Overview
Day by day
Price
Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) via the Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route,” with Serengeti Nexus. This 7-day private trek offers diverse landscapes from lush rainforests to the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and snow-capped Uhuru Peak, with excellent acclimatization via the “walk high, sleep low” profile. Approaching from the southwest, expect stunning vistas of the Western Breach and glacial icefalls, premium camping, and expert guidance. This eco-conscious adventure supports local communities, making it ideal for adventurous climbers seeking challenge and beauty.
- You visit
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)(Start) Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)(End)
- Highlights
- Mountain climbing
- Vehicle used
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and enjoy a private transfer to Gold Crest Hotel in Arusha (50 km, 1 hour). Meet your Kilisherpas representative for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing, covering the Machame Route, safety protocols, and gear requirements. Rest and prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure in the comfort of your hotel.
Dinner
Gold Crest Hotel
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate (1.5-2 hours) for registration. Begin your ascent through a lush rainforest rich with moss and birdlife, trekking 11 km (7 miles) in 7 hours to Machame Camp (3,000 m). Settle into high-quality tents, surrounded by forest tranquility, and enjoy a full-board meal.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Machame Camp
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
Leave the rainforest behind and trek across a small valley, ascending a steep, heather-covered rocky ridge for 5 km (3 miles) in 6 hours. Turn west into a river gorge to reach Shira Cave Camp (3,850 m) on the scenic Shira Plateau. Bundle up for colder temperatures below freezing and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in tents with expansive views.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shira Cave Camp
Day 4: Shira Cave Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Climb to the base of Lava Tower (4,600 m) for lunch and acclimatization, then descend ~650 m following the “walk high, sleep low” principle to Barranco Camp (3,950 m) over 10 km in 8 hours. Capture stunning photo opportunities of the Barranco Wall and Western Breach, then relax with dinner and an overnight stay in tents.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barranco Camp
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start with a fun scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, then traverse scree slopes for 4 km (2 miles) in 4 hours to Karanga Valley (4,210 m), beneath the icefalls of Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. This short day aids acclimatization with spectacular views, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in tents.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Karanga Camp
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Trek 4 km (2 miles) in 4 hours from Karanga Camp to the junction with the Mweka descent trail, then ascend to Barafu Camp (4,675 m). Enjoy incredible views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, rest after dinner, and prepare for the summit push. Consider the optional Kosovo Camp upgrade ($100) for a 98% summit success rate, staying overnight in tents.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barafu Camp
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Wake at 11:30 PM for tea and biscuits, then begin the midnight summit ascent through heavy scree between Rebman and Ratzel Glaciers to Stella Point (5,732m), the most challenging section, over 6-8 hours. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for a sunrise view (weather permitting), photograph the summit, then descend to Barafu Camp for lunch (2-3 hours) and continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m, 3-4 hours) for dinner and a well-earned sleep in tents.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mweka Camp
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
After breakfast, descend 1,300 m through rainforest for 10 km (6 miles) in 4 hours to Mweka Gate. Collect your Kilimanjaro National Park summit certificate at Park Headquarters, then transfer to Gold Crest Hotel in Arusha for a shower and celebration.
Breakfast, Lunch
Gold Crest Hotel
Day 9: Departure from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Enjoy breakfast and a private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO, 50 km, 1 hour) for your onward journey, or connect with a Serengeti Nexus safari or Zanzibar trip if arranged.
Breakfast
