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4x4 Land Cruiser
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Silver Gold Platinum
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Arusha
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English
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Easy to Moderate
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1
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65
Overview
Trek Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, affectionately known as the ‘Whisky Route’. This path, favored for its scenic diversity, offers adventurers an enchanting journey through lush forests, expansive moorlands, and the misty realms of Kibo. As you traverse the great Barranco Wall and beneath the glaciated cliffs of the Southern Ice fields, the Machame Route reveals stunning vistas and challenging terrains.
This route, celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, leads you to the summit through a gradual ascent, allowing for better acclimatization. The journey unfolds across several days, increasing your chance of a successful summit. Join Msangai Adventures on this scenic expedition, where each step is an exploration of nature’s grandeur, leading to the triumphant moment atop Africa’s highest peak.
Highlights
- Scenic “Whisky Route” – A stunningly diverse and dramatic path, renowned for its beauty and adventure.
- Lush Rainforests to Alpine Deserts – Journey through multiple ecological zones, from tropical forests to glacial heights.
- Great Barranco Wall Climb – A thrilling scramble with breathtaking views, offering one of the trek’s most memorable moments.
- Southern Icefields Vistas – Hike beneath shimmering glaciers and towering ice cliffs near the summit.
Itinerary
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead.
Enjoythe beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
10.75k /7mi | 5-6 hrs. | Rainforest
Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
Altitude gained: 1210m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.
5.3km/3mi | 4-5hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
Altitude gained: 818m
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
10.75km/6mi | 5-6hrs | Semi Desert
Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude gained: 147m
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
5.2km/3mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained: 48m
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
3.3km /2 mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude gained: 628m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
4.86km /3mi up | 5-7hrs | 11.5km /7.2mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight your hotel in Moshi before being transferred to your journey home, safari or relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
9.1km/6mi |3-4hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473m
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Crew:
- Lead Guide(s), Assistant Guide(s), for 2+ people.
- English Speaking & Wilderness First Responder Trained
- Cook, Porters, equipment, personal client luggage (15 kg per client)
- The ratio of porters per client is 3 to 4.
- Equipment:
- Sleeping mat, 2-inch foam
- Pillow
- Walk-in dining tent and table
- Backed chairs
- Food & Drink:
- Three meals per day & afternoon snack during the trek. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free upon request
- Treated drinking water
- (minimum of 3L per day while trekking with additional water available at camp)
- Coffee and tea during the trek
- Health & Safety
- Pulse oximeter
- Altitude sickness checklists
- First aid kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Preparation & Fees:
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees and VAT.
- Camping/hut, rescue, conservation and taxes
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Pre-trek briefing with your guide
- Accommodation & Transfers:
- Round-trip airport transfer between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Moshi
- Round-trip transfer between Moshi and the park gate
- Hotel stays in Moshi pre- and post-trek (2 nights total) on bed & breakfast.
The Cost Excludes
- Gratuities/tips
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bag and clothing
- Favored beverages (soda and alcohol at hotels)
- Additional accommodation or meals resulting from early descent
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Domestic or international flights
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
FAQs
Absolutely—especially with a trusted tour operator like us.
Tanzania is a welcoming and generally safe destination for travelers, particularly those on organized safaris with professional guides, as you will be. Like any major city, areas of Nairobi and Mombasa require extra awareness, but with basic precautions, you’ll enjoy a trouble-free experience.
We recommend using a trusted driver when going out at night, rather than walking alone, especially in unfamiliar areas. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and always keep your personal belongings secure. With these simple measures, you can focus on enjoying the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and culture Tanzania has to offer.
This is your very own private safari—tailored entirely to your pace and preferences.
Crafted just for you, this journey is shaped by your interests, with the help of our expert travel consultants who ensure every detail aligns with your vision. There are plenty of benefits to traveling this way.
You’ll explore in a private safari vehicle with your own dedicated guide, giving you complete flexibility in your daily schedule—depart when you like and return when it suits you, with helpful guidance from your expert.
Inside the national parks, linger at wildlife sightings as long as you want—whether you’re captivated by a lion pride or a herd of elephants, there’s no rush. Your personal guide, attuned to your interests, will offer insider tips that make every moment special, turning your safari into a truly unforgettable adventure.
At Majestic Mara Trips, we believe in designing your journey together.
When you plan your African adventure with us, it’s more than just booking a holiday—it’s about crafting a personalized experience that reflects your unique travel dreams. We take the time to understand your preferences and work closely with you to ensure every detail fits your vision perfectly.
To make the planning process even easier, we also offer a curated selection of our most popular tours and safaris. These serve as inspiration and a flexible starting point to build the ideal trip just for you.
Without a doubt, Tanzania is home to all members of the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—along with an incredible variety of other wildlife.
It’s a true haven for nature lovers and photographers alike. Watching these majestic animals roam freely in their natural environments is what makes Kenya one of the top safari destinations in the world.
