ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most scenic and popular trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a diverse range of landscapes – from lush rainforest and heath to alpine desert and glacial summit. With excellent acclimatization profiles due to the “climb high, sleep low” approach, this 7-day route increases summit success while allowing a more relaxed pace and time for recovery. Starting Point: Machame Gate (1,800m)
- Summit Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
- Ending Point: Mweka Gate (1,680m)
- Best For: Hikers seeking a scenic route with good acclimatization time
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Accommodation: Camping throughout
- Highest Point: Uhuru Peak – 5,895m (19,341ft)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
The trek begins at Machame Gate and winds through lush rainforest filled with endemic flora and fauna. As you ascend, the trail narrows and becomes steeper, eventually opening into a mossy heather-covered forest where Machame Camp is situated.
- Elevation: 1,800m → 2,835m
- Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
DAY 2: Machame Camp to Shira Cave
Today features a steep climb through the moorland zone with views of Kibo Peak. The landscape transforms with giant heathers and volcanic boulders. You’ll emerge onto the Shira Plateau and camp near Shira Cave with vast views over the plains below.
- Elevation: 2,835m → 3,750m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: Shira Cave to Barranco via Lava Tower
A crucial acclimatization day as you ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Barranco Camp. The dramatic shift in elevation gives your body a chance to adapt. Expect surreal landscapes and the towering Barranco Wall looming ahead.
- Elevation: 3,750m → 4,600m (Lava Tower) → 3,950m (Barranco)
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
You’ll begin with a climb up the impressive Barranco Wall. Though it looks intimidating, it’s a thrilling scramble with fantastic views. The trail continues through alpine ridges and descends into the Karanga Valley for a shorter, easier acclimatization day.
- Elevation: 3,950m → 4,000m
- Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Heath and Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue the ascent across barren ridges to Barafu Camp. The landscape is stark and windswept. Once at camp, you’ll rest, rehydrate, and mentally prepare for your midnight summit attempt. From here, you can see both the summit and the path ahead.
- Elevation: 4,000m → 4,673m
- Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6: Barafu to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Camp
DAY 6: Barafu to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Camp
You’ll start your summit push at midnight, ascending over scree and switchbacks to Stella Point (5,732m), then continuing to Uhuru Peak – the roof of Africa. After enjoying the sunrise and taking photos, you’ll descend to Barafu for rest and then to Mweka Camp.
- Elevation (Ascent): 4,673m → 5,895m
- Elevation (Descent): 5,895m → 3,000m
- Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
- Hiking Time: 11–14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic Zone → Alpine Desert → Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A relaxed descent through lush forest marks the final leg of your journey. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates before driving back to your hotel for a well-earned celebration and rest.
- Elevation: 3,000m → 1,680m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
PACKAGE
Package Inclusions
Travel Handbook
Included in Package
Airport Pick up and drop off
Pre and Post Trek Hotel accommodation
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and taxes
Q-4 season mountain tents
Transportation to and from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals per day whilst on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
Excluded in Package
International flights
Traveler’s insurance
VISA
Drinks outside safari
Tipping (we recommend from $10 per person per day)