8-Day Mt Kilimanjaro
- Offer Zone
- 8-Day Mt Kilimanjaro
Top of Africa & Cultural Warm-up
Mount Kilimanjaro, an 8-day expedition.
The Machame route, also known as the 'Whiskey' route, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and is considered the optimal choice for acclimatization. Opting for this route to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro requires a good level of physical fitness. The journey is challenging and we highly recommend it to adventurous individuals who are already well-versed in mountaineering. At our company, we strive to make your travel experience unique, which is why we provide additional trekking opportunities with extraordinary attractions to create a stunning start to your trip.
- Start Arusha (Day 1)
- Day 1 Materuni
- Day 2 Machame Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)
- Day 3 - 8 Mt Kilimanjaro
- End Moshi (Day 8)
$1700
Trip Highlights
Journey Start
Wake up and have your final breakfast before embarking on the mountain trip.
Start early in the morning and travel via the Arusha - Moshi road.
Depending on the weather, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Kilimanjaro along the way.
Enjoy a short trek through the rainforest.
Take a cultural walk around the area to experience the local scenery and visit a waterfall and nearby cave near Moshi Town.
The Chagga people, known for producing excellent coffee in Africa, reside on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Get the opportunity to meet the Chagga people and learn about their coffee production methods, and perhaps even sample their delicious products.
In the evening, meet your main mountain guide for a brief overview of the route and your climbing plan.
Take this time to ask any final questions before embarking on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The guide will arrive at your accommodation early in the morning to pick you up.
You will be driven to Machame Gate, which takes approximately 1 hour by vehicle.
Upon reaching Machame Gate (1,800 m), you will meet the guides and mountain support crew.
There, you will participate in equipment packing and complete any remaining formalities.
Your chief guide will prepare an early lunch for you before starting the first part of the trek.
The goal for the day is to reach Machame Camp, situated at an altitude of 3,010 m.
The initial part of the route takes you through the rainforest, which is known for its frequent rainfall.
This section of the trail can be steep and slippery, so it is essential to be well-prepared with waterproof gear.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
After an early breakfast, you will begin your trek towards the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp, located at an elevation of 3,845 m.
As you make your way towards Shira Plateau, the landscape transitions from the rainforest to low brush in the heather zone.
While this section of the route is not considered difficult, it is important to remain vigilant for any signs of high-altitude illness that may already be manifesting.
We highly recommend maintaining a slow pace during the trek to facilitate better acclimatization.
After enjoying lunch at the camp, you will continue hiking an additional 300 m to Lava Tower Camp.
However, you will then descend back to Shira Camp for dinner and overnight stay, as this altitude gain and subsequent descent aids in the acclimatization process.
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Following breakfast at Shira Camp (3,845 m), you will proceed with the hike towards Lava Tower (4,630 m).
Lava Tower is a distinctive vertical rock formation that serves as a prominent landmark along the trek.
As the altitude increases, you may start to experience some discomfort and difficulty in breathing.
To aid in acclimatization, it is recommended to spend at least 1-2 hours at Lava Tower. Hence, your lunch will be served at this location.
After lunch, the journey continues to Barranco Camp (3,960 m).
From Barranco Camp, you will be treated to an incredible view of the beginning of the next day's trail, the renowned Barranco Wall.
Although the Barranco Wall may appear challenging and daunting, rest assured that it features a relatively straightforward hiking path.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Karanga Camp (4,035 m) is located a short distance beyond Barranco Camp, and its proximity is crucial for your acclimatization process.
After ascending to the top of the magnificent Barranco Wall, which typically takes around 1 hour, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Kibo volcano.
Following this, you will embark on a more challenging hike towards Karanga Camp. This section of the trek involves multiple ascents and descents, and the difficulty level increases due to the higher altitude.
Our experienced guides will carefully navigate you through the best paths along the route. Upon reaching Karanga Camp, a delicious lunch will be provided for you to refuel and rest.
You will have some time to relax before engaging in an acclimatization hike of approximately 200 meters in length. This additional hike aids in adjusting to the altitude and enhances your chances of a successful climb.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After an early breakfast, you will commence your journey towards Barafu Camp (4,640 m).
As you ascend, the effects of the altitude will become more noticeable. The name "barafu" translates to "ice" in Swahili, indicating the cold temperatures you can expect at this high altitude. It is important to be prepared for the cold weather.
Barafu Camp will serve as your base camp for the final push to the summit. Prior to the summit attempt, the mountain crew will set up camp, providing you with an opportunity to rest and recharge.
Following lunch at Barafu Camp, you will engage in an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) before returning to Barafu Camp.
A delicious dinner will be served at Barafu Camp, where you will have time to relax and prepare for the night ahead.
Sleeping may prove to be challenging due to the altitude and growing anticipation of the summit, but you will have some time for relaxation before the nocturnal undertaking.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru and descent to Millennium Camp
To reach the highest point of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), you will begin your ascent at night.
Before setting off, you will be provided with snacks and warming ginger tea to fuel your hike.
The route does not involve any technical difficulties, but the greatest challenge lies in overcoming the altitude and your own physical limitations.
For safety and your comfort, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a guide.
Our team will provide you with the best possible support throughout the journey, ensuring you reach Uhuru Peak. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunrise, one of the most beautiful sights.
After successfully reaching the summit, you will descend back to Barafu Camp and have some time for rest and recovery.
From Barafu Camp, you will continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m), where you will spend the night.
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Millennium Camp is located in a lush tropical rainforest, providing a more pleasant sleeping environment at this lower altitude.
The sense of happiness and accomplishment after reaching the summit will be overwhelming.
At this point, you will have the opportunity to bid farewell to most of the supporting crew who have assisted you throughout the journey.
However, there is still some trekking left until reaching the park's exit, Mweka Gate (1,650 m).
Upon reaching the gate, you will be served a well-deserved lunch.
Afterward, transportation will be arranged to either your accommodation in Moshi or the airport, depending on your plans.
During this time, you will also be presented with a commemorative certificate to celebrate your successful climb.