The 7-day Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," offers a thrilling yet challenging trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned for its scenic beauty and varied landscapes, this route takes trekkers through diverse environments, from lush rainforests to high-altitude deserts. The extended 7-day itinerary with Wildebeest Footsteps Adventures allows for better acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit. The journey begins at Machame Gate, ascending through dense forests, crossing the Shira Plateau, and navigating the famous Barranco Wall before reaching Uhuru Peak. This route is ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking a blend of breathtaking nature and a rewarding challenge. After the trek, you will embark on a 3-day safari exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where you can spot all the Big 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 eastward along a ridge, then turn southeast toward the Lava Tower, a striking 300-foot volcanic rock formation. From there, we descend to Barranco Camp, passing through the distinctive Senecio Forest, arriving at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Although we start and finish the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitudes helps with acclimatization.
We begin the day by descending into a ravine at the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Next, we tackle the steep, nearly 900-foot cliff—a non-technical yet challenging climb. After reaching the top of the Barranco Wall, we traverse rolling hills and valleys before making a sharp descent into Karanga Valley. A final, steeper climb leads us to Karanga Camp. This shorter day is intentionally designed to aid acclimatization.
We depart from Karanga and join the Mweka Trail at the junction, ascending through a rocky section to reach Barafu Hut. Here, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, with stunning views of the summit from multiple angles. We set up camp at Barafu, rest, and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for summit day. From this vantage point, both the majestic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are clearly visible.
In the very early hours, around midnight, we embark on the most challenging part of the trek: the final ascent to the summit. This segment tests both mind and body, as we battle biting cold and fierce winds in near-total darkness, taking frequent short breaks to conserve energy. Approaching Stella Point at 18,900 feet, you will be rewarded with a stunning sunrise illuminating the rugged Mawenzi Peak. Continuing onward, we reach Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa and the crowning achievement of your Kilimanjaro journey. After savoring the summit experience, we begin our descent to Mweka Hut, pausing at Barafu Camp for lunch. The rocky trail demands careful footing, making trekking poles invaluable for support. Mweka Camp, nestled within the upper forest, often welcomes mist or afternoon rain. We end the day with our final mountain dinner and a well-earned 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.