8-Day Conquer Kilimanjaro - the Scenic Machame Route
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Group Size
Max 12
Destination
Kilimanjaro
Type
Trekking
About This Safari
The Machame Route, also called the “Whiskey Route”, is one of the most beautiful routes. It is demanding and significantly more difficult than the Marangu route, but it offers better chances of reaching the summit due to its acclimatization options. This means that you climb higher during the day and descend a little again to spend the night. The Machame route is not only the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro, but it is also the most successful and popular hiking route on Mt Kilimanjaro.
Tour Highlights
Scenic landscapes and diverse ecosystems
Excellent acclimatization opportunities
High summit success potential
Iconic Barranco Wall
Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Challenging and rewarding trekking experience
Summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5,895 )
What's Included
Included
Porterage
Rescue fee
Park fees
(For non-residents)
All activities
(Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation
(Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation
(Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals
(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks
(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Not Included
Climbing gear
International flights
(From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Tips
(Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
Personal items
(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals
(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Photos
8-Day Itinerary
Karibu Heritage House
Arusha
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) / Arusha Airport (ARK)
Approx. 120 km
Approx. 2hrs
Arusha
01
Arrival in Arusha
Your adventure begins here—welcome to the start of your journey! Tomorrow, you'll embark on your climb of Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.
After a warm welcome and a chance to address any final questions, the rest of the day is yours to unwind and prepare. Take this time to relax and recharge—you have an exciting challenge ahead!
no meal plans
Activities
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Airport transfer to karibu heritage
Welcome briefing and final trek preparations
Relaxation and rest before the Kilimanjaro climb
Dinner is included; breakfast and lunch are not included.
Drinks are not included.
Ensure your hiking gear and personal belongings are ready.
Get enough rest and stay hydrated before the climb.
Your mountain guide will provide a briefing and check your equipment before departure.
Budget camping
machame gate
Arusha
Approx. 190 km
Approx. 2–3 hours
machame gate
02
Machame Gate – Machame Camp
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be driven to Machame Village, where your Kilimanjaro adventure truly begins. Upon arrival at the park gate, you’ll check in and finalize preparations for the climb. Your team of porters will organize the luggage, carefully loading supplies, including food, water, cooking gear, camping equipment, and a portion of your personal items—each porter carries up to 20kg.
You’ll then begin your ascent through the lush rainforest. This 18km section of the trek can be wet, muddy, and foggy, so prepare for potential rain. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as the playful colobus monkeys. Midway, you'll stop for lunch, and by late afternoon or early evening, you'll arrive at Machame Camp (2,980m). The ascent typically takes about 7 hours.
The porters and cook, moving ahead, will have set up your tents, boiled water, and prepared snacks for your arrival. As the night temperatures may drop to freezing, be ready for the chilly mountain air!
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Drive to Machame Gate and complete registration
Trek through the rainforest to Machame Camp
Enjoy lunch and dinner at camp
- Hiking time: approximately 7 hours
- Distance: approximately 18 km (as provided)
- Elevation: Machame Camp at 2,980 m
- Rain, mud, and fog are possible; bring waterproof clothing.
- All meals and drinking water are included; other drinks are excluded.
- Overnight: Budget camping at Machame Camp.
Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Cave Camp
Highlights
- Transition from rainforest to heathland
- Explore the scenic Shira Plateau
- Enjoy views of the Western Breach and glaciers
Activities
- Trek across streams and rocky ridges
- Explore the heathland vegetation
- Arrive at Shira Cave Camp and relax
Important Notes
- Hiking time: approximately 6 hours
- Distance: approximately 9 km
- Elevation: Shira Cave Camp at 3,750 m
- Walk at a steady pace and drink plenty of water.
- All meals and drinking water are included; other drinks are excluded.
- Overnight: Budget camping at Shira Cave Camp.
Day 4: Shira – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Highlights
- Explore the alpine desert landscape
- Visit Lava Tower at 4,630 m
- Experience the “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization approach
- Enjoy spectacular mountain and glacier views
Activities
- Trek from Shira toward Lava Tower
- Enjoy a packed lunch along the route
- Descend to Barranco Camp through dramatic mountain scenery
Important Notes
- Hiking time: approximately 7 hours, including the descent
- Elevation: Lava Tower at 4,630 m; Barranco Camp at 3,950 m
- Headaches and shortness of breath can occur at altitude. Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell.
- Follow your guide’s instructions and maintain a comfortable pace.
- All meals and drinking water are included; other drinks are excluded.
- Overnight: Budget camping at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp
Highlights
- Climb the iconic Barranco Wall
- Enjoy views of Heim Glacier and the surrounding mountains
- Trek through the Karanga Valley
- Prepare for the summit attempt
Activities
- Scramble up the Barranco Wall
- Continue trekking through the alpine landscape toward Barafu Camp
- Attend the summit briefing and prepare your equipment
Important Notes
- Hiking time: approximately 4–5 hours, as provided
- Distance: approximately 5 km
- Barafu Camp elevation: approximately 4,673 m
- The trail includes steep and rocky sections.
- Rest well, keep warm, and follow your guide’s advice before summit night.
- All meals and drinking water are included; other drinks are excluded.
- Overnight: Budget camping at Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Highlights
- Attempt the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa
- Witness sunrise over the African landscape
- Celebrate an unforgettable mountain achievement
Activities
- Begin the summit attempt around midnight
- Trek through steep scree and icy terrain toward Stella Point and Uhuru Peak
- Take summit photographs and enjoy the views, conditions permitting
- Descend to Barafu Camp and continue to Mweka Camp
Important Notes
- Ascent: approximately 8 hours
- Descent to Mweka Camp: approximately 7–8 hours, as provided
- The summit day is physically demanding and requires determination.
- Dress in warm layers and carry essential headlamp batteries, gloves, and water.
- Follow your guide’s instructions; descend if advised for safety.
- All meals and drinking water are included; other drinks are excluded.
- Overnight: Budget camping at Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Highlights
- Celebrate completing your Kilimanjaro climb
- Receive your official summit certificate
- Enjoy the beautiful rainforest on the descent
- Return to Arusha for a hot shower and relaxation
Activities
- Enjoy breakfast and celebrate with your mountain crew
- Descend to Mweka Gate
- Collect your completion certificate
- Enjoy lunch before transferring back to Arusha
Important Notes
- Hiking time: approximately 3–4 hours to the gate and village, as provided
- The descent can be slippery, so use trekking poles if available.
- Keep your knees supported and follow your guide’s pace.
- All meals and drinking water are included; other drinks are excluded.
- Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge.
Day 8: Airport Transfer
Highlights
- Comfortable transfer to the airport
- Conclude your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure
- Depart Tanzania with unforgettable memories
Activities
- Enjoy breakfast at the lodge
- Transfer to the airport for your departure
Important Notes
- Breakfast is included; lunch and dinner are excluded.
- Drinks are not included.
- Confirm your flight time with your tour operator to arrange the transfer accordingly.
- Accommodation is not included on this day.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 9 km
Approximately 7–8 hours
mount kilimanjaro
03
Machame Camp – Shira Cave Camp
After breakfast, you’ll begin a 6-hour ascent, leaving the rainforest behind as you enter the unique heathland vegetation. Along the 9-kilometre hike, you’ll cross several streams and trek over a rocky ridge on the Shira Plateau, eventually reaching Shira Cave Camp (3,750m). From the campsite, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Western Breach and its glaciers to the east.
Just like the first night, your tents will be set up before you arrive, and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water. You’ll enjoy some snacks before a delicious dinner, freshly prepared by our chef.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Transition from rainforest to heathland
Explore the scenic Shira Plateau
Enjoy views of the Western Breach and glaciers
Hiking time: approximately 6 hours
Distance: approximately 9 km
Elevation: Shira Cave Camp at 3,750 m
Walk at a steady pace and drink plenty of water.
All meals and drinking water are included; other drinks are excluded
Overnight: Budget camping at Shira Cave Camp.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx. 7km
Approx. 4–5 hours
mount kilimanjaro
04
Shira – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Today, you’ll leave the moorland behind and enter the semi-desert and rocky landscape. After a 5-hour trek eastward, you'll reach the impressive Lava Tower (4,630m). Here, packed lunches will be served, and if the weather permits, you'll have the opportunity to climb the massive lava tower. By this stage, it’s common to start feeling the effects of altitude, such as headaches and shortness of breath.
After lunch, you’ll descend from Lava Tower (4,630m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m), a key point in the trek for acclimatization. This 680m descent helps your body adjust to the altitude. The descent takes around 2 hours and offers stunning views as you approach the camp, which sits in a valley below the towering Breach and the Great Barranco Wall, also known as the "Breakfast Wall." As the day winds down, you’ll enjoy dinner while watching the sunset over the landscape.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Trek from Shira toward Lava Tower
Enjoy a packed lunch along the route
Descend to Barranco Camp through dramatic mountain scenery
Hiking time: approximately 7 hours, including the descent
Elevation: Lava Tower at 4,630 m; Barranco Camp at 3,950 m
Headaches and shortness of breath can occur at altitude. Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell.
Follow your guide’s instructions and maintain a comfortable pace.
All meals and drinking water are included; other drinks are excluded.
Overnight: Budget camping at Barranco Camp.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
approx 7
Approx. 4–5 hours
mount kilimanjaro
05
Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp
After breakfast, it’s time to tackle the famous Great Barranco Wall! While it may seem intimidating at first, many hikers find this Grade 2 scramble much easier than expected. At the top, you'll be rewarded with views of Heim Glacier and find yourself above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down the Karanga Valley, offering an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. The 5-kilometre hike typically takes 4 to 5 hours. If you’re struggling with the altitude, there’s the option to add an acclimatization day at Karanga Camp, which is why booking the 7-day tour is recommended.
The name “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, and this camp sits on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to winds and rocks, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the camp before darkness falls. An early dinner will be served, allowing you to rest before the summit attempt later that night. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing on how to prepare for the challenging summit night ahead.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Scramble up the Barranco Wall
Continue trekking through the alpine landscape toward Barafu Camp
Attend the summit briefing and prepare your equipment
Hiking time: approximately 4–5 hours, as provided
Distance: approximately 5 km
Barafu Camp elevation: approximately 4,673 m
The trail includes steep and rocky sections.
Rest well, keep warm, and follow your guide’s advice before summit night.
All meals and drinking water are included; other drinks are excluded.
Overnight: Budget camping at Barafu Camp.
Budget camping
mount kilimanjaro
mount kilimanjaro
Approx.7km
Approx. 7 hours
mount kilimanjaro
06
Summit Attempt - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and Descent to Mweka Camp
Hiking Time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometres ascent and 23 kilometres descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
At midnight, your guide will gently wake you with a warm cup of tea and biscuits, preparing you for the ultimate challenge ahead. You’ll begin your summit attempt in the quiet of the night, making your way toward the peak under the starry sky. The journey is long and demanding, but the reward at the top, standing at Uhuru Peak, is unparalleled. After reaching the summit, you’ll begin your descent, a long but satisfying trek down to Mweka Camp.
Breakfast
lunch
dinner
Activities
Scramble up the Barranco Wall
Continue trekking through the alpine landscape toward Barafu Camp
Attend the summit briefing and prepare your equipment
Hiking time: approximately 4–5 hours, as provided
Distance: approximately 5 km
Barafu Camp elevation: approximately 4,673 m
The trail includes steep and rocky sections.
Rest well, keep warm, and follow your guide’s advice before summit night.
All meals and drinking water are included; other drinks are excluded.
Overnight: Budget camping at Barafu Camp
mount kilimanjaro
approx.6
Approx. 4–5 hours
mweka gate
07
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
After a well-deserved breakfast, your team will celebrate your achievement with lively dancing and singing. Once the festivities are complete, you'll begin a 3-hour descent to Mweka Gate. Here, the National Park requires all hikers to sign in to receive their certificates of completion—green for those who reached Stella Point (5,685m) and gold for those who made it to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After receiving your certificates, you’ll descend for another hour (around 3 km) to the village of Mweka. A hot lunch will be served before driving back to Arusha, where long-awaited showers and more celebrations await!
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Karibu Heritage House
Activities
Enjoy breakfast and celebrate with your mountain crew
Descend to Mweka Gate
Collect your completion certificate
Enjoy lunch before transferring back to Arusha
Hiking time: approximately 3–4 hours to the gate and village, as provided
The descent can be slippery, so use trekking poles if available.
Keep your knees supported and follow your guide’s pace.
All meals and drinking water are included; other drinks are excluded.
Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge.
Arusha
Approx. 2hrs
Arusha / Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
08
Airport Transfer
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey after your adventure. Safe travels and farewell until your next visit!
no meal plans
no accomodation
Activities
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge
Transfer to the airport for your departure
Breakfast is included; lunch and dinner are excluded.
Drinks are not included.
Confirm your flight time with your tour operator to arrange the transfer accordingly.
Accommodation is not included on this day.
