Private safari
6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb · Machame Route
The Whiskey Route, often voted the most beautiful way up Kilimanjaro.
6 days Mount Kilimanjaro Best · Jan – Mar · Jun – Oct Private departureFrom $2,587 per person
What this journey holds.
The Machame Route is one of the most celebrated ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Dramatic scenery, sweeping views of Mount Meru and the iconic ascent of the Barranco Wall make it a favourite among adventurous trekkers. You ascend one way and descend another, moving from lush rainforest through volcanic ridges and alpine desert to the glacier-covered summit slopes. A seven-day version is available for extra acclimatisation.
- Group size
- Private departure, 2–6 guests
- Vehicle
- Custom 4×4 Land Cruiser, pop-up roof
- Guide
- Licensed English-speaking driver-guide
- Pace
- Moderate, with early starts and unhurried sightings
- Fitness
- Easy; no walking required
- Start / end
- Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK)
Three that we build the days around.
The Barranco Wall scramble beneath the glaciers
Lava Tower at 4,630 m: climb high, sleep low
Sunrise on Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
A rhythm, not a rigid schedule.
Every day bends around the animals, the light, and how you like to travel. This is our starting shape.
- 01Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Met by your representative and transferred to your lodge. Evening briefing with your head guide: route overview, gear check, safety and acclimatisation strategy. Overnight Lastanza Safari Lodge.
- 02Machame Gate → Machame Camp
1,800 m → 3,000 m, 5–7 hours. Registration at the gate, then a steady climb through rainforest alive with colobus monkeys and giant ferns.
- 03Machame Camp → Shira Camp
3,000 m → 3,840 m, 4–6 hours. Out of the forest onto the Shira Plateau with wide views to Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro's glaciers. Evening health check.
- 04Shira → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
3,840 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m, 6–8 hours. The key acclimatisation day: lunch at Lava Tower before descending into the Barranco Valley beneath the wall.
- 05Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp
3,960 m → 4,673 m, 7–9 hours. The Barranco Wall scramble, then alpine desert to summit base camp. Early dinner and summit briefing.
- 06Summit day → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Gate
Midnight start to Stella Point, dawn on the crater rim and Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, then the long descent to Mweka Gate, summit certificate and transfer.
Nothing on the day of the shoot but the shoot itself.
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Private English-speaking mountain guide
- Porter support for carrying mountain luggage
- Private mountain cook and fresh, energy-rich meals
- Dining tent, tables and chairs for every meal
- Airport pickup and transfer
- Rescue fee coverage as per park regulations
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities (balloon safari, walking safari, cultural visits)
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Personal items, laundry and telephone charges
Tanzania, month by month.
This journey runs jan – mar · jun – oct. Here is how the year reads across the northern circuit.
Jan
Calving season in Ndutu
Feb
Peak calving, predator action
Mar
Green season, fewer vehicles
Apr
Long rains, lush and quiet
May
Rains ease, low season value
Jun
Dry season opens, herds move north
Jul
River crossings begin
Aug
Peak crossings, prime game viewing
Sep
Dry, concentrated wildlife
Oct
Excellent predator sightings
Nov
Short rains, dramatic skies
Dec
Herds return south to Ndutu
Verified views of Kilimanjaro.
Classic
The great northern Tanzania circuit, done properly, without cutting the corners that matter.
Explore this styleThe classical Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara circuit - planned by people who know it in every season. Mid-range or luxury tented lodging, private vehicle, and a guide who trained under our team.
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser & guide
- Mid-range or luxury tented camps
- All park & conservation fees
- Full board + soft drinks
- Airport meet & greet
Guest voices
“Our guide gave us the two most extraordinary weeks of our lives. Every morning was thought through - the light, the position, the story. We came home with photographs we'll frame for the rest of our lives.”
Anna & Peter Halvorsen · Oslo · Great Migration, 2025
From first note to first game drive.
Four steps, no pressure, and a human on the other end of every message.
01
Tell us your dates
Share travel dates, group size and what you most want to see. We reply within 24 hours.
02
We shape the route
A tailored itinerary with camp options at three price points, and honest advice on season and pacing.
03
Confirm and prepare
A 30% deposit secures camps and park permits. We send packing, camera and health notes.
04
Arrive and travel
Met at the airport, driven by your own guide, supported on the ground for the whole journey.
Before you ask.
- How many people share a vehicle?
- Every departure is private. Your party has the whole 4×4 to itself with a guaranteed window seat and pop-up roof for each guest.
- Can this itinerary be customised?
- Yes. Every route here is a starting shape. We regularly extend nights, swap camps, add Zanzibar or restructure days around photography light.
- What does the price depend on?
- Season, group size and camp category. The quoted rate is a per-person guide for two travellers sharing in mid-season; we confirm exact pricing with your dates.
- What is the payment schedule?
- A 30% deposit confirms the booking, with the balance due 45 days before arrival. Bank transfer and card payments are both accepted.
- Is it suitable for children or older travellers?
- Yes. We adjust drive lengths, road transfers and lodge choices to suit families and to keep travel comfortable at any age.
- What should I pack for photography?
- A long lens (400mm+), a wide zoom, spare cards and batteries. We supply bean bags in every vehicle and can arrange charging in the field.
