Dream Trails Expeditions

Machame Route

9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route Trek (With Extra Acclimatization Day)

Dream Trails Expeditions
9 Day Trek
Kilimanjaro Climb

From - $1650

Route Overview

Take the legendary Machame Route with an extra acclimatization day for maximum summit success. Nicknamed the "Whiskey Route" for its steep, scenic challenge, this 9-day journey crosses rainforest, heather moorland, alpine desert, and glacial slopes. The added rest day at Karanga Camp boosts oxygen adaptation, pushing success rates to 96%+. Start and end in Arusha, led by Dream Trails Expeditions.

This 9-day version adds a crucial rest day at Karanga (3,995 m) for better acclimatization, making it ideal for climbers of all fitness levels who want to maximize their summit chances.

Route: Machame Route (Machame Gate → Shira → Barranco → Karanga Rest → Barafu → Summit)
Duration: 9 Days / 8 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

🌧️ Dense rainforest with waterfalls and colobus monkeys
🧗‍♂️ Scramble up the iconic Barranco Wall (non-technical)
🌋 Day hike to Lava Tower (4,600 m) for high-altitude training
🛌 Full rest day at Karanga Camp – optional acclimatization climb
🌅 Midnight summit to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – sunrise over Africa
❄️ Close-up views of Kibo's glaciers and ash pit
📈 96%+ summit success with extra day (Dream Trails data)

The 9-day version adds a crucial rest day at Karanga (3,995 m):

Gradual Ascent: 7 trekking days before summit
"Climb High, Sleep Low": Lava Tower day + optional Karanga Hill hike (4,200 m)
Rest & Recovery: Full day to hydrate, eat, and acclimatize
Monitoring: Twice-daily oxygen saturation & heart rate checks
Success Rate: 96%+ for all fitness levels (2023–2025)

🏞️ Dry Seasons (Optimal Conditions)

January – March: Dry, clear, optimal visibility
June – October: Dry, clear, optimal visibility

🌧️ Rainy Seasons (Challenging)

April – May: Rainy — greener, quieter, muddier
November: Rainy — greener, quieter, muddier

✅ Included in the Trek

Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
2 nights Arusha hotel (pre- & post-trek, BB)
Full board on mountain (3 hot meals/day + energy snacks)
Lead guide + assistants + cook + porters (1:3 ratio)
4x4 gate transfers
4-season tents, mess tent, sleeping mats, portable toilet
All park fees (~$1,100 pp)
Daily health monitoring & emergency oxygen
Pre-trek briefing + laminated route map

❌ Excluded from the Trek

International flights
Visa fees
Travel/medical insurance
Personal gear (sleeping bag, poles – rentals available)
Tips (recommended $250–$300 pp)
Alcohol, laundry, souvenirs

🌋 Crater Camp overnight (+1 day)
💎 Luxury glamping tents with cots & solar lights
📸 Professional summit photographer/videographer
🦒 4-Day safari extension (Serengeti, Ngorongoro)
🚁 Helicopter descent (Barafu → Arusha)

Tanzanian-owned, KPAP partner – ethical porter treatment
🏔️ 96%+ summit rate on 9-day Machame (extra day)
🥾 Altitude-trained guides – WFR & AMGA certified
📡 24/7 emergency comms + Flying Doctors cover
🌱 Carbon-neutral: 1 tree planted per climber, zero waste
📸 Free summit group photo printed & mailed post-trek

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

9-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 Camp (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 Camp (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 (Acclimatization Day: Lava Tower & Karanga)

Route: Barranco Camp (3,976 m) → Lava Tower (4,630 m) → Barranco Camp (3,976 m) | Distance / Time: 10 km | 7–9 hours trekking

Experience:

After breakfast, ascend through giant senecio forests to reach Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatization and lunch.
(Optional) If energy permits, continue to Karanga Hill (4,200 m) for further acclimatization and panoramic views.
Descend back down to Barranco Camp (3,976 m) to sleep, reinforcing the 'climb high, sleep low' approach.

Overnight: Barranco Camp (3,976 m)

Day 6 — Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp

Route: Barranco Camp (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 7 — Summit Day (Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp)

Route: Barafu Camp (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 a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp in the upper forest.

Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,080 m)

Day 8 — Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha

Route: Mweka Camp (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 a hot shower, celebration dinner, and rest.

Overnight: Arusha (Hotel / Lodge)

Day 9 — 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 ✨