5807 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60638, United States
Take on Africa’s highest peak through one of its most scenic and popular routes — the Machame Route. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” this 6-day itinerary offers dramatic scenery, a rich diversity of ecosystems, and an excellent acclimatization profile. You'll trek through lush rainforest, heathland, alpine desert, and glacier-strewn summit zones, with a chance to stand on Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa. With full support from our experienced mountain crew, this adventure combines physical challenge with awe-inspiring beauty and lifetime memories.
Day | Camp Name | Altitude (m) | Accommodation Type |
---|---|---|---|
2 | Machame Camp | 2,835 | Tent |
3 | Shira Camp | 3,840 | Tent |
4 | Barranco Camp | 3,960 | Tent |
5 | Barafu Camp | 4,640 | Tent |
6 | Mweka Camp | 3,100 | Tent |
Your journey begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be picked up by our team and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. There, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check. Spend the rest of the day relaxing before the climb begins.
Accommodation: Meru View Lodge (Arusha)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Altitude: ~1,400m
After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate where registration with Kilimanjaro National Park takes place. Begin your ascent through lush rainforest trails to Machame Camp.
Trek Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Start Altitude: 1,800m
End Altitude: 2,835m
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Tented Camp at Machame Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper, offering panoramic views across the Shira Plateau.
Trek Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Start Altitude: 2,835m
End Altitude: 3,840m
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Tented Camp at Shira Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A longer and tougher day, ideal for acclimatization. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) before descending into the Barranco Valley for the night.
Trek Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Start Altitude: 3,840m
High Point: 4,630m (Lava Tower)
End Altitude: 3,960m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Tented Camp at Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with a scramble up the Barranco Wall, followed by a trek across valleys and ridges to the final base camp before your summit push.
Trek Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Start Altitude: 3,960m
End Altitude: 4,640m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Tented Camp at Barafu Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart at midnight for your summit attempt. Reach Stella Point for sunrise, then press on to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at the top, descend to Mweka Camp.
Trek Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Start Altitude: 4,640m
Summit Altitude: 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
End Altitude: 3,100m
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Accommodation: Tented Camp at Mweka Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A gentle descent through the forest takes you to Mweka Gate where your vehicle awaits. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Arusha.
Trek Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Start Altitude: 3,100m
End Altitude: 1,800m
Accommodation: Meru View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or your flight back home. You can also extend your adventure with a beach extension in Zanzibar.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Your safari experience includes a mix of comfortable lodges and luxury tented camps, offering excellent service and stunning surroundings.
(All accommodations provide ensuite bathrooms, dining options, and warm hospitality.)
✅Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro Airport
✅Park entrance and camping fees
✅Professional English-speaking guide, cook, and porters
✅All meals during the climb
✅Tents and camping gear
✅Oxygen cylinder & first-aid kit
✅Certificate of achievement
❌International flights
❌Visa fees
❌Tips for crew
❌Sleeping bags and personal gear
❌Travel insurance
❌Optional upgrades or extra nights in Arusha
✔ Guided day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro (Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts)
✔ Cultural visits to the Chaga Caves and Maasai land
✔ Diverse wildlife including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino)
✔ The Great Migration (depending on the season)
✔ Scenic landscapes from mountains, forests, savannahs, and crater floors
✔ Optional activities: Arusha town tour, coffee experience, or a visit to Arusha National Park
🌤️ January to early March – Warmer, clearer mornings, low rainfall
☀️ June to October – Peak season, dry weather, great visibility
🍂 November – Short rains, fewer crowds, scenic but slippery (Advanterous)
❄️ December – Mixed conditions, still a good time but colder nights