Day 1
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After registering at Machame Gate, trek through lush montane rainforest alive with colobus monkeys and birdsong to your first camp at the forest edge.
Kilimanjaro · The Whiskey Route
Machame Route · 7 Days
Steeper and more challenging with excellent acclimatization. The climb-high, sleep-low profile offers spectacular views throughout.
All Kilimanjaro routes
- Duration
- Difficulty
- Sleeping
- Summit
Overview
About the route
The Machame route is famously known as the Whiskey route. It is steeper and more challenging than Marangu but offers much better acclimatization thanks to its climb-high, sleep-low topography.
It is one of the most popular routes on the mountain for its stunning scenery and excellent success rates — rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and glaciers all in one week.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Climb steep ridges out of the forest into giant heather and moorland, arriving on the Shira Plateau with stunning views of Kibo and the plains below.
Day 3
Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
The key acclimatization day: climb high to the 4,630m Lava Tower, then descend to sleep in the dramatic Barranco Valley beneath the Breach Wall.
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall — non-technical but thrilling — then traverse valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp, the last water point before the summit.
Day 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
A short climb through stark alpine desert to Barafu base camp. Rest, hydrate and prepare for the midnight summit push with an early dinner.
Day 6
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp
Set off around midnight, reaching Stella Point on the crater rim at dawn and Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa — soon after. Celebrate, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you collect your summit certificate before transferring back to Moshi to celebrate.
Route map
Machame Route map
Included
- 2 transfers between Moshi and Machame Gate
- 3 meals per day while trekking (veg / non-veg)
- 7 days Kilimanjaro trek on the Machame Route
- Camping accommodation while trekking
- Pre/post nights B&B at Zebra Hotel or equivalent
- All park entrance fees and government levies
- Professional, licensed mountain guides, cook and porters
- Summit certificate
Not included
- Personal mountain gear
- Meals outside the regular itinerary
- Tips for guides and porters
- Airfares and airport taxes
- Double room supplement for hotel
- International visas & medical/travel insurance
Health & preparation
Most able-bodied people aged 10+ can hike Kilimanjaro, but preparation and care are essential. We recommend at least one month of physical training and waterproof equipment for the rainy season. Your guides check your health twice daily on the mountain.
Compare
Other Kilimanjaro routes
The Coca-Cola Route
Marangu Route
6D / 5NModerateHuts
The oldest and most established path, with hut accommodation. Ideal for a classic climb without sleeping in tents.
Price
The Scenic Route
Lemosho Route
8D / 7NModerate–ChallengingCamping
Widely considered the most beautiful route, with a remote wilderness feel and excellent acclimatization over 8 days.
Price
The Northern Approach
Rongai Route
7D / 6NModerateCamping
The only route from the north near the Kenyan border. Drier and quieter — the best choice in the rainy season.
Price
Ready to climb the Machame Route?
Private departures any day of the year. Add a safari or Zanzibar beach break after your summit and we'll plan it all.