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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Embark on an adventurous trek to summit Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, commonly known as the Whiskey Route. Hike through lush forest, high moorland, steep trails, and scree as you make your way toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Along the way, enjoy magnificent mountain vistas, including views of Mt Meru in the distance. The climb culminates in a magnificent sunrise approach to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
The climb culminates in a magnificent sunrise approach to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transported to your accommodation in Moshi town, where you will meet your guide for a briefing on your forthcoming trip and an equipment check to ensure that you have all the required mountain gear.
On this day, you may hire any missing equipment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are all included.
We travel for one hour from Moshi to Machame Gate, where we complete park procedures, meet our porter team, and begin climbing. The initial part of the route rises slowly through beautiful, thick jungle. Because this route is rarely used, it may be overgrown in parts and is often damp and muddy underfoot.
Distance traveled: 10.8 km
Time spent: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are all included.
Our journey continues through the forest until we reach the steep climb onto the Shira Plateau, where we may enjoy magnificent mountain vistas. Looking back, Mt Meru will be visible in the distance, towering far above Arusha town.
Distance traveled: 5.4 km
Time spent: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are all included.
The scenery now changes the whole nature of the trip as we walk across high moorland. We reach camp after traversing the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing below the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach.
Although we spend the day at a high altitude of up to 4600 m, we follow the mountaineering rule of 'walk high, sleep low' to help your body acclimatize to the altitude.
Distance traveled: 10.8 km
Time spent: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are all included.
The day begins with a descent into the Great Barranco, a massive valley. We then ascend the Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from Kibo's southeastern slopes.
It is a rock climb that is not technically difficult, but it is long and exhausting. We continue toward the Karanga Valley, our final stop for fresh water before the summit, passing below the Heim and Kersten glaciers. As we cross a dry and barren area toward Barafu Camp, the stark terrain shapes the landscape.
Distance traveled: 8.5 km
Time spent: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are all included.
Around midnight, we set out on a hard ascent toward the upper glaciers. We climb scree for 4 to 5 hours, gaining a great deal of height in a short amount of time. The vistas are breathtaking.
As the first rays of light reach the crater rim at Stella Point (5739 m), we should be there. The views of the craggy Mawenzi Peak and beyond are magnificent, and we are surrounded by spectacular ice cliffs inside the crater. After another hour of trekking, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the mountain at 5895 m.
We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point, then continue down the scree slope and trail to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before eventually arriving at Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Distance traveled: 13.4 km
Time spent: 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are all included.
A pleasant walk through the jungle leads us to Mweka Gate, where we complete park procedures and receive certificates to proudly display. After that, we are greeted by our vehicles and taken back to the accommodation in Moshi, where you may relax with a hot shower.
Distance traveled: 12.1 km
Time spent: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are all included.
After the hike, you will have the rest of the day free to relax before your trip home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may want to go sightseeing around Moshi and pick up some souvenirs before going to the airport.
If you want to continue exploring Tanzania, safaris, Zanzibar, and other add-ons are available.
Breakfast is included in the price.
Where this trip takes you
Stella Point, Uhuru Peak, Shira Plateau, Mount Meru
The route
The fine print
Technical clothing
Headwear
Handwear
Footwear
Accessories
Equipment
Paperwork
There are six main Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes. These routes vary not only in length, cost, and scenery, but also in difficulty levels and success rates. Selecting a Kilimanjaro climbing route is one of the most important decisions you have to make.
There is no single best Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing route. Which route up Kilimanjaro is best for you depends on several factors, including the time and money you have available, your previous experience and fitness, the time of year, and your personal preference.
Here below are the different Kilimanjaro routes, with their pros and cons.
Marangu route:
Machame route:
Lemosho route:
Rongai route:
Umbwe route:
The Northern Circuit route:
Number of crew on Kilimanjaro:
Tour operators are expected to comply with KINAPA guide and porter regulations. Porters are responsible for carrying trekkers' gear as well as key items like tents, water, and cooking supplies. The number of crew also depends on the number of trek days.
The longer the route, the more porters are needed. The shorter the route, the fewer porters are needed. There are also other factors, such as the weight of your luggage (we recommend packing no more than 15 kg/13 lbs) and the addition of facilities like a private portable toilet.
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Mt Kilimanjaro.
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