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Tour Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most sought-after trails for those looking to summit Kilimanjaro. At Sasha Safaris, we offer annual expeditions along this incredible path, which begins in the lush tropical forest. The route is available in both 6- and 7-day variations, with the 7-day option providing a superior acclimatization profile and a higher chance of reaching the summit.
The Machame 7 is an excellent choice, offering breathtaking views, perfect for adventurers of all levels, even beginners. As you hike, you'll experience all five climatic zones of Kilimanjaro, from the lush rainforests to the alpine desert. Along the way, you'll scale the dramatic Barranco Wall and encounter the fascinating Dendrosenecio kilimanjari, an alien-like plants that are unique to the mountain, found nowhere else on Earth.
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Our sample itineraries are customizable based on your choices. Our experts collaborate with you to design your perfect journey!
Airport Pick Up
- Kilimanjaro Int. Airport (KIA)
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), our friendly guide will greet you pleasantly. They’ll help you with your luggage and facilitate a smooth transfer from the crowded airport to your hotel. Enjoy a pleasant ride while our professional guide provides insights into the local area and answers any questions you may have, setting the tone for the start of your Tanzania adventure.
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Who Can Take this Tour !
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure open to anyone with determination and a reasonable level of fitness, regardless of prior mountaineering experience. From seasoned trekkers seeking their next challenge to first-time climbers eager to push their limits, this journey welcomes adventurers from all walks of life. With various routes tailored to different skill levels and timeframes, Kilimanjaro offers something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner. The key to success lies in proper preparation, including physical training, mental resilience, and acclimatization to altitude. Families, solo travelers, and even groups celebrating milestones often embark on this life-changing journey, supported by expert guides who ensure safety and an unforgettable experience.
Tour Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 | Machame Gate to Machame Camp
One hour’s drive from Moshi to Machame gate, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters, and start to climb. The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden, so it can get somewhat overgrown in places, and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
- Elevation: 1790m to 3010m
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2 | Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town in the distance.
- Elevation: 3010m to 3845m
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3 | Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach, and finally reach camp. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.
- Elevation: 3845m to 3960m
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Habitat: High Moorland
Day 5 | Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Our day starts by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu Camp.
- Elevation: 3960m to 4640m
- Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
- Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5 | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak & down to Millennium Camp
We start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on the scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
- Elevation: 4640m to 5895m (then down to 3790m)
- Hiking Time: 11-14 hours
- Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Habitat: Arctic Summit and Alpine Desert
Day 6 | Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome hot shower.
- Elevation: 3790m to 1630m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
Day 7 | Depart Tanzania
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi or Arusha town and grab some gift shops before heading to the airport.
Safari, Cycling Adventures and other add-on are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
Itinerary Map
Includes
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters)
- Overnight stays in tents
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs )
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water, tea & coffee
- Oxygen tank and oximeters
- All national park fees
- Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back
Excludes
- International or Local Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
Accommodation style
- Camping in Mountain Tents
Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a unique and adventurous way to experience the mountain’s awe-inspiring beauty. As you hike, you’ll sleep in comfortable, well-equipped mountain tents, set up at each campsite along the route. These tents provide a safe, warm space to rest after a challenging day of trekking, with cozy sleeping bags and mattresses ensuring a good night’s sleep. Surrounded by the raw wilderness, you’ll wake up to stunning views of the mountain, the stars, and the changing landscape as you ascend. Each campsite is strategically chosen for its scenic beauty and safety, with staff ready to serve hot meals and provide support. The experience of camping under the vast African sky, with the sound of nature all around, is an unforgettable part of climbing Kilimanjaro.
The Best Time To Take This Tour!
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during its two distinct dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These periods offer the most stable weather, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and less chance of rain, ensuring breathtaking views of the summit and surrounding landscapes. Climbers in January to March can enjoy quieter trails and occasional snow at the peak, creating a magical alpine experience. Meanwhile, June to October aligns with peak travel seasons, where sunny days and starry nights enhance the trek’s appeal. These optimal windows allow adventurers to focus on the climb, relish nature’s beauty, and increase their chances of a successful summit.
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will serve as a starting point, keep in mind that your path will be entirely unique to you.
