7-Day Machame Route, Scenic Whiskey Trail to Kilimanjaro

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Machame gate - Machame Camp

The drive from Arusha to Machame Gate takes approximately 3 hours, passing through the village of Machame, which sits on the lower slopes of the mountain.

Upon arrival at the park gate, we begin our trek through the rainforest, following a winding trail that ascends along a ridge. The lower elevations can be muddy and slippery, so it's recommended to use gaiters and trekking poles. After a short hike, we will reach Machame Camp for the night.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame camp to Shira camp

After breakfast, we leave the rainforest and continue our ascent along a steep rocky ridge, crossing the valley. The trail then turns west, following a river gorge until we reach the Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction leading towards Kibo’s peak. As we move forward, the path shifts southeast toward the Lava Tower, also known as the "Shark's Tooth" (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). After passing the tower, we reach the second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then descend to the Barranco Camp. While we end the day at a similar elevation to where we started, this day is crucial for acclimatization, helping your body adjust in preparation for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barranco camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue our ascent to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which provides stunning views of the summit from various perspectives. Upon arrival, we set up camp, rest, enjoy a hearty dinner, and prepare for the challenging summit day ahead.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barafu to Summit to Mweka Hut

We continue our ascent to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which provides stunning views of the summit from various perspectives. Upon arrival, we set up camp, rest, enjoy a hearty dinner, and prepare for the challenging summit day ahead.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After breakfast, we begin our descent to Mweka Park Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. As we descend to lower elevations, the terrain can become wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Comfortable clothing such as shorts and t-shirts should suffice, but be sure to keep rain gear and warmer clothing close by.

A Mountain Warriors tour and safari vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Gate to take you back to your hotel in Arusha, about a 2-hour drive.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.