The Machame Route, often referred to as “the Whiskey Route,” is the second most popular trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a diverse range of stunning views, landscapes, and experiences. Starting at Machame Gate on the southern slope of the mountain, the path takes you on an exhilarating journey through various climate zones. You’ll begin in the lush tropical rainforest and gradually ascend through different ecosystems, ultimately reaching the Arctic desert at the summit.

The route’s camps are strategically located to ensure a smooth and gradual acclimatization process. On the third day, the Machame Route intersects with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes at Barranco Camp.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later, your guide will meet with you to provide a briefing about the trek and conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary gear for the climb.

Day 1 – Machame Gate (1800m) to Machame Camp (2835m)
Distance covered: 11 km
Approximate time taken: 7 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel around 8:00 am and transferred to Machame Gate. On the way, enjoy the views of coffee and banana plantations cultivated by the Chagga people. Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll complete some park formalities before beginning your climb. The first day’s hike takes you through the lush tropical rainforest to Machame Camp (2835m), where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Overnight at Machame Camp.

Day 2 – Machame Camp (2835m) to Shira Cave Camp (3750m)
Distance covered: 5 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Your hike begins around 8:00 am. After an hour of climbing through the forest, you’ll ascend to a gentler gradient as you enter the moorland zone. After a short break and a snack, you’ll continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau. From here, enjoy stunning views, including the Western Breach with its impressive glacier. Overnight at Shira Cave Camp (3750m).

Day 3 – Shira Cave Camp (3750m) to Barranco Camp (3900m)
Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

To aid acclimatization, today’s trek takes you to a higher altitude before descending again. You’ll hike through the alpine desert to Lava Tower (4600m), then descend to Barranco Camp (3900m). This descent, which takes about 3 hours, provides great photo opportunities of the Western Breach and Barranco Wall. The campsite is located in a valley below the Barranco Wall, perfect for watching a breathtaking sunset before dinner. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 4 – Barranco Camp (3900m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Today’s climb takes you from Barranco Camp, famous for its giant groundsels, to the top of the Barranco Wall, which separates you from the southern slopes of Kibo. The climb over the rocks is non-technical but long and tiring. Afterward, you’ll reach Karanga Camp for lunch and a final water stop before continuing on through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp (4640m), the base camp for your summit push.

Day 5 – Barafu Camp (4637m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) then down to Millennium Camp (3950m)
Distance covered: 15 km
Approximate time taken: 12-15 hours
Habitat: Glacier/Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

You’ll start your summit day early at around 00:00, with some light tea and cookies to fuel you. The ascent is steep, and you’ll climb scree for 4 to 5 hours, gaining substantial height in a short distance. The views are incredible, and by the time you reach Stella Point (5756m), the sun will begin to rise. From there, it’s a short final push to Uhuru Peak (5895m), where you’ll enjoy some photos and a brief celebration before beginning your descent. After returning to Barafu Camp for lunch and a rest, continue down to Millennium Camp (3950m) for the night.

Day 6 – Millennium Camp (3950m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
Distance covered: 14 km
Approximate time taken: 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland/Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

After breakfast, you’ll begin the final descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate, where you’ll complete park formalities and receive your certificates of completion. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and celebration.

Day 7 – Depart Tanzania
Later in the evening or the following day, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight. Alternatively, if you’d like to continue exploring, we can arrange an affordable safari to one of Tanzania’s premier wildlife parks, including Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park.

End of the Trip