Mount Kilimanjaro
Overview
Safari Highlights
Rain forest Trek
Shira Plateau
Barranco Wall
Karanga Valley
Barafu Camp
Uhuru Peak
The Machame Route, or “Whiskey Route,” is a scenic yet challenging Kilimanjaro trek, taking 6–7 days. It offers diverse landscapes, from lush rain forests to alpine deserts, with excellent acclimatization. The route passes Barranco Wall before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Camping-based, it’s ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking breathtaking views.
Best time to visit: from December to March / June to October
DAY 1
Arrive in Tanzania
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will meet your Green Planet Safaris representative who will transfer you to your Hotel for overnight.
Overnight at Airport Planet lodge & Spa– Meals Dinner and Breakfast.
DAY 2
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Machame Gate. After registration, begin the steady climb through dense rainforest, which can be muddy and overgrown. After dinner, your head guide will brief you for the next day.
- Elevation: 1,640m (5,380ft) to 2,850m (9,350ft)
- Distance: 11km (7 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Rain forest
Overnight at Machame Camp – Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 3
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Today, trek through the forest to the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, entering the alpine zone of moorlands and grasslands. At camp, enjoy views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru. Your guide will brief you for tomorrow after dinner.
- Elevation: 2,850m (9,350ft) to 3,810m (12,500ft)
- Distance: 5.4km (3.4 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Rain forest and Low Alpine Zone
Overnight at Shira Camp – Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 4
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Trek past the Lava Tower (4,600m), our high point for the day, ideal for lunch. In the afternoon, descend steeply to camp in the Great Barranco Valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and expansive plains below. Your guide will brief you for tomorrow after dinner.
- Elevation: 3,810m (12,500ft) to 3,976m (13,044ft)
- Distance: 10.8km (6.7 miles)
- Trekking Time: 8 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Low Alpine and High Alpine.
Overnight at Barranco Camp – Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 5
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, tackle the steep Barranco Wall, with views of the valley and the iconic kissing rock. Pause for photos at Kibo volcano before reaching camp. For acclimatization, a trek to 4,200m (13,779ft) is optional. Your guide will brief you after dinner.
- Elevation: 3,976m (13,044ft) to 3,995m (13,106ft)
- Distance: 5.5km (3.4 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5 hours
- Vegetation Zone: High Alpine
Overnight at Karanga Camp – Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 6
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Trek to Barafu Summit Camp, the base for summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Climb steep slopes, then do an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800m) before returning to Barafu. After an early dinner, rest before being woken at 11 pm for the summit climb. Your guide will brief you during dinner.
- Elevation: 3,995m (13,106ft) to 4,673m (15,331ft)
- Distance: 3km (1.9 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3 hours
- Vegetation Zone: High Alpine
Overnight at Barafu Camp – Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 7
Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
At midnight, start the summit climb, slowly ascending to the glaciers. Gain altitude quickly, reaching Stella Point (5,739m) just as the sunrise illuminates Africa. Enjoy stunning views of the crater’s ice cliffs and Mawenzi Peak. Continue an hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then descend to Barafu Camp for breakfast. After resting, continue down to Mweka Camp. Your head guide will brief you during dinner for the following day’s descent.
- Elevation: 4,673m (15,331ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) to 3,068m(10,065ft)
- Distance: 16.4km (9.6 miles)
- Trekking Time: 13-15 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Glacial, High Alpine, Low Alpine, Rain forest
Overnight at Mweka Camp – Meals Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 8
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A gentle descent through rainforest leads to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate before returning to your hotel.
- Elevation: 3,068m (10,065ft) to 1,640m (5,380ft)
- Distance: 9.1km (7.5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Rain forest
Day use at Airport Planet Lodge– Meal Lunch.
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Park fees
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Airport transfers
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Airport Planet & Spa Half Body
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Full board accommodation on the Mountain.
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Camp crew, cook and great team of porters
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Sleeping tent, mess tent, stools & toilet tent
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Water, tea, coffee & hot chocolate on the hike
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Services of an English- speaking guide 1:2 ratio
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All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
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Day room and lunch on the last day at Airport Planet.
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Tips
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Visa fees
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Rescue fees
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Climbing gear
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Any unforeseen tax
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International flights
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Soft drinks, beer and house wines
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Sleeping bag, pillow and 3-inch mattress
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All statutory increase beyond our control
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