8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route
Overview
The Machame Route, often called the "Whiskey Route", is one of the most popular and scenic paths to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is ideal for adventurous hikers seeking a more challenging and rewarding experience. Unlike the easier Marangu Route, the Machame Route features longer hiking days and steeper trails, making it best suited for climbers with some trekking or backpacking experience and a good level of fitness.
Best Time to Visit:
Dec-Mid-March / Mid-June-October
Starts at:
$3,200.00 Per Person
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a friendly representative from Stan Safaris will be there to welcome you. You'll then be transferred comfortably to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and recover from your journey.
Attend a pre-climb briefing led by our experienced guides. During this session, we will review the Kilimanjaro trekking itinerary, discuss important safety tips, and ensure you are well-prepared for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate (10,000 ft) for registration. Begin your trek through lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and various bird species. The 6-7 hour hike covers approximately 11km to reach Machame Camp (9,840 ft).
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today's 4-6 hour hike takes you through heather and moorland zones. The trail becomes steeper as you ascend to Shira Camp (12,500 ft), offering your first clear views of Kibo Peak.
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Hike east towards Lava Tower (15,190 ft) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp (13,044 ft). This 'hike high, sleep low' strategy helps with acclimatization.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start with a challenging scramble up the Barranco Wall, then trek through valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp (13,106 ft). This shorter day helps with acclimatization.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Hike to Barafu Camp (15,331 ft), your base for the summit attempt. Rest, prepare your gear, and try to get some sleep before the midnight start.
Day 7: Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Begin the summit attempt around midnight, reaching Stella Point (18,885 ft) at sunrise. Continue to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), then descend to Mweka Camp (10,065 ft).
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (5,380 ft), receive your summit certificates, and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for celebration and rest.
What's Included & Excluded
Inclusions
- • All park entry and conservation fees
- • Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- • 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- • Pre & post-climb accommodation in Moshi
- • Quality mountain tents and sleeping mats
- • Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- • All ground transfers as per itinerary
- • Clean, purified drinking water
- • All government taxes and levies
- • Summit certificate
Exclusions
- • International flights
- • Travel insurance
- • Tanzania visa
- • Personal trekking gear
- • Tips for guides and porters
- • Items of personal nature
- • Alcoholic and soft drinks
- • Additional accommodation before/after climb
- • Sleeping bag and personal equipment
