Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is a challenging but scenic Kilimanjaro route suited to adventurous hikers. The route allowing better acclimatization and increasing summit success. The route passes through rainforest, Shira, Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu before reaching the summit via Stella Point. Descent is through Mweka. Accommodation is in tents, with porters carrying supplies and chefs preparing meals.
Tour Features
Hut Camping
This trek uses tents
Private Tour
This safari is arranged privately for your group.
Solo Travelers
Suitable for solo travelers.
Customizable
This itinerary can be customized.
Children Policy
Minimum age accepted is 12.
Start Date
This safari can start on any day.
Highlights
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Machame Camp (2,835 M) → Shira Camp (3,750 M)
Shira Camp (3,750 M) → Barranco Camp (3,900 M)
Barranco Camp (3,900 M) → Karanga Camp (4,000 M) → Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp (3,100 M) → Mweka Gate (1,640 M)
Your Safari Map
Machame Camp
Shira 1 Camp
Barranco Camp
Barafu Camp
Uhuru Peak
Mweka Gate
Safari Itinerary
The Kilimanjaro trek begins at Machame Gate (1,800 m), where registration and entry formalities are completed. The trail then enters the lush tropical rainforest, home to monkeys, colorful birds, and other wildlife, with streams and waterfalls along the way. The climb is steady and the trail may be warm, humid, muddy, and slippery, especially during the wet season, so sturdy hiking boots and waterproof clothing are recommended. After approximately 10 km and 5–7 hours of trekking, you arrive at Machame Camp (2,835 m) a scenic grassy campsite surrounded by forest. After settling into your tent, enjoy dinner and rest in preparation for the higher-altitude stages ahead.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
- Altitude Gain: 1,035 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Machame Camp
Accommodation
Machame Camp
After breakfast, begin the trek from Machame Camp, leaving the lush rainforest behind as the trail climbs into open moorland. Along the way, enjoy views of giant lobelias, heath plants, and the changing mountain landscape. After a steady 4–5-hour ascent, arrive at Shira Camp, where you can relax and admire panoramic views across the beautiful Shira Plateau. Dinner and overnight camping at Shira Camp.
- Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
- Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
- Altitude Gain: 915 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
Accommodation
Campsite
After breakfast, trek from Shira Camp toward Barranco Camp through scenic moorland and rocky alpine terrain. Enjoy spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit and volcanic landscape. A picnic lunch is served along the way. The trek takes approximately 5–7 hours, providing valuable time for acclimatization. Arrive at Barranco Camp (3,900 m) in the afternoon, then relax, enjoy dinner, and overnight at camp.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
- Altitude Gain: Approx. 150 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
Accommodation
Campsite
After breakfast, begin with the exciting ascent of the Barranco Wall, followed by a trek through alpine desert toward Karanga Valley and Barafu Camp. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the trail while taking in spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape. The trek takes approximately 7–8 hours at a steady pace to conserve energy and support acclimatization. Arrive at Barafu Camp (4,673 m), where you will rest, have dinner, prepare for the summit attempt, and sleep early before the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 7–10 hours
- Altitude Gain: ~773 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Accommodation
Barafu Camp
Begin around 1:00 a.m. with a light breakfast before the challenging night ascent toward Stella Point (5,739 m), reached after approximately 5–7 hours. Continue for another 45–60 minutes along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue through changing landscapes to Mweka Camp. Enjoy dinner and overnight at camp.
- Distance: ~6 km ascent + ~17 km descent
- Trekking Time: 7–10 hours ascent + 4–6 hours descent
- Altitude Gain: 1,222 m to Uhuru Peak
- Altitude Loss: ~2,795 m to Mweka Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Accommodation
Mweka Camp
After breakfast, descend through the lush montane forest to Mweka Gate, enjoying the changing scenery along the way. Complete the park formalities and celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro climb with your guide and porters. After saying goodbye to the mountain crew, transfer by private vehicle to Moshi, then continue to Arusha, where your Kilimanjaro adventure comes to an end.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
- Altitude Loss: 1,460 m
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation details are available on request for this part of the itinerary.
Tanzania