Machame Gate To Machame Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - A one-hour drive from Moshi brings us to Machame gate, where park formalities are completed, and the team of porters is met before beginning the climb! The initial part of the route ascends steadily through a stunning, dense rainforest.

This trail is less traveled, so it may be somewhat overgrown in areas and is often wet and muddy underfoot.

Machame Camp To Shira Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - The journey continues upward through the forest until reaching the steep climb onto the Shira Plateau, offering rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, Mt Meru can be seen towering above Arusha town in the distance.

Shira Camp To Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Now walking on high moorland, the landscape transforms the entire trek’s character. The path traverses the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing beneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, eventually reaching camp. The day is spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but the mountaineering principle of ‘walk high, sleep low’ is followed to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - The day begins by descending into the Great Barranco, a vast ravine. The route then exits steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, separating us from Kibo’s southeastern slopes. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring.

Passing beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, the path leads towards the Karanga valley. From there, a steep climb up from Karanga valley leads to the night’s camp at Karanga camp, situated at 3963m. For those feeling strong, a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m is available before descending back to camp for the night.

Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - After a restful night and breakfast, the journey continues to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb crosses barren scree slopes with no vegetation. It’s a challenging steep walk made more difficult by the altitude.

Upon arrival at camp, meals are enjoyed, and the afternoon is spent resting in preparation for the long night and day ahead. Staying hydrated and warm is crucial. An early dinner is followed by an attempt to sleep, as the climb to the summit begins between 11 pm and 12 am.

Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak & Down To Millennium Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - The ascent begins around midnight, climbing steeply to the summit glaciers. The climb involves 4 to 5 hours on scree, gaining significant height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. Arrival at the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) coincides with the first rays of sunlight.

Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround the area, and the views to the jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour of walking leads to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). The descent begins by returning to Stella Point, then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Trek Millennium Camp To Mweka Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro - A gentle trek descends through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where park formalities are completed, and certificates are received, ready to be displayed with pride! Vehicles then meet the group for the return to the hotel in Moshi, where a welcome hot shower awaits.

• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast

The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accommodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.

The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days (six nights), for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest.

The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.