Dream Trails Expeditions

Machame Route

8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek (Classic "Whiskey" Route)

Dream Trails Expeditions
8 Day Trek
Kilimanjaro Climb

From - $1650

Trek Overview

Challenge yourself on the iconic Machame Route, known as the "Whiskey Route" for its steeper, more rugged profile. This 8-day adventure delivers raw beauty: dense rainforest, moorland ridges, alpine desert, and a dramatic summit push under starlit skies. Perfect for fit trekkers seeking a direct, scenic path with strong acclimatization built into the standard itinerary — no extra day needed. Start and end in Arusha, guided by the expert Dream Trails Expeditions team.

This classic 8-day itinerary is optimized for success with proven acclimatization strategy, making it ideal for experienced hikers and first-time climbers alike.

Route: Machame Route (Machame Gate → Shira → Barranco → Barafu → Summit)
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Difficulty: Strenuous
Accommodation: Tented campsites along the route
Transport: 4x4 transfers to and from Kilimanjaro National Park Gate
Guide: Experienced, certified mountain guides and porters
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek
Start / End: Arusha, Tanzania

🌿 Traverse lush rainforest with giant ferns and waterfalls
🏔️ Climb the Barranco Wall – a thrilling non-technical scramble
🌋 Pass Lava Tower (4,600 m) for high-altitude exposure
🌄 Midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – sunrise over Africa
❄️ Glacial views of the Southern Icefields and Rebmann Glacier
🥾 Proven acclimatization profile: "Climb High, Sleep Low" on Days 3–5
🏕️ Remote, scenic camps with fewer crowds than Marangu

The 8-day Machame Route is optimized for success without an extra rest day:

Gradual Ascent: 6 full trekking days before summit
"Climb High, Sleep Low": Day 3 ascends to Lava Tower (4,600 m), then descends to Barranco (3,976 m)
Pace & Monitoring: Slow "pole pole" rhythm, daily oxygen checks, hydration focus
Success Rate: 92%+ for fit, prepared trekkers (Dream Trails 2023–2025 data)

🏞️ Dry Seasons (Best Conditions)

January – March & June – October: Dry, clear skies, best visibility

🌧️ Rainy Seasons (Challenging)

April – May & November: Rainy — greener, quieter, slippery trails

✅ Included in the Trek

Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
2 nights Arusha hotel (pre- & post-trek, BB)
Full board on mountain (3 hot meals/day + snacks)
Certified guides, assistant guides, cook, porters
4x4 gate transfers
4-season tents, mess tent, sleeping mats, portable toilet
All park fees (~$1,000 pp: entry, camping, rescue)
Daily health checks & emergency oxygen
Pre-trek briefing + route map

❌ Excluded from the Trek

International flights
Visa fees
Travel/medical insurance
Personal gear (sleeping bag, poles – rentals available)
Tips
Alcohol, laundry, souvenirs

🌄 Add Crater Camp overnight (+1 day)
💎 Upgrade to luxury walk-in tents with cots
📸 Hire summit photographer/videographer
🦓 Extend with 3–5 day safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro)
🚁 Helicopter descent (Barafu → Arusha)

100% Tanzanian-owned – fair porter wages, KPAP partner
🏔️ 92%+ summit rate on 8-day Machame (no extra day)
🥾 Expert pacing – trained in altitude physiology
📡 24/7 satellite comms + Flying Doctors membership
🌱 Eco-friendly: Solar charging, waste carry-out, tree planted per climber
📸 Lifetime memory: Professional summit photos included in package

📩 Book at www.dreamtrailsexpeditions.com or contact us for custom options!

8-Day Machame Route Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha

Route: Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha | Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive

Experience:

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your Dream Trails Expeditions representative.
Transfer to your lodge in Arusha for check-in and relaxation after your journey.
Receive a pre-climb briefing and equipment check with your mountain guide.
Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.

Overnight: Arusha (Standard Lodge / Hotel)

Day 2 — Arusha → Machame Gate → Machame Camp

Route: Arusha → Machame Gate (1,790 m) → Machame Camp (2,835 m) | Distance / Time: 11 km | 5–7 hours trekking

Experience:

After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration and the start of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Hike through lush rainforest with ancient trees, colobus monkeys, and misty trails.
Reach Machame Camp in the afternoon; tents are set up with views of Kibo shrouded in clouds.

Overnight: Machame Camp (2,835 m)

Day 3 — Machame Camp → Shira Camp

Route: Machame (2,835 m) → Shira Camp (3,750 m) | Distance / Time: 5 km | 4–6 hours trekking

Experience:

Ascend steeply out of the forest into giant heather and open moorland.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and the western breach.
Arrive at Shira Camp on the vast plateau for sunset over the plains far below.

Overnight: Shira Camp (3,750 m)

Day 4 — Shira Camp → Barranco Camp

Route: Shira (3,750 m) → Barranco Camp (3,976 m) | Distance / Time: 10 km | 6–8 hours trekking

Experience:

Traverse the southern flank beneath the Lava Tower, passing bizarre senecio forests.
Descend into the Great Barranco Valley with its dramatic wall rising 250 m above camp.
Arrive at Barranco Camp nestled under the towering cliffs.

Overnight: Barranco Camp (3,976 m)

Day 5 — Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp

Route: Barranco (3,976 m) → Barafu Camp (4,673 m) | Distance / Time: 9 km | 7–9 hours trekking

Experience:

Conquer the famous Barranco Wall – a non-technical scramble with exhilarating exposure.
Cross ridges and valleys, merging with Karanga route, with constant views of the Heim and Kersten glaciers.
Steady uphill to Barafu Camp; arrive early afternoon, rest, hydrate, and early dinner before midnight summit start.

Overnight: Barafu Camp (4,673 m)

Day 6 — Summit Day (Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp)

Route: Barafu (4,673 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Mweka Camp (3,080 m) | Distance / Time: 17 km | 11–15 hours total trekking

Experience:

Depart at midnight under starlight for the steep ascent to Stella Point (5,756 m).
Follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – sunrise at the roof of Africa!
Descend to Barafu for brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp in the upper forest.

Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,080 m)

Day 7 — Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha

Route: Mweka (3,080 m) → Mweka Gate (1,640 m) → Arusha | Distance / Time: 10 km | 3–4 hours trekking

Experience:

Final descent through lush rainforest, often muddy and vibrant with birdlife.
Arrive at Mweka Gate, receive summit certificates, and tip the crew.
Transfer back to Arusha for hot shower, celebration dinner, and rest.

Overnight: Arusha (Hotel / Lodge)

Day 8 — Departure from Arusha

Route: Hotel → Kilimanjaro International Airport | Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive

Experience:

Relaxed morning with breakfast at your hotel.
Optional souvenir shopping or coffee tour before airport transfer.
Depart with epic memories of conquering Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route.

End of Tour ✨