
Kilimanjaro Machame Route 8 Days, affectionately known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approximately 50% of trekkers choose this route to ascend Africa’s highest peak, and for good reason. This trail offers spectacular vistas, ascends the Barranco Wall, and provides ample acclimatization opportunities. From lush rainforest to the Shira Plateau, trekkers are treated to scenic mountain views and varying landscapes. While the ascent does not require technical climbing, it is demanding, requiring a sound level of fitness. With seven days on the mountain, this route offers an excellent opportunity for a safe and successful climb, rewarding trekkers with a profound sense of achievement.
Your Itinerary
Day to day
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Arusha
Touch down at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the city of Arusha. Located close to the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is surrounded by lush greenery and is known as the gateway to Tanzania’s excellent national parks. Once settled at the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the city and discover its excellent food and drinks scene. Overnight stay in Arusha.
Accommodation Options:
Midrange: Under the Shade (BB)Luxury: Gran Melia (BB)High End: Arusha Coffee Lodge (BB)Day 2: Drive to Machame Gate and Start Climb to Machame Camp (3000m)
After completing the necessary registration formalities, the climb starts from Machame Gate (1800m) and follows a ridge through dense montane forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain and the zone from where 96% of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, especially in the dry season, this section is lush and beautiful; it can also be very muddy if it has rained recently. After lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing,’ continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3000m). [6-8 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Trekking to Shira 2 Camp (3840m)
An easy day to help with acclimatization and to explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Plateau. Walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut (3840m). This campsite offers stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are unforgettable. [4-5 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 4: Trek to Near Lava Tower (4550m)
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m), descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4000m)
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4000m), the last water point on the way to the summit. [4-5 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m) and Descend to Millenium Camp (3800m)
Start the ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. to be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags, and a slow but steady pace will take you to Stella Point (5735m) in about five or six hours. Rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. For those feeling strong, make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs. Descend to Barafu and continue to reach the final campsite Millenium (3800m). [11-15 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Descend to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Arusha or Airport
A sustained descent on a well-constructed path through the tropical forest, alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. The route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m). Sign out from the National Park before walking for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where the vehicle awaits. Return to Arusha for an overnight stay or transfer to the airport for your departure. [4-6 hours walking]
Accommodation Options:
Midrange: Moivaro Coffee Lodge (BB)Luxury: Gran Melia (BB)High End: Arusha Coffee Lodge (BB)Inclusions
- Arrival and departure transfers in Arusha
- 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Arusha on a twin-share basis
- 6 nights fully supported camping on a twin-share tent basis
- Group camping equipment including tents (sleeping bag and mat not included – can be hired locally)
- Experienced local mountain guides, cook, and camp crew
- Porters to carry personal and group equipment
- Park entrance fees valued at US$968
- Emergency oxygen
- Potable Mountain Toilet
Exclusions
- International or domestic flights
- Sleeping bags and mats
- Aerated and alcoholic drinks
- Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Tips
- Visa
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
