Even though it is hard trail to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro but, the Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accommodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents. You will be picked up by the staff of Wildbird safari from Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Arusha. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Necessary equipment will be checked.

Day 1: Arusha to Machame gate (1490m) to Machame Camp (2980m)

Climate: Montane forest

Distance: barely 9kms

Time taken: approximately 7hrs

Early in the morning after breakfast at your Hotel, you will depart to Machame gate from Arusha barely 2hrs, for registration and urgent information before start ascending to Machame camp. You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Eco-lodge

Day 2: Machame Camp (2980m) to Shira Camp (3840m)

Climate: Moorland

Distance: barely 9kms

Time taken: about 6hrs

Rise up in the morning at the mid of the Mountain, after breakfast guide and porters will lead your way to Shira camp, through the moorland climate. You will cross many streams and walk over a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau that leads to Shira Camp. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Shira Camp

Day 3: Shira camp (3840m) to Lava tower (4630m) to Burranco camp (3950m)

Climate: Low Alpine desert

Distance covered: barely 12kms

Time taken: about 8hrs

After early hot breakfast at Shira camp you will experience, a short ascending to Lava tower before descending to Burranco camp. Packed lunches are served at the Tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower weather permitting. The 6800m descent gives hikers a huge advantage to allow their bodies to adjust to the conditions of high altitude. Camp is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”). Drinking and washing water and dinner will be served as hikers view the sun setting.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Burranco Camp

Day 4: Burranco Camp (3950m) to Karanga Camp (4000m)

Climate: High Alpine desert

Distance: barely 4kms

Time taken: about 2 hours

Early in the morning after breakfast at Burranco camp, you will experience a short ascending to Karanga camp. Hikers state that this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. This is an ideal hiking day for acclimatization.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Karanga valley camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4000m) to Barafu Camp (4600m)

Climate: Glacial

Distance: about 4kms

Time taken: barely 3hrs

After morning breakfast, Guide and porters will lead your way to Barafu camp, where you will stay preparing for summit day. The word “barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: barafu camp

Day 6: Summit Day, Barafu Camp (4600m) to Uhuru peak (5895m) to Mweka camp (3100m)

Climate: Glacial

Distance covered: about 7kms ascending and 18kms descending

Time taken: about 8hrs ascending and 9hrs descending

Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak. Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Meeks camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1980m) to Arusha

Climate: Montane forest

In the morning rise and shine, after breakfast at Mweka camp, you will proceed to descend heading to Mweka gate. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch

Accommodation: SG Premium Resort

Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport

After checking out, you will be picked up from the hotel and driven to the airport to start your journey home.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Accommodation: –

What is included in this tour

Mount Kilimanjaro Park fees

Hut/camping fees and tents

First aid kit

Guides, Porters, Cook, Waiter Salaries

JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airport | Airport transfers

All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain

Whats not included in this tour

Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)

Emergency Oxygen

Visa fees & travel insurance. Flight tickets.

Additional nights, hotel nights included

Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit).

Gear for your climb, some equipment is available for rent.

The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along with the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.

You will be picked up by the staff of Wildbird safari from Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Arusha. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Necessary equipment will be checked.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: MOUNT MERU HOTEL

DAY 1

Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RONGAI CAMP

DAY 2

Rongai Cave to Second Cave

Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Heath

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave

Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking through moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: KIKELEWA CAMP

DAY 3

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Possibility to Views the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area/ view.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: MAWENZI TARN CAMP

DAY 4

Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft

Distance: 2 km/1 mile

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn

Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 f

Distance: 2 km/1 mile

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

DAY 5

Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we will have time to rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: KIBO CAMP

DAY 6

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your achievement we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: KIBO CAMP

DAY 7

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rain forest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch

Accommodation: MOUNT MERU HOTEL

DEPART DAY

Departure transfer which is included from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or any other option we will discuss.

Meals: breakfast

Accommodation: –

What is included in this tour

Mount Kilimanjaro Park fees

Hut/camping fees and tents

First aid kit

Guides, Porters, Cook, Waiter Salaries

JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airport | Airport transfers

All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain

Whats not included in this tour

Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)

Emergency Oxygen

Visa fees & travel insurance. Flight tickets.

Additional nights, hotel nights included

Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit).

Gear for your climb, some equipment is available for rent.

The Marangu Route is the most popular route up Mount Kilimanjaro, and also considerably easier than any of the other trips to the summit. Climbers usually cover the 34km each way over a period of at least four or five nights on the mountain, making use of three stages of wooden huts for overnight accommodation en route. You will be picked up by the staff of Wildbird safari from Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Arusha. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Necessary equipment will be checked.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Gran Melia Arusha(luxury) or Arumeru lodge (mid-range)

Day 1: Arusha to Marangu gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

Climate: Montane forest

Distance: about 8kms

Time taken: about 3-4hrs

Early in the morning after delicious breakfast at your lodge/hotel, depart for registration and trekking arrangement at Marangu gate. There you will find our professional English-speaking Mountain guide, Chef and porters who will help you all days at Kilimanjaro. Through mountain forest you will enjoy to see birdlife, colobus monkey and eucalyptus tree species. Recommended to eat and drink well to compensate the lost water through sweating. Shorts and t-shirt usually will suffice at this altitude but you have to keep your rain gear and warm clothes in your daypack just in case. You will stop for lunch in halfway through your trek before continue to mandara hut.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Mandara hut

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo (Hut 3750m)

Climate: Moorland

Distance: about 11kms

Time taken: barely 7hrs

Rise and shine in the morning at Mandara hut, after enjoying a hot breakfast prepared by our Chef; you will continue to ascend heading to Horombo hut through the moorland climate. Your trek began through ascending tropical rainforest glades before ascending through heathland and on into the open moorland, where vegetation is sparse with small shrubs. Stop halfway for lunch overlooking the view of mawenzi. You will arrive at horombo huts around 3pm.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 3: Acclimatization Day

You may begin to feel the effects of altitude at Horombo, this is why we use this day as an aid to your acclimatization. Depend on how you are feeling, your guide will recommend whether to stay in hut or hiking up to mawenzi base camp and return to Horombo huts for the second night.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3750m) to Kibo Hut (4690m)

Climate: Alpine desert

Distance: about 8kms

Time taken: about 4hrs

In the morning after breakfast at Horombo huts, kip on ascend to Kibo hut across the Alpine desert climate, together with guide, Chef and Porters. The day trek begin through the heathland and quickly turn into moonscape when you enter the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. Stopover in the mid of the journey for lunch, whereby you will start to see the summit and prepare your body to face.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Kibo hut

Day 5: Summit day, Kibo hut (4690m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m)

Climate: Glacial

Distance: about 6kms ascending and 8kms descending

Time taken: about 5hrs ascending and 9hrs descending

Rise up early in the mid-night for summit ascent. Start trekking around 1 am in the night aiming to summit in 7 am in the morning. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Kibo hut

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3750m) to Mandara hut (2700m) to Marangu gate (1860m)

Climate: Moorland to Montane forest

Distance: About 18kms

Time taken: about 7hrs

Wake up early in the morning for breakfast, then descending through moorland to mandara huts for lunch. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back Arusha for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Gran Melia (luxury) or Arumeru River Lodge (mid-Range)

Fly back home

After breakfast, we can arrange for a private transfer or taxi to Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO). Drive time :1 hour

Meals: breakfast

Accommodation: –

What includes in this tour?

Park fees

All transportation (unless labeled as optional)

Round trip airport transfer

All taxes/VAT

All meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)

All activities (unless labeled as optional)

Drinking water on all days

What’s not included in this tour

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees etc.)

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Alcohol drinks

Climbing gears

Sleeping bags