The Machame Route, famously known as the "Whiskey Route," is one of Kilimanjaro’s most picturesque and adventurous trails. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery and diverse landscapes, this route offers a thrilling journey through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, leading to incredible views from the Shira Plateau and the iconic Barranco Wall.
The route’s longer duration and more gradual incline provide excellent opportunities for acclimatization, resulting in a higher summit success rate compared to shorter routes. Climbers will traverse under the dramatic glaciated Southern Icefields, eventually merging with the Barafu Route for the final push to the summit of Uhuru Peak.
The Machame Route can be completed in a minimum of six days, but a seven-day itinerary is highly recommended to maximize acclimatization and improve your chances of reaching the top. While the route’s popularity brings crowds, its unparalleled beauty and variety make it one of the most rewarding experiences on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Embark on the 7-day Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route and discover why it remains a favorite among climbers seeking adventure and panoramic vistas on their journey to the Roof of Africa.
ARRIVAL DAY: WELCOME TO TANZANIA
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You will meet your experienced mountain guide for a full briefing on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trek and an equipment check to ensure you’re well-prepared. Any missing gear can be rented on this day, so you’re all set for the adventure of a lifetime.
DAY 1: MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP| RAIN FOREST
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 9km | Altitude Gain: 1210m
A one-hour drive from Moshi lays the gate to the Machame route, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and involves real jungle-bashing through magnificent forest. This path is less well-trodden & often wet & muddy underfoot. We camp at Machame camp (3100m)
DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP| MOORLAND
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 9km | Altitude Gain: 740m
The route continues on up through the forest until we are at the steep ascent on the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt. Meru rising high above Arusha town. We camp at Shira caves (3840m).
DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP| SEMI DESERT
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 15km | Altitude Gain: 60m
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp at Barranco camp (3900m). The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of walk high, sleep low to avoid altitude sickness by aiding our bodies in acclimatization.
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP| ALPINE DESERT
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours | Distance: 5km | Altitude Gain: 100m
We start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rocks, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga Valley (4000m) for overnight.
DAY 5: HIKE KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP| ALPINE DESERT
Trekking Time: 2-4 hours | Distance: 4km | Altitude Gain: 600m
The day is characterized by a short hike on terrain formed by scree. We walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp (4600m).
DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT| GLACIERS
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 7km| Altitude Gain: 1296m
We avoid walking too long in the heat of the sun today by starting around midnight, walking steeply upwards to the Summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 5 to 6 hours but you gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5750m) as the first rays of the sun emerge. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hours walk takes us to our goal, the summit of Uhuru (5896m), the highest point; Uhuru means freedom in Swahili.
We begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope back to Barafu camp for breakfast and a rest before finally heading down to Millennium Camp (3000 m) for a well-earned rest. On our descent we have fabulous views of the plains and Mawenzi peak.
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 12km | Altitude Loss: 2896m
DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI| RAIN FOREST
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours | Distance: 10km | Altitude Loss: 1360m
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate (1640m), where we complete park formalities, are met by our vehicles, receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority and drive back to your hotel to Moshi.
DEPARTURE DAY
Spend the day at leisure in Moshi, recovering from your trek. The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight back home. Depending on flight schedule, you may explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Wildlife Safari tour, Zanzibar trip and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport and your accommodation in Moshi for a seamless start and finish.
Comfortable Accommodation: Two nights in Moshi—one night before your climb and one night after—designed for rest and relaxation.
Transportation: Reliable transport to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, ensuring timely access to the trail.
All Necessary Fees: Coverage of Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue fees for your peace of mind.
High-Quality Gear:
>Four-Season Mountain Tents: Durable and weatherproof tents to keep you safe and comfortable in all conditions.
>Double-Layered Sleeping Mats: Extra comfort and insulation for restful nights on the mountain.
Professional Support Team: Knowledgeable and experienced mountain guides, a skilled cook, and hardworking porters to support your journey.
Daily Hot Meals: Nutritious, freshly prepared hot meals served three times daily to keep you energized.(We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or requests.)
Clean Drinking Water: Unlimited supply of treated and filtered water to keep you hydrated throughout your climb.
Hot Water for Washing: Daily provision of hot water for washing, ensuring you stay refreshed during your adventure.
Ethical Treatment of Crew: We prioritize the fair treatment and proper payment of our guides, cooks, and porters, ensuring a motivated and supportive team.
Enhanced Safety Measures:
>Portable oxygen tanks and an oximeter to monitor your health and oxygen levels during the climb.
>A fully equipped emergency first-aid kit for any unexpected situations.
Private Toilet Facilities: Enjoy a portable flush toilet with its own privacy tent for added convenience on the mountain.
Meals and Drinks at Hotel: Lunches, dinners, and beverages at your hotel before and after the climb are not covered.
Travel Insurance: We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
Flights: International and domestic flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport are not included.
Laundry Services: Laundry facilities are available at your hotel but are not included in the package.
Personal Items and Toiletries: Make sure to bring your own personal essentials, including toiletries and other comfort items.
Tips for Guides, Porters, and Cook: While tipping is not mandatory, it’s a valued tradition to show appreciation for your team’s hard work and dedication, and so highly recommended.
Drop us a line. Our Safari experts will answer all your questions in 24 hours