Climbing Kilimanjaro: Summit the Machame Route
There are seven routes by which to reach Kibo, or Uhuru Peak, the highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Of these seven routes, the Machame Route is the most popular path because, among all else, it provides impressive views. About 50% of all climbers including most seasoned climbers choose this path, which is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accommodations found on the Marangu Route, the Machame climbers hike steeper trails for longer distances, while sleeping in tents. At the summit, there is a sign posted by the Tanzanian government. The sign reads: Congratulations! You are now at Uhuru Peak, Tanzania, 5,895 m. Africa's Highest Point. World's Highest Free-Standing Mountain.
- Carry only a daypack, as porters transport your luggage and equipment throughout the climb and descent.
- Utilize top-of-the-line camping gear and safety equipment.
- Quality of every trek ensured by directly employing all of our chefs, porters and guides, the last of which are Certified Wilderness First Responders.
- Climb in confidence with the company with a successful Kilimanjaro summit rate of 97% - far above the industry average of 60-70%.
- Trust in deep experience, which spans more than 50 years in Tanzania and 30 years trekking Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Benefit from more time to acclimatize - a key component to a successful summit - with three more days on the itinerary than most companies provide.
- Stay in the largest and most comfortable sleeping tents on the mountain with private toilet facilities.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
Arrive in Arusha and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a good night’s rest as one of only 12 guests on this epic journey.
Mount Meru Hotel
Day 2: Arusha | Scenic Parkland
In preparation for the climb ahead, acclimatize as you walk through Arusha National Park. Situated between the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, this scenic park houses a wide range of habitats, from its string of crater lakes populated by waterfowl to its highland montane forest and imposing summit views. The forest harbors a wealth of wildlife, including frolicking black-and-white colobus monkeys and regal bushbucks. This evening, sit down to a welcome dinner with fellow guests.
Mount Meru Hotel | Meals: B L D
Day 3: Mount Kilimanjaro | 10,000 Feet
Drive from Arusha to the Machame village on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to begin your climb along the challenging and scenic Machame Route. Hike for about six hours through dense rubber-tree and giant fig forests to your camp, set up near huts once used for shelter. As you make your way up through the forested terrain, keep an eye out for elephants. Settle into your first camp, poised at an altitude of 10,000 feet.
Machame Camp | Meals: B L D
Day 4: Mount Kilimanjaro | 12,500 Feet
Awake early to a piping-hot cup of coffee or tea. As you leave camp, absorb the commanding view of Uhuru Peak. Trek out of the forest up to the Hagenia zone - through a savanna of tall grasses and haunting volcanic lava landscapes. After a six-hour hike, arrive at the Shira Plateau and your camp. At 12,500 feet, it boasts sweeping views across the Masai Steppe to distant Mount Meru and the Shira Needles.
Shira Camp | Meals: B L D
Day 5: Mount Kilimanjaro | 13,000 Feet
During a six-hour hike, skirt the Shira Plateau toward the Kibo Massif, continuing upward to the pass at Lava Tower (15,000 feet). Descend toward Barranco Camp through the immense, waterfall-punctuated Grand Barranco Canyon, which is fed by streams from the Umbwe River. Today’s camp is situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet.
Barranco Camp | Meals: B L D
Day 6: Mount Kilimanjaro | Acclimatization Day
Hike for about six hours along the Barranco Cliff with no increase in elevation. This allows you time to rest and adjust to the increasingly higher 
altitudes. In the afternoon, you may hike in the Karanga Valley set beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Decken and Kersten glaciers.
Karanga Camp | Meals: B L D
Day 7: Mount Kilimanjaro | Preparing for the Summit
Take another short, four- to five-hour trek and a day of acclimatization as you near the mountain’s peak, stopping at Barafu Camp - 15,200 feet - with views of majestic Mawenzi Peak to the right and looming Kibo Peak overhead. The surrounding, scenic alpine desert terrain is largely mineral and features some lichens and moss. Turn in early this evening — tomorrow, you make an early start for the summit.
Barafu Camp | Meals: B L D
Day 8: Mount Kilimanjaro | Summit Day
Rise very early to a hot cup of coffee or tea, before setting out on the final ascent to soaring Stella Point, at 18,630 feet on the rim of Kibo Crater. Start about 13 hours of trekking today by making your way up a winding path flanked by the towering Ratzel and Rebmann Glaciers. As the sun rises, continue around the rim to Uhuru Peak - 19,341 feet, where the air is rarefied. Should all go as planned, you will stand at the highest point in Africa in about seven hours’ time. Savor your achievement, and then descend to your last campsite at 10,200 feet.
Mweka Camp | Meals: B L D
Day 9: Depart Arusha
Continue your descent to the base of the mountain, where your driver greets and transports you back to Arusha. During a farewell lunch, enjoy basking in your accomplishments with fellow guests. Comfortable dayrooms are provided until your departure flight.
Mount Meru Hotel (dayroom) | Meals: B L
Journey in association with Abercrombie & Kent
Luxury Small Group Journey: Limited to 12 guests - 9 Days
Departures: Jan, Feb // May through December
