ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Machame Route, affectionately known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular paths to the Roof of Africa. Traversing through five diverse climate zones—from lush rainforest to the Arctic summit zone—it offers dramatic landscapes, challenging ascents, and unforgettable views. With eight days on the trail, this route allows excellent acclimatization, maximizing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) successfully.
ARRIVAL DAY
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. That evening, your lead guide will meet with you for a comprehensive trek briefing, equipment check, and final preparation.
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Your adventure begins as you are driven to the Machame Gate, where permits are issued and the crew prepares the gear. The hike kicks off through a lush, emerald-green rainforest. Towering fig and rubber trees, giant ferns, and creeping vines accompany you as you follow a well-maintained trail that weaves steadily uphill. Expect to encounter blue monkeys, colourful birds, and the occasional colobus monkey swinging through the canopy. The air is fresh and damp, and the forest hums with life.
- Elevation: 1,800m / 5,905 ft to 2,835m / 9,301 ft
- Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
Today’s trail starts with a short climb through the forest, followed by a hike into a steep, rocky ridge blanketed in heather and moorland. As the vegetation thins, views of Shira Plateau and Mount Meru begin to emerge behind you. The trail continues west across the broad landscape, with panoramic views and the sense of venturing into a high-altitude wilderness.
- Elevation: 2,835m / 9,301 ft to 3,750m / 12,303 ft
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Shira Cave Camp to Moir Camp
Heading eastward across the Shira Plateau, the day starts with a gentle climb that offers breathtaking vistas across one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic craters. The route diverts toward the northern base of Lent Hills, where Moir Camp awaits—tucked away in a secluded valley. This remote site is a hidden gem, offering solitude and a fantastic base for afternoon acclimatization hikes on Lent Hills.
- Elevation: 3,750m / 12,303 ft to 4,200m / 13,780 ft
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Heath and Semi-Desert Moorland
Day 4: Moir Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
One of the most visually striking days on the mountain. After departing Moir Camp, you ascend steadily toward the iconic Lava Tower at 4,600m, a towering volcanic plug standing like a sentinel over the barren landscape. This is a critical acclimatization point. After lunch near the tower, you descend sharply into the dramatic Barranco Valley, filled with giant groundsels and lobelias. Tonight’s camp lies beneath the imposing Barranco Wall.
- Elevation: 4,200m / 13,780 ft to 3,950m / 12,959 ft (via Lava Tower at 4,600m / 15,091 ft)
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The day begins with an exhilarating scramble up the Barranco Wall, a 300m rock face that requires both focus and fun. The climb is not technical but does get the adrenaline going. From the top, you’re rewarded with stunning views of the Karanga Valley below and Mount Kibo ahead. The trail then dips and rises across undulating terrain to reach Karanga Camp, nestled on a ridgeline with vast open skies.
- Elevation: 3,950m / 12,959 ft to 4,000m / 13,123 ft
- Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
A relatively short but crucial day, this stretches gains altitude gradually as you traverse scree and arid terrain. The route merges with the southern circuit trail, offering views of the summit from various angles. Barafu Camp sits on a narrow, exposed ridge—cold, windy, and starkly beautiful. After an early dinner, you’ll rest before beginning your midnight summit push.
- Elevation: 4,000m / 13,123 ft to 4,673m / 15,331 ft
- Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Descent to Mweka Camp
This is it—summit night. Your ascent begins around midnight, weaving through ice fields and volcanic scree under a sky full of stars. After a gruelling climb, you reach Stella Point on the crater rim in time for a spectacular sunrise. From there, a final push leads to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point.
Celebrate your accomplishment, snap photos, and breathe in the thin, cold air of the summit. Then begins the long descent, first to Barafu for brunch, then onward to the lower elevation and thicker air at Mweka Camp.
- Barafu to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 4,673m / 15,331 ft to 5,895m / 19,341 ft
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
- Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 5,895m / 19,341 ft to 3,000m / 9,843 ft
- Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final leg of your Kilimanjaro trek is a gentle descent through lush montane rainforest, with birdsong, filtered sunlight, and a growing sense of triumph guiding your steps. Upon reaching the Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate—proof of your extraordinary achievement. Your vehicle will be waiting to return you to the hotel for a well-earned rest, hot shower, and celebration.
- Elevation: 3,000m / 9,843 ft to 1,680m / 5,511 ft
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
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)