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.

Destination : Mount Kilimanjaro
Departure Location : Machame Gate, Kilimanjaro
Return Location : Mweka Gate, Kilimanjaro

Day 1 - Machame Gate to Machame Camp

The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.

• Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
• Distance: 11 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 2 - Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp

We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.

• Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Day 3 - Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

• Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
• Distance: 3 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you  will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 7 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE PACKAGE

• Portable toilet tent
• 2 Night Hotel accommodation in Moshi, a day before trek and a day after trek
• Transportation to and from your selected route
• Transfer from Airport/Bus station in Moshi on arrival and return to airport/Bus station after climb.
• Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent
• Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
• Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides:
• All Tanzanian National Park Fees
• Government Climbing Taxes
• Climbing permits
• All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain
• Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries
• Fair and ethical treatment of Porters
• Enough porters to carry your luggage
• Safety Equipment:
• Emergency Oxygen
• Pulse Ox meter
• Hot drinks at every meal
• Water provided on climb, mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day
• Emergency rescue fees
• Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National Park and your Guide

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

– Personal items and toiletries

– Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain

Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber):

• Guides: $20/day/guide
• Cook: $15/day
• Porter: $10/day/porter
• N/B: Our Guides, cooks and Porters are always satisfied with your thanks giving (tip) you have and not beyond your ability.
• International airfares and departure taxes
• All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc
• Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
• Laundry services
• Visa and International flight tickets fees