Mt Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame or “Whiskey” Route

Arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport early in the morning, where a representative from our team will be waiting to meet and greet you. After your arrival, you will be transferred to Arusha and checked into the Masai Land Lodge.

Here, you will have the opportunity to meet the team that will accompany you on your six-day trek to Kilimanjaro. During a brief orientation session, the team will provide you with important information and answer any questions you may have. If necessary, they will also assist you in purchasing or renting any remaining trekking gear. The cook will also meet with you to plan your meals for the duration of the trek.

It’s important to get as much rest as possible, as the journey ahead starts early the next day. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and prepare yourself for an exciting and challenging adventure on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Check-out from the hotel after breakfast and head to Machame gate early morning. The journey begins at the Machame Gate, where you will acquire all the permits from the park authorities. Start your ascent to Machame hut from the gate. The trail winds its way through the dense forest, and as you gain altitude, the vegetation changes, giving way to open moorlands and heaths.

As you reach Machame Hut, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Machame Hut is assigned campsite to park youself & camp for the night. You will have the chance to relax, recharge, and prepare for the next stage of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

The trek to Machame Hut is a moderate hike, with a gradual ascent that takes anywhere from 4 to 5 hours to complete.

This stage of the journey takes you higher into the mountains, through stunning alpine landscapes and past ancient glaciers. From Machame Hut, you will continue the ascent, passing through fields of alpine heather and moorland, and finally reaching the high-altitude Shira Plateau. This section of the trail is steep and strenuous, with a series of switchbacks that will test your endurance. The trek to Shira Camp typically takes 5 to 6 hours to cover 5 kms stretch

As you reach Shira 1 Camp, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, as well as a sense of accomplishment for reaching such a high altitude. Nourish you body with hot meal & sleep overnight in the camp.

The trek from Shira Camp to Barranco Hut is a unique and scenic part of the Machame Route on Kilimanjaro. This stage of the journey takes you through a variety of landscapes, from high-altitude plateaus to deep valleys and rolling hills.

From Shira Camp, you will continue the ascent, passing through fields of alpine heather and moorland and crossing the Shira Plateau. The trail then drops down into the Great Barranco Valley, where you will traverse a series of rolling hills and rocky outcroppings. The journey from Shira Camp to Barranco Hut typically takes 7 to 8 hours to complete 10 kms stretch.

As you reach Barranco Hut, you will be surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, and have the chance to relax in the comfort of a well-equipped base camp.

From Barranco Hut, you will continue the ascent, crossing the Great Barranco Valley and scaling the steep Barranco Wall. It is also called the “Monkey business day” as you use a great deal of upper body to climb the steep Barranco wall. The trail then levels out as you traverse a series of rolling hills, before beginning the final climb to Barafu Camp. This section of the trek is physically demanding, with a steep ascent that will test your endurance. The journey from Barranco Hut to Barafu Camp typically takes 7 to 8 hours to complete 10 kms.
As you reach Barafu Camp, you will be at the highest elevation of the trek so far, since you are just day away from the summit. All this while your oxygen-levels will be tracked twice daily. If your guide approves your check ups you are good to head to the summit for next day.

This stage of the journey takes you from the high-altitude summit of the mountain to the lush forests below, as you complete your trek and celebrate your accomplishment.

From Barafu Camp, you will begin the final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, either in the early morning hours or later in the day, depending on the pace of your group. The trail to the summit is steep and strenuous, with a series of switchbacks that will test your endurance. However, the views from the summit are truly awe-inspiring, and the sense of accomplishment you will feel upon reaching the top is indescribable.

After reaching the summit, you will begin the descent to Mweka Camp, passing through fields of alpine heather and moorland, and finally reaching the lush forests below. This section of the trek is relatively easy, and the trail is well-defined. Today is the longest of all, where you ascend and descend as you walk for 10-11 hours.

As you reach Mweka Camp, you will have the chance to relax and celebrate your accomplishment with your fellow trekkers and guides. Sleep in the lap of nature for the last night before you do the final descent.

The journey from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate is the final stage of your Kilimanjaro summit experience, and is where you will receive your certificate to commemorate your accomplishment.
The descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate is a relatively straightforward and well-trodden trail, and typically takes between 3-5 hours to complete 13 kms stretch. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you will be presented with a certificate that serves as proof of your achievement in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. Bid goobye to the amazing guides & their team who have walked shoulder to shoulder with you as you finished your journey through Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Transfer to city hotel to wash off all the sweat & dirt from your trek & rest overnight

After a slow morning & relishing a hearty breakfast, it’s time to head out to Kilimanjaro airport. Check-out from the hotel & bid your goodbyes to the amazing people you have come across during your trip.
We will meet you for your next adventure soon!!