Overview
Machame, known as the Whiskey Route, is tougher and more scenic than Marangu, with dramatic ridges and a traverse beneath the Southern Icefields.
This private seven-day climb adds an acclimatization day to our standard six-day plan. It is especially worthwhile if you are new to high altitude, as it improves your chances of reaching the top without changing the beauty of the route. You camp each night and come down on the Mweka trail.
Read our guide to Kilimanjaro's weather and climate zones, or contact us to book.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (8 days)
ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where Abakombe Tours drives you privately to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel. In the evening your guide holds a pre-climb briefing and equipment check, and confirms your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
After registering at Machame Gate, you walk through lush, beautiful rainforest with a picnic lunch on the way, and camp at Machame Camp (about 2,990 m / 9,800 ft).
About 5-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
INTO THE MOORLAND TO SHIRA CAMP
Leaving the forest, you enter moorland covered in giant heather. The trail climbs steadily over rocky ground with wide views of the Shira Plateau, and from camp near Shira Hut (about 3,840 m / 12,600 ft) you can see Mount Meru floating above the clouds.
About 4-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP
A long morning climb with panoramic views brings you to lunch near Lava Tower (about 4,540 m / 14,900 ft). You then descend to Barranco Camp (about 3,900 m / 12,800 ft), beneath towering cliffs and looking out over the plains.
About 7-9 hours on foot. All meals included.
BARRANCO WALL TO KARANGA CAMP
You scramble up the Barranco Wall, then follow a rolling trail along Kibo's south-eastern slopes with views of the Southern Icefields. After scree slopes and patches of greenery, a short walk brings you to Karanga Camp (about 4,000 m / 13,100 ft), the last water stop before the summit.
About 5-7 hours on foot. All meals included.
KARANGA TO BARAFU CAMP
An easy but steady path on firm scree climbs to Barafu Hut (about 4,510 m / 14,800 ft) for lunch. A short acclimatization walk takes you higher up the south-east valley (about 4,790 m / 15,700 ft), and the rest of the day is for resting before the summit.
About 3-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT NIGHT, THEN DOWN TO MILLENNIUM CAMP
You set off at about 1 am by head torch and climb slowly up the zig-zags of volcanic scree to Stella Point (about 5,730 m / 18,800 ft), arriving around sunrise over Mawenzi. If you feel strong, continue for about two hours return along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), past glaciers and ice cliffs. The descent to Barafu is quick; after refreshments you continue to Millennium Camp (about 3,810 m / 12,500 ft).
About 11-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
MWEKA GATE AND RETURN TO ARUSHA
A long descent on a good path through the rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate (about 1,650 m / 5,400 ft), then past coffee and banana farms to Mweka village, where you are driven back to Arusha.
About 4-6 hours on foot. Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
After saying goodbye to your crew, our included private transfer takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), unless you choose to add a short safari or another extension.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.