The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is a six or seven day camping route and is most popular route on Kilimanjaro. This trail offers stunning views, a reasonable challenge, and plenty of time to acclimate, making it a good choice for those who have a bit of extra time in their schedule.
According to statistics from Kilimanjaro National Park approximately 35% of all climbers on the mountain use it. Machame route has been nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” because it is often perceived as being tougher compare to other routes. Camping is allowed on Machame, which means trekkers will be sleeping in tents all the way to the summit. Trekkers who take the Machame Route pass several well known Mount Kilimanjaro landmarks while en route, including the famed Lava Tower and Shira Plateau. The route wanders up and down a series of valleys and ridges, which make the walk a bit more strenuous, but rewards hikers with some of the best views on the mountain. The trail starts on the south side of the mountain, passes underneath the Southern Ice Field and makes its summit approach from the Barafu Camp.
Machame Route
6 Days | 5 Nights
2 Pax Min
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are met after passing through customs. You will be Transferred to Maridadi Hotel in Moshi and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your guide.
1790m to 3010m, 10.8 km / 6.7 miles, 5- 6 hours.
After breakfast, you’ll drive one hour from Moshi to Machame Gate. Once park registration is complete and you’ve met your mountain crew, the trek begins. The trail ascends gradually through a lush, dense rainforest, often wet and muddy, with moss-covered trees and vibrant vegetation. The forest is rich with birdlife and wildlife, making the hike enjoyable despite the humidity. After about six hours of trekking, you’ll reach Machame Camp, where your tents will be set up and dinner will be prepared.
3010m, to 3845m, 5.4 km / 3.4 miles, 4-5 hours
The trek continues uphill as you leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper while ascending onto the Shira Plateau, where the landscape opens up to reveal breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. On clear days, you can also spot Mount Meru rising above Arusha in the distance. After five hours of steady climbing, you arrive at Shira Camp, set on the expansive plateau with stunning panoramic scenery.
3848m to 3960m, 10.8 km / 6.7 miles, 7-8 hours.
Today is a crucial Kilimanjaro acclimatization day, following the proven “climb high, sleep low” strategy to improve altitude adaptation. The trek takes you across stunning high moorland and alpine landscapes on the southwestern slopes ofMount Kilimanjaro. Along the route, you pass beneath the iconic Lava Tower, reaching elevations of up to 4,600 meters, which helps your body adjust to the thinner mountain air.
After enjoying lunch near Lava Tower, the trail descends into the breathtaking Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp, set beneath dramatic cliffs and glaciers, is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and memorable camping spots on Mount Kilimanjaro.
969m t0 4640m, 3 km / 1.9 miles, 3-4 hours
After breakfast, you begin your Kilimanjaro trek by ascending the famous Barranco Wall. While steep, this section is non- technical and highly rewarding, offering spectacular panoramic views at the top. The trail then continues along rugged ridges and valleys with sparse vegetation as you enter the alpine desert zone of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The hike to Barafu Camp is physically demanding due to the increasing altitude, but a slow and steady pace helps with proper acclimatization. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you rest, rehydrate, and prepare for your Kilimanjaro summit attempt.
An early dinner is served before getting some sleep, as your summit push begins later that night, typically between 11:00 PM and midnight.
640m to 5895m to 3790m. 13.4 km / 8.3 miles, 12–15 hours.
Around midnight, you begin your Kilimanjaro summit climb, trekking under a sky full of stars. This final ascent is steep and physically demanding, as you navigate loose scree slopes toward the summit glaciers. After approximately 4–5 hours, you arrive at Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim, just in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise. From here, enjoy incredible views of the crater’s ice cliffs and the dramatic landscape stretching toward Mawenzi Peak.
Continuing for about another hour, you reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa and the ultimate goal of your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure. After celebrating and capturing unforgettable photos, you descend back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, then continue down to Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest after your successful summit attempt.
3790M to 1630m, 12.1 km / 7.5 miles, 6-7 hours
After breakfast, begin a scenic and gentle descent through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate on Mount Kilimanjaro. This relaxing trail offers a refreshing contrast to the demanding summit day, with beautiful forest views along the way. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, complete all park formalities and receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate. You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi, where a hot shower, comfortable bed, and well-earned rest await after your Kilimanjaro adventure.
DEPARTURE DAY
If your time in Africa ends today our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked with us a safari or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure.
Wild and Nature Safaris is a Tanzanian-owned safari company created from our love for adventure, nature, and our beautiful country. We are based in East Africa and we offer unforgettable safaris to Tanzania’s top destinations — including the famous Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
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