Africa Prime Experiences | Luxury Safaris

Duration 8 Days

Difficulty Challenging

Style Private

Location Tanzania

Overview

The Experience

What this journey is about and what you can expect.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with this 8-day Kilimanjaro trek via the renowned Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route." Your journey begins with a pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport and a pre-trek briefing in Moshi town. Over the following six days, you'll traverse diverse and stunning landscapes, from dense rainforest and moorland to the alpine desert of the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The itinerary is carefully designed for optimal acclimatization, following a "walk high, sleep low" philosophy. The ultimate challenge comes on Day 6 with a midnight ascent to the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak, where you'll be greeted by breathtaking sunrise views over the glacial crater. After a celebratory descent through the rainforest, you'll return to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and a farewell dinner, with the option to extend your Tanzanian adventure with a safari or Zanzibar add-on.

Route Map

See the route at a glance before diving into each day.

Journey

Day by Day Itinerary

A clear day-by-day breakdown so you know what to expect from start to finish.

Day 1

Arrival in Kilimanjaro

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by an Taza safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

Stay: Kibo Palace Hotel

Day 2

Machame Gate (1,810m / 5,961ft) to Machame Camp (3,021m / 9,911ft)

Half an hour drive from Moshi lies the gate to the Machame route, where you will complete park registrations, then you are off on your 6-day trek. The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
Distance: 10km / 6.2mi
Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Stay: Machame Camp

Day 3

Machame Camp (3,021m / 9,911ft) to Shira Camp (3,830m / 12,566ft)

Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha City in the distance.
Distance: 4.8km / 3mi
Duration: 5 – 6 hours

Stay: Shira Camp

Day 4

Shira Camp (3,830m / 12,566ft) to Barranco Camp (3,972m / 13,031ft)

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4,600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of “walk high, sleep low” to aid your body’s acclimatization.
Distance: 10km / 6.2mi
Duration: 7 – 8 hours

Stay: Barranco Camp

Day 5

Barranco Camp (3,972m / 13,031ft) to Barafu Camp (4,640m / 15,223ft)

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4,640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.
Distance: 8.5km / 5.3mi
Duration: 7 – 8 hours

Stay: Barafu Camp

Day 6

Barafu Camp (4,640m / 15,223ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft) & down to Millennium Camp (3,790m / 12,434ft)

We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5,739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Distance: 13.4km / 8.3mi
Duration: 12 – 15 hours

Stay: Millenium Camp

Day 7

Millennium Camp (3,790m / 12,434ft) to Mweka Gate (1,630m / 5,348ft)

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where v complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before our big celebration.
Distance: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Stay: Kibo Palace Hotel

Day 8

Depart Kilimanjaro

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

We also welcome you to spare an hour of your day to plant a tree, as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region.
Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

End of Itinerary

What's covered

Included & Excluded

Know exactly what's part of your package so you can plan and budget with confidence.

Included

Airport transfers
Professional mountain guides, cooks & porters
All park fees & permits
Accommodation as listed
All meals on the mountain
Rescue & safety equipment
Pre-trek briefing
Summit certificate
Fair porter treatment policy
Tipping ceremony organization

Excluded

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal trekking gear
Tips for mountain crew
Alcoholic drinks
Optional activities
Safari/Zanzibar extensions

Investment

2025/2026 Rates

Prices are quoted in USD per person sharing, based on group size. No hidden fees.

Group Size	Mid-Range
2 Travelers	£1,940
4 Travelers	£1,843
6 Travelers	£1,745
8 Travelers	£1,707
10 Travelers	£1,649

FAQs

Quick answers to common questions about this trip.

What is the Machame Route?

Known as the "Whiskey Route", Machame is one of the most popular and scenic routes to Kilimanjaro's summit. It offers a challenging but highly rewarding climb with breathtaking landscapes.

How long does it take?

6–7 days. Adding an extra day improves acclimatization and summit success.

What is the success rate?

Around 95%, thanks to its "hike high, sleep low" acclimatization profile.

What kind of accommodation is available?

Camping only. Climbers sleep in tents at designated campsites.

What is the scenery like?

Dramatic and diverse: lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and stunning glaciers near the summit.

Is it crowded?

Yes, it's popular and busy in peak seasons but its beauty and success rate make it a favorite.

Where is Mount Kilimanjaro located?

Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border, within Kilimanjaro National Park.

Do I need technical climbing skills to summit Kilimanjaro?

No. Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, meaning no ropes or specialized climbing gear are required. However, good physical fitness and proper acclimatization are crucial to reach the summit successfully.

What happens if some members need to turn back before the summit?

No one is forced to go on. There is always enough staff to split the group accordingly to needs and regroup later at the camp. Most people have no trouble reaching the highest campsite. If some members decide not to climb the final distance to the peak or cannot proceed at any point in time, they can wait for the other group climbers to come back, or can go down with a guide following the same way, or take a lateral path to the descent route.

Can I hike Mount Kilimanjaro without a tour company?

No, you need a tour company when hiking Mt Kilimanjaro, because the minimum number of days to hike Mt Kilimanjaro is 5 days. During this time you need food, water, and someone to guide you and carry some of your needs (items/materials). All these services are provided by a tour company. The regulation was established to guide this activity and therefore TANAPA deals with Tanzania-registered tour companies when doing all climbing arrangements and not natural individuals.

Is airport transfer included?

Yes, we provide complimentary pick-up and drop-off from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for all our package bookings.

Do I need a Visa for Tanzania?

Most travelers need a visa. You can obtain an E-Visa online beforehand or a Visa on Arrival ($50 USD or $100 USD for US citizens). Please check your specific country requirements.

What about dietary requirements?

We cater to all dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal. Please inform us at the time of booking so our chefs can prepare accordingly.

Preparation

Free Guide

Kilimanjaro Gear Guide

Summit success depends on the right gear. Download our comprehensive trekking equipment list.

Download Gear List

8 Days Machame Route Climb