MAKE FEEL AT HOME
Machame Route, also known as the Whisky Route, is one of the most stunning and recommended paths for climbing Kilimanjaro. This iconic route takes you through lush forests, ascends a ridge through moorlands to the Shira Plateau, and then passes beneath the icy cliffs of the Southern Icefields, joining the Barafu Route towards the summit. With its longer duration and gradual incline, Machame Route offers a higher success rate for those climbing Kilimanjaro.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to the hotel for overnight accommodation. Your head guide will conduct a briefing, gear check, and assist with equipment rental needs.
Overnight at a lodge or hotel in Moshi.
In the morning, you’ll be transferred from Moshi with a 45-minute drive to the Machame Gate, the starting point for climbing Kilimanjaro. After securing permits, your adventure begins through the lush rainforest, where your guide will offer insights on the local flora and fauna. Trekking poles and gaiters are recommended to manage the muddy and slippery trails during your climb.
Habitat: Montane Forest
[Elevation: 9,911 ft ∼ 3,021 m, and Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours].
In the morning, you will depart from Shira Camp and head toward Barranco Camp, passing via the iconic Lava Tower. This day is crucial for acclimatization as you ascend toward Lava Tower, which offers breathtaking views during your climbing Kilimanjaro journey. Afterwards, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp for the night, allowing your body to adjust before the next ascent.
Habitat: Semi-Desert
[Elevation: 13,077 ft ∼ 3,986 m, Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours].
In the morning, you will depart from Barranco Camp and make your way to Barafu Camp. This leg of your climbing Kilimanjaro journey involves navigating the challenging Barranco Wall and crossing the scenic Karanga Valley before reaching Barafu Camp. This stop marks the completion of the South Circuit.
Habitat: Alpine-Desert
[Elevation: 15,295 ft ∼ 4662 m, Trekking time: 8 to 10 hours].
As dawn approaches, anticipation builds for the early start, typically at midnight, marking the most challenging segment of your Climbing Kilimanjaro journey. This stage tests your mental and physical endurance as you press onward toward the summit, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The focus remains on staying warm and embracing the sense of achievement that draws nearer with each step. Ascending in a zigzag pattern, you’ll reach Stella Point on the crater rim, where a breathtaking sunrise offers a brief but rewarding respite.
For faster climbers, there’s a chance to witness this stunning sunrise from the summit. With just about an hour left to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent, you’ll traverse snow-covered terrain.
Habitat: Stone Scene & Ice-Capped
[Elevation: 19,341 ft ∼ 5895 m, Trekking time: 5 to 7 hours].
Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, congratulations are in order—each step you’ve taken is a testament to your perseverance and determination. Amid the celebratory photos, joyful tears, and triumphant cheers, take a moment to soak in this monumental achievement.
The descent to Mweka Camp begins steeply, with a stop at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Trekking poles and gaiters will be invaluable on the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. As night falls, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest at Mweka Camp, savoring your final evening in the embrace of Kilimanjaro.
After a morning breakfast and heartfelt farewells to your crew, you will continue descending to Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificates, commemorating your successful Climbing Kilimanjaro journey. From there, a vehicle will transfer you to Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest and celebrate your achievement at your hotel.
Overnight at a lodge or hotel in Moshi.
Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will arrive at your hotel to transfer you to the airport, where we will bid our farewells. This will mark the conclusion of your Climbing Kilimanjaro adventure. Good luck!
For the Arrival day (pre-hiking) and Departure day (post-hiking), you have the option to decide whether you would like us to arrange accommodation in Moshi and include it in the total Tour budget, or if you prefer to book it yourself and be excluded from the total Tour budget. “You will let us know”.
Our Hotels in Moshi
Private Gears
Transfer [From/To]
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Buluma Adventures is the local Tour Operator Specialized in Tanzania Safari Tours, particularly wildlife safaris, climbing Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar beach tours.
