The Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
The climb from Barafu offers incredible views of Mawenzi Peak and Kilimanjaro’s remnant volcanic cone.
Kilimanjaro Airport, Moshi or Arusha, Tanzania
A prompt departure at 8:30 AM.
Approximately 2:00PM to 4.00 PM.
Private Safari/Mid range/Tented camp/Camping (budget). Kindly confirm this with our safari specialist
Private accompanied by a ranger
Click here for the list of equipment to include with you
Professional Mountain Guide
Drinking water
Transportation to park gate returns
Accommodation on Mountain huts during trek
Meals-breakfast, lunch and dinner
Entrance and hut fees
Porters
Visas
Tips
International flights to the country
Any personal items of nature
You’ll be picked up from your Moshi accommodations and make the drive to Kilimanjaro National Park.
Here, you’ll liaise with your guides and begin your ascent through the verdant rainforest that clothes the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro.
Hiking for 5-6 hours through this ancient jungle, you’ll get to go on a miniature safari as you spot wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys along the way.
You’ll finish your day at Machame Camp (3,000 metres), where your porters will be waiting with your tents pitched, hot water ready for bathing, and food ready to reenergise you for the day to come.
Elevation (m): 2,100m - 3,000m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Full Board - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
You’ll be up bright and early today, but it’s a shorter day of hiking. The lush forest gives way to scrubby moorland today, making for an entirely different hiking experience.
You’ll arrive at Shira Camp by the mid-afternoon, giving you time to relax and soak in the stunning views of Kibo glacier from the Shira Plateau.
Elevation (m): 3,010m - 3,900m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours
Habitat: Heath
Full Board - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
Your first goal today will be the intimidating form of the Lava Tower (4,640m) and you’ll set off for this distinctive landmark immediately after breakfast. After ascending 700m to the Lava Tower, you’ll descend gradually towards Barranco Camp at 4,500m. Your trek again takes you through different vegetation zones and you’ll set up camp at the scenic Barranco Camp in the shadows of the imposing Barranco Wall. Considered the most beautiful of all of the camps on Kilimanjaro, Barranco will be your base for the evening.
Elevation (m): 3,000 m to 3,960 m
Distance: 10.3 Km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
Full Board - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch
You’ll get your first real taste of mountain climbing today, as you’ll tackle Barranco Wall for a bit of old-fashioned rock climbing.
After this initial trial, you’ll continue for another 3-4 hours until you reach your camp in the Karanga Valley,
Stopping in time for lunch, you’ll have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize.
Elevation (m): 3,960 km to 4,100m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Moorland
Full Board - Breakfast and Lunch
After your breakfast, you’ll continue on for another 2-3 hours until you reach Barafu Camp. Your hike takes you across an alpine desert, making for a truly otherworldly day of hiking.
As you’ll be summitting tomorrow, it’s important that you eat a full meal and drink plenty of fluids before turning in for the evening.
Elevation (m): 4,100m - 4,700m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 3 - 5 hours
Habitat: Desert
Full Board - Breakfast and Lunch
You’re starting your day early today – just after midnight, in fact!
Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.
You’ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there’s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.
Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it!
After snapping your photos and soaking it all in, you’ll begin the descent back down towards Barafu Camp, where you’ll stop for lunch and some celebration.
After a bit of rest, you’ll continue down to Mweka Camp to overnight.
Elevation (m): 4,681m - 5,895m - 3,100m
Distance: 21km
Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
Habitat: Snow / ice fields, moorland.
Full Board - Breakfast and Lunch
It’s a day of celebration today, as you’ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Mweka Gate.
Here, you’ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.
Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.
Elevation (m): 4,700m - 5,895m - 3,100m
Distance: 21km
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Half Board - Breakfast and Lunch
When selecting your accommodation for your itinerary, it's important to bear in mind that the type of accommodation you choose can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of your trip. It will also determine whether your itinerary falls into the budget, medium, or luxury category. We recommend that you consult with our safari expert to identify the accommodation options that best align with your budget and requirements.
Full Board: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
4x4 Landcruiser with Pop-up roof