8 Days Machame route Hike
The Machame Route, commonly referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” stands out as one of the most sought-after scenic routes toward the summit of venerable Africa’s highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro. The route is popular because of its incredibly diverse terrain, good acclimatization route, and high summit success rate.
The eight-day Machame Route trekking package also allows for a relaxed schedule to acclimatize and sufficiently enjoy the mountain’s outstanding beauty. This standard package is generally suitable for travelers who are going high on Kilimanjaro in search of real climbing experience, surrounded by professional service and full support.
8 Days Machame route Hike Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport to Your Hotel in Arusha
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3,000 m)
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (3,840 m)
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower and then Barranco Camp (3,950 m)
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp and then Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)/ down to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
Day 8: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi and Transfer to the Airport
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport to Your Hotel in Arusha.
Once you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your Kilimanjaro adventure will begin. You will be met by your driver, who will take you to your hotel in Arusha. After you check in at your hotel, you will meet your mountain guide who will take you through each aspect of the trek ahead, check your climbing gear, and promptly respond to any questions you may have. You will spend the rest of the evening with free time to relax, enjoy a delicious dinner, and mentally prepare for the trek ahead.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3,000 m)
After an early breakfast, pick up is from your lodge/hotel for your short transfer to the Machame Gate (1,800 m) at the edge of the beautiful, lush rainforest. Once you have registered and gone through the park formalities, the adventure really gets started! The fun but scenic hike winds through the dense forest, inhabited by birds and monkeys, and abundantly vegetated trees. It is a peaceful setting, with the sounds of nature surrounding you. The hike is roughly 5-6 hours as you slowly gain altitude to Machame Camp, your first overnight stop on the mountain.
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (3,840 m)
Today, your hike will take you from the rainforest and through the moorland zone with a completely different environment. The vegetation becomes sparser and there are expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s Shira Plateau. While some sections are steep, the altitude gain will be rewarding! You will enjoy a beautiful 6 hours of trekking and arrive at Shira Camp 2 on a stunning plateau high enough to observe the summit of Kilimanjaro. After you check in, you will have time to relax until dinner, and if the weather is good, watch the sunset over the African plains below.
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower and then Barranco Camp (3,950 m)
This is critical day for acclimatization. You will walk from Shira Camp up the Lava Tower (4,630 m), which is an impressive volcanic feature and your first taste of hiking in the high altitude. The climb to Lava Tower will take approximately 4-5 hours, and you will have lunch there while soaking in the views. After lunch, you will walk down to Barranco Camp (3,950 m). On the way down, you will go through beautiful valleys with giant senecio and lobelia plants. This “climb high, and sleep low” method will help your body acclimatize to the thin air in preparation for summit days.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp and then Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
The day will start with the fun challenge of hiking the Barranco Wall. The wall looks daunting, but it is more of a scramble than a hike, and the views from the top will be well worth it. After we get over the wall we will hike into some rolling terrain with some welcoming views of Kibo Peak and the valleys below. After about 3 hours we will reach Karanga Camp, where we will stop to rest and have lunch. After lunch we will hike for ~ 3–4 hours to Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at the base camp for the summit.
At Barafu, you will have some time to relax before dinner, then prepare for the midnight climb to the summit. The cold air and the star-filled sky will create the perfect setting for what will be one of your most special nights on the mountain.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)/ down to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Your summit day begins at around midnight; you will quietly climb the slope of Kibo as your guide leads the way in the darkness, illuminated only by your headlamp. The climb is challenging, but each step of the way, you will be encouraged by your guide. After about 6–7 hours of climbing, you will arrive at Stella Point (5,756 m) just in time for one of the most beautiful sunrises in Africa!
From Stella Point, take about an hour to walk along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Once you are at Uhuru Peak, celebrate your incredible achievement, take a few pictures, and enjoy the time you have spent at the summit. After some time at the summit, you will start your journey back down to Barafu Camp for a little rest, lunch, and then start going down to Mweka Camp to spend the night.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 m):
You will once again descend through the thick rainforest after breakfast, where it is possible to see colorful birds or even colobus monkeys. This descent will take approximately 3–4 hours until you arrive at the Mweka Gate, where your mountain crew will be waiting to celebrate your success. You will receive your summit certificate to mark your great achievement and be an excellent souvenir of your great journey to the top of Africa. After that, be driven back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and enjoy a hot shower, good meal, and some well-deserved rest.
Day 8: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi and Transfer to the Airport
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you can relax at your hotel, sit by the pool, or go to the town for souvenirs. Later, we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, the end of your unforgettable trip on Mount Kilimanjaro!
End of 8 Days Machame route Hike
8 Days Machame route Hike Includes
Transfers to the airport (arrival & departure).
Hotel accommodations before and after your climb.
The services of qualified mountain guides, cooks and porters.
All park entrance and camping fees.
All meals on the mountain (breakfast/lunch/dinner).
Purified drinking water during the trek.
Mountain tents, tables and chairs.
Oxygen cylinder and First Aid kit.
Kilimanjaro climbing certificate upon completion.
8 Days Machame route Hike Exclusions.
International flights / Tanzania entry visa.
Travel and health insurance.
Climbing equipment (boots, jackets sleeping bags,).
Tips for guides, porters and cooks.
Soft and alcoholic beverages.
Extra hotel nights after the climb.
