The 8-day Machame Route is one of the most scenic and successful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” this trail offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and excellent acclimatization, making it a top choice for adventurous hikers seeking both challenge and reward. Your journey begins in lush rainforest, where you’ll encounter rich birdlife and towering trees, before ascending through heathlands and dramatic alpine scenery. As you climb higher, the terrain opens into stark yet beautiful high-altitude deserts, culminating in an unforgettable summit attempt at Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
8 Days Machame Mount Kilimanjaro Hike Route
With its longer duration, the 8-day Machame Route allows for better altitude adaptation, increasing your chances of reaching the summit while enjoying a more comfortable and memorable trekking experience. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want a balance of adventure, safety, and spectacular views on their Kilimanjaro climb.
8 Days Machame Mount Kilimanjaro Hike Route
This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking the ultimate African experience nature, wildlife, culture, and beach all in one journey. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) via the popular 8-day Machame Route, widely regarded as the most scenic and successful route to the summit. This carefully designed itinerary offers excellent acclimatization, breathtaking landscapes, and a higher summit success rate perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a safe and rewarding Kilimanjaro experience. The journey takes you through diverse ecological zones, from lush rainforest and rolling moorlands to dramatic alpine desert and glacial summit views. Your ultimate challenge is reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable sunrise views above the clouds
On day one regardless of your flight arrival. It’s the day of setting it up. You get ready for the start of your amazing Kilimanjaro Machame Route journey! You’ll receive a warm welcome at the airport by our driver and be transported in comfort to your hotel in Moshi. After settling down, you’ll gather for a group orientation session. Our expert team leaders will guide you through the important details of your route and offer advice for a successful trek. Your hiking gear will then be inspected and adjusted if necessary. The rest of the day is spent preparing for your life-changing journey. Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
On the second day after waking up to a warm hotel breakfast, you’ll depart Moshi for the Machame Gate, the start of numerous Kilimanjaro climbing routes. The 45-minute journey will take scenic turns off the beaten path, traversing coffee plantations and traditional local villages. After reaching the park gate, our team will assemble all your gear while you register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. Meet and get to know the rest of your support team, including our friendly chefs. Then begins your first trekking experience to Machame Camp. Here you’ll venture across spectacular terrain, including tropical rainforests and grasslands. Catch glimpses of wild animals and exotic plant species as you move through moss-covered forest underpasses. Travel into drier terrain surrounded by high grasses and fields of sprouting wildflowers. You’ll then stop and admire a view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s mighty summit, Kibo Peak. All the while, your porters and cooks prepare the camp ready for your arrival. Accommodation: Machame Camp.
Third day is the start of the battle to the top. You’ll wake up on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro awaiting the most spectacular stretch of your journey so far. Gather your gear, including plenty of water, and set off on an exposed trail where you’ll soak up plenty of sun. Sudden shifts in the scenery will make you catch your breath: a panorama of lush forest canopies towering above, vast golden savannah plains below, and a sight of the jagged volcanic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You’ll also have gradual exposure to increasingly higher altitudes to help with the acclimatization process. After lunch, you’ll climb the lava-filled Shira Plateau then hike through arid pathways. Watch for the shrinking vegetation the higher you ascend Kilimanjaro, including the exotic Lobelia Deckenii and the Scenecio dwarf shrub. Finish the day at Shira Camp where you’ll rest and recuperate for the next part of your exciting journey. Accommodation: Shira Camp
Now more than halfway through one of the best Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes, you’ll encounter the most varied and rewarding stretch so far. Get ready for a hike eastward towards the gorgeous Shira Plateau along ever-steeper terrain. The highlight of your day will be the approach towards Lava Tower, an incredible 300 ft tall volcanic plug that transforms into a looming passageway. Then you’ll take a rapid descent towards the Barranco campsite, famous for being the most scenic one on the route. You’ll set up for the night surrounded by massive valley walls and the stunning Kibo massif. View spectacular glaciers draped with sunlight while you enjoy a hot, steaming meal. Accommodation: Barranco Camp
The day before your final ascent is filled with thrilling exploration and adventure. Start the morning with an invigorating 90-minute climb up Barranco Wall, also known as the Breakfast Wall, and down into the gorgeous green territories of the Karanga Valley. Survey spectacular vistas of bleached glaciers and gleaming shards of light then journey near the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. As the bronzed peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks come into view, you’ll stop and have an energy-dense dinner in preparation for the upcoming push to the summit. Accommodation: Barafu Camp
At midnight, you’ll rise to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Journey amid gleaming glaciers to Stella Point while the sun rises, illuminating the amazing peaks of the summit. Savor the final hours of your unforgettable journey before reaching Uhuru Peak, your final destination. Standing on the rooftop of Africa, you’ll be filled with a sense of exhilaration looking down over the swirling cloudscape and oceans of ice. Celebrate with your team and soak in the atmosphere before returning to Barafu Camp for a hot, steaming breakfast. The day ends with your arrival at Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night lying beneath the stars. Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Wake up on your last day on the mountain rested and triumphant—you’ve just conquered Mount Kilimanjaro! After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll stroll towards Mweka Gate through gorgeous forest scenery draped in cloud and mist. Tours vehicle will be there to transport you back to Moshi where a you will freshen up and have time to relax. Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
Today we will take you to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will embark on your flight home.
Includes
Cost Included
- Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to the hotel in Moshi
- Transport from Moshi to Park Gates
- Transport from Park Gates to Moshi
- Pre & post climb accommodation in Moshi
- Kilimanjaro National Park Conservation fees (entry fee)
- Kilimanjaro National Park compulsory rescue fees
- Kilimanjaro National Park hut accommodation fees
- Kilimanjaro National Park trained certified English-speaking guides
- Kilimanjaro National Park trained certified English-speaking porters
- One Porter per person for personal Mountain luggage (maximum 15 kgs)
- Kilimanjaro National Park trained certified cook/Chef, utensils, cutlery, crockery.
- All meals while on the mountain and bed and breakfast in Moshi
- Boiled water; tea and coffee with meals
- 1 basic first Aid kit per group
Cost Excluded
- Any Domestic of International lights
- Specialized climbing equipments such as Oxygen cylinders (available at cost)
- Travel insurance, Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal mountain equipments such as sleeping bags, walking poles, mattresses, duffel bags etc (available at cost)
- Metal water bottles, water bladders (please note no soft plastics are permitted on the Mountain)
- Tips/gratuities for guide(s), porters & cook
- Beverages such as Soda and Alcoholic drinks
- Additional unscheduled transfer form park gates to Moshi.
