ITENERARY:
The Whisky Route
The Machame Route 8 Days up Mount Kilimanjaro is undoubtedly our most sought-after tour package. And it’s no wonder. You get to experience exhilarating challenge and adventure alongside breathtaking scenery, from rainforest and desert landscapes to polar ice fields. All while enjoying a smooth and gradual acclimatization process. Book early to secure your place on the most popular route on Kilimanjaro! Viva Africa Tours’ Machame Route 8 Days package is perfect for both seasoned adventurers and first-time high altitude climbers. It offers excellent acclimatisation, making for a high success rate. You’ll approach the peaks of Kilimanjaro from the southwest, passing the massive expanse of the Shira Plateau, the imposing peaks of the Lava Tower, and the spectacular Southern Ice Field. On the way, you’ll make rare contact with exotic wildlife in untouched wilderness surroundings. The approach to the summit will be rewarding and unforgettable. If you climb Kilimanjaro only once, do it in the most spectacular way possible. Check out our tour itinerary to see what to expect on your exhilarating Kilimanjaro Machame Route 8 Days adventure:
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
Get ready for the start of your amazing Kilimanjaro Machame Route journey! You’ll receive a warm welcome at the airport by our driver and be transported in comfort to your hotel in Moshi. After settling down, you’ll gather for a group orientation session. Our expert team leaders will guide you through the important details of your route and offer advice for a successful trek. Your hiking gear will then be inspected and adjusted if necessary. The rest of the day is spent preparing for your life-changing journey.
Day 2: Moshi to Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters (3,935 feet) Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 9km
After waking up to a warm hotel breakfast, you’ll depart Moshi for the Machame Gate, the start of numerous Kilimanjaro climbing routes. The 45-minute journey will take scenic turns off the beaten path, traversing coffee plantations and traditional local villages. After reaching the park gate, our team will assemble all your gear while you register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. Meet and get to know the rest of your support team, including our friendly chefs. Then begins your first trekking experience to Machame Camp. Here you’ll venture across spectacular terrain, including tropical rainforests and grasslands. Catch glimpses of wild animals and exotic plant species as you move through moss-covered forest underpasses. Travel into drier terrain surrounded by high grasses and fields of sprouting wildflowers. You’ll then stop and admire a view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s mighty summit, Kibo Peak. All the while, your porters and cooks prepare the camp ready for your arrival.
Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000m/9,840ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft)
Elevation Gain: 840 meters (2,760 feet) Walking Time: 4-6 hours Distance: 7km
You’ll wake up on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro awaiting the most spectacular stretch of your journey so far. Gather your gear, including plenty of water, and set off on an exposed trail where you’ll soak up plenty of sun. Sudden shifts in the scenery will make you catch your breath: a panorama of lush forest canopies towering above, vast golden savannah plains below, and a sight of the jagged volcanic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You’ll also have gradual exposure to increasingly higher altitudes to help with the acclimatization process. After lunch, you’ll climb the lava-filled Shira Plateau then hike through arid pathways. Watch for the shrinking vegetation the higher you ascend Kilimanjaro, including the exotic Lobelia Deckenii and the Scenecio dwarf shrub. Finish the day at Shira Camp where you’ll rest and recuperate for the next part of your exciting journey.
Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840m/12,600ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Elevation Gain: 690 meters (2,264 feet) Walking Time: 6-7 hours Distance: 10km
Now more than halfway through one of the best Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes, you’ll encounter the most varied and rewarding stretch so far. Get ready for a hike eastwards towards the gorgeous Shira Plateau along ever-steeper terrain. The highlight of your day will be the approach towards Lava Tower, an incredible 300 ft tall volcanic plug that transforms into a looming passageway. Then you’ll take a rapid descent towards the Barranco campsite, famous for being the most scenic one on the route. You’ll set up for the night surrounded by massive valley walls and the stunning Kibo massif. View spectacular glaciers draped with sunlight while you enjoy a hot, steaming meal.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 650 meters (2,140 feet) Walking Time: 7-8 hours Distance: 8km
The day before your final ascent is filled with thrilling exploration and adventure. Start the morning with an invigorating 90-minute climb up Barranco Wall, also known as the Breakfast Wall, and down into the gorgeous green territories of the Karanga Valley. Survey spectacular vistas of bleached glaciers and gleaming shards of light then journey near the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. As the bronzed peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks come into view, you’ll stop and have an energy-dense dinner in preparation for the upcoming push to the summit.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters (4,240 feet) Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet) Walking Time: 14-16 hours Distance: 19km
At midnight, you’ll rise to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Journey amid gleaming glaciers to Stella Point while the sun rises, illuminating the amazing peaks of the summit. Savor the final hours of your unforgettable journey before reaching Uhuru Peak, your final destination. Standing on the rooftop of Africa, you’ll be filled with a sense of exhilaration looking down over the swirling cloudscape and oceans of ice. Celebrate with your team and soak in the atmosphere before returning to Barafu Camp for a hot, steaming breakfast. The day ends with your arrival at Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night lying beneath the stars.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft) to Moshi
Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) Walking Time: 3-4 hours Distance: 10km
Wake up on your last day on the mountain rested and triumphant—you’ve just conquered Mount Kilimanjaro! After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll stroll towards Mweka Gate through gorgeous forest scenery draped in cloud and mist. A Viva Africa Tours vehicle will be there to transport you back to Moshi where a hot shower, soft mattress and fresh set of clothes await.
Day 8: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport
Today we will take you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will embark on your flight home. If you’ve chosen to participate in a safari – well, that’s a different adventure and we’ll take care of that too
Our Package Includes
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
- Pre & post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
- Park, rescue and hut accommodation fees
- Professional English speaking guide(s); porters & cook
- 6 breakfasts; 5 lunches; 4 dinners
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
Not Included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Gratuities / tips for guide(s), porters & cook
- Soda and Alcoholic beverages
Price of total tour package including a double room USD 1950 PP
Price of total tour package including a single room USD 1950 PP
Trusted Partner