Embark on an unforgettable journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, a scenic and rewarding path to Africa’s highest peak. Also known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame offers a diverse and exhilarating climbing experience, passing through five unique climatic zones—from lush rainforests to arctic landscapes at the summit. Over nine days and eight nights, this well-paced itinerary provides ample acclimatization time, increasing your chances of a successful ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).

The Machame Route is famous for its stunning scenery, with breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and the sweeping glaciers near the summit. It is ideal for adventurers seeking a challenging yet rewarding climb with experienced guides and a strong support team. The best time to climb is during the dry seasons from June to October and December to mid-March, ensuring safer trekking conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or an ambitious first-timer, this journey will push your limits, test your endurance, and reward you with unparalleled views and a deep sense of accomplishment as you stand on the roof of Africa.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA

Your adventure begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a representative from Unique Tanzania Voyages will welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. This vibrant city, set against the backdrop of Mount Meru, is the perfect place to relax before your trek. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city’s markets or visit cultural sites.

• Accommodation Options:
  • Budget: Meru House Inn
  • Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
  • Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Meal Plan: Dinner at your accommodation
• Extra Activities: Local market tour, visit to Cultural Heritage Centre

DAY 2: MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP

• Altitude: 1,800m (5,905ft) to 3,000m (9,843ft)
• Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
  After breakfast, you’ll drive to Machame Gate to complete registration before beginning your trek through the lush rainforest. This first day’s hike offers a gentle but steady ascent, with a chance to spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys. You’ll arrive at Machame Camp in the evening, where you’ll enjoy your first night under the stars.
• Accommodation: Machame Camp (Tented Camp)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Extra Activity: Evening acclimatization walk

DAY 3: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP

• Altitude: 3,000m (9,843ft) to 3,850m (12,631ft)
• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
  Leaving the rainforest behind, you’ll ascend into the moorland zone with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s peaks. The trail becomes steeper and rockier as you reach the Shira Plateau. Sunset at Shira Camp offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kibo Peak.
• Accommodation: Shira Camp (Tented Camp)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Extra Activities: Short hike to Shira Cathedral, stargazing

DAY 4: SHIRA CAMP TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP

• Altitude: 3,850m (12,631ft) to 4,600m (15,091ft) to 3,900m (12,795ft)
• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Semi-Desert
  A challenging acclimatization day as you ascend to the Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. This trek helps your body adjust to higher altitudes. The stunning views of the Barranco Valley, with its unique giant Senecio trees, make this a truly special part of the climb.
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Tented Camp)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Extra Activity: Explore the base of Barranco Wall

DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

• Altitude: 3,900m (12,795ft) to 4,035m (13,238ft)
• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
  Climbing the Barranco Wall is a highlight of the trek, offering spectacular views. The hike to Karanga Camp is relatively short, allowing more time for acclimatization.
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Tented Camp)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Extra Activity: Short acclimatization hike

DAY 6: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

• Altitude: 4,035m (13,238ft) to 4,640m (15,223ft)
• Distance: 4 km (2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
  A steady ascent over barren, rocky terrain leads to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. You’ll rest early before the midnight push to the summit.
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Tented Camp)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Extra Activity: Summit preparation

DAY 7: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP

• Altitude: 4,640m (15,223ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) to 3,100m (10,170ft)
• Distance: 15 km (9 miles)
• Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
  The final push to the summit starts around midnight. The challenging trek takes you to Stella Point, then to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa! After celebrating at the summit, you’ll begin the long descent to Mweka Camp.
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Tented Camp)
• Meal Plan: Light Breakfast, Summit Snack, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE

• Altitude: 3,100m (10,170ft) to 1,640m (5,381ft)
• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
  Your descent takes you back through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your climbing certificates. You’ll then be transferred to Arusha for a celebratory meal and well-earned rest.
• Accommodation Options:
  • Budget: Meru House Inn
  • Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
  • Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Extra Activities: Optional massage, souvenir shopping

DAY 9: DEPARTURE

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, marking the end of an extraordinary adventure.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast

Included in the Itinerary:

• Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
• All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
• All meals during the trek and as mentioned in the itinerary
• Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
• Park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
• All necessary trekking equipment (tents, sleeping mats, etc.)
• Certificates of accomplishment
• Drinking water throughout the trek

Excluded from the Itinerary:

• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing)
• Tips for guides, porters, and cook
• Optional activities in Arusha (e.g., market tours, spa treatments)
• Any additional accommodation or meals before and after the itinerary
• Visas and vaccinations