The 7-day Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," offers a thrilling yet challenging trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its scenic beauty and varied landscapes, this route provides trekkers with diverse environments, from lush rainforests to high-altitude deserts. The extended 7-day itinerary with Serengeti Savanna Adventures allows for better acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit. The journey begins at Machame Gate, ascending through lush forests, passing Shira Plateau, and navigating the famous Barranco Wall before reaching the Uhuru Peak. This route is ideal for adventurous trekkers looking for a blend of natural beauty and a rewarding challenge. After trekking you will explore Serengeti and Ngorongoro for 3 Days where you will spot all the Bog Five Animals.
The drive from Moshi/Arusha to the Machame Gate takes approximately 50 minutes, passing through the village of Machame on the lower slopes of the mountain. After leaving the park gate, we embark on a winding trail through the dense rainforest, ascending a ridge until we reach Machame Camp.
We depart from the rainforest glades and follow an ascending path up a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we traverse through heather and open moorlands before crossing a large river gorge to reach Shira 2 Camp.
We proceed east up a ridge, then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, a striking 300-ft volcanic rock formation. From there, we descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the unique Senecio Forest, to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although we start and finish the day at the same elevation, spending time at higher altitudes aids in acclimatization.
We start the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We then climb the steep, nearly 900-ft cliff—non-technical but challenging. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we traverse a series of hills and valleys before making a sharp descent into Karanga Valley. A final, steeper climb brings us to Karanga Camp. This shorter day is designed for acclimatization.
We depart from Karanga and join the Mweka Trail at the junction. We then ascend through a rocky section to reach Barafu Hut. At this point, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, offering views of the summit from various angles. We set up camp here, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. From this location, both the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible.
Very early in the morning, around midnight, we begin our challenging ascent to the summit. This portion of the trek is both mentally and physically demanding, with extreme cold and wind. We proceed in darkness with frequent short breaks. As we near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will witness a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. After summiting, we descend to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is rocky and tough on the knees, so trekking poles are beneficial. Mweka Camp, located in the upper forest, may experience mist or rain in the late afternoon. We conclude the day with our final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.
On the final day, we descend to Mweka Gate to collect our summit certificates. The trail can be wet and muddy at lower elevations. From the gate, we continue to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will transport us back to our hotel in Arusha. We’ll have an overnight stay and time to relax and recover.
Mount Meru Hotel Arusha
You'll be picked up from your lodge or Airport by our tour guide driver and depart to Serengeti National Park for game drives while carrying lunch boxes. Once we finish the game drive, we will transfer you to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and an overnight stay.
Serengeti National Park is famous for its great Migration, where large herds of zebra, antelope, and wildebeest migrating together depends on the rainy season. And is the best destination to spot resident predators and explore its famous calving ground for migrating animals. Be ready to see many different wild animals here within a minute.
Wildlife game drive
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Today, wake up early, then After breakfast enjoys a fantastic game drive in Serengeti National Park. Later in the afternoon, depart to Ngorongoro for Relaxation, Dinner and an overnight stays at the accommodation located on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. This will give you a wonderful chance to descend down the crater early morning on the following day where you will be able to spot different animal species when they are still active.
Serengeti National Park is Famous for its great migration, Where the herds of zebra, antelope, and wildebeest Migrating together depending on the rainy seasons. Be ready to see resident predators including leopard, cheetah, and lion, fulfilling their role in the circle of life.
Wildlife game drive
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.
After breakfast, we'll descend inside Ngorongoro Crater for game drives. Once we finish the game drives, we will transfer you to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Air Port for your departure/ back to another destination.
Ngorongoro crater is among of the world UNESCO Heritage site and one of the Natural wonders of Africa and constitutes the largest uninterrupted caldera in the world, Inside The crater you will have a great chance to explore the spectacular land scarps, relax in a new environment, spotting all big five Animals includes Pride of lions, Herds of buffalos, Elephants, Leopards and Black Rhino, Bird species like flamingo in the crater lakes and amazing natural environment inside the crater. Be ready to see many varieties wild animals here within a minute.
Wildlife game drive and Later drive back to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.
