Tour Details
About the Machame Route (7 Days)
The Machame Route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is one of the most popular and scenic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-day itinerary provides excellent acclimatization opportunities and offers some of the most beautiful views on the mountain.
Known for its diverse landscapes and challenging terrain, the Machame Route offers a more adventurous experience compared to the Marangu Route. The route features stunning scenery through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones, making it a favorite among experienced climbers and those seeking a more challenging ascent.
Route Highlights:
- Most scenic route with diverse landscapes
- Excellent acclimatization with 7-day itinerary
- High success rate (85-90%)
- Camping experience in tents
- Beautiful Shira Plateau views
- Challenging but rewarding climb
Difficulty Level:
ChallengingDay-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Elevation: 1,400m (4,593ft)
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you'll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Briefing with your guide about the climb and equipment check. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m (5,905ft to 9,843ft)
Distance: 11km (6.8 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Drive to Machame Gate for registration and briefing. Begin your climb through the lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and various bird species. Arrive at Machame Camp for dinner and overnight in tents.
Accommodation: Machame Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 3,000m to 3,840m (9,843ft to 12,598ft)
Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Continue through the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The vegetation changes dramatically as you gain altitude. Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo Peak and arrive at Shira Camp on the Shira Plateau.
Accommodation: Shira Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,840m to 3,950m (12,598ft to 12,959ft)
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Cross the Shira Plateau and climb to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy helps with acclimatization.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,950m to 4,035m (12,959ft to 13,238ft)
Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Climb the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging but fun scramble. Continue through the alpine desert to Karanga Camp, with stunning views of the southern glaciers.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,673m (13,238ft to 15,331ft)
Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Short but steep climb to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. Rest and prepare for the challenging summit night ahead. Early dinner and rest before the midnight start.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m to 3,100m (15,331ft to 19,341ft to 10,171ft)
Distance: 17km (10.6 miles)
Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
Start the summit attempt at midnight. Climb through the darkness to Stella Point (5,756m) at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp for rest and celebration.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m (10,171ft to 5,380ft)
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Arusha for celebration dinner and hotel accommodation.
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Price Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
- Professional mountain guide and assistant guides
- Porters (1 porter per 2 clients)
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- All meals during the climb
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Transportation to/from the mountain
- Airport transfers
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- Summit certificate
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- Hotel accommodation in Arusha (2 nights)
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal climbing equipment
- Tips for guides and porters
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Machame Route called the "Whiskey Route"?
The Machame Route is nicknamed the "Whiskey Route" because it's more challenging and adventurous compared to the easier "Coca-Cola Route" (Marangu). It requires more effort and determination, like whiskey compared to the softer Coca-Cola.
What makes the Machame Route special?
The Machame Route offers the most scenic and diverse landscapes of all Kilimanjaro routes, with excellent acclimatization opportunities and one of the highest success rates due to its 7-day itinerary.
Is camping required on this route?
Yes, the Machame Route uses camping throughout the climb. We provide high-quality tents, sleeping mats, and all necessary camping equipment for your comfort.
What is the Barranco Wall?
The Barranco Wall is a famous rock face that climbers must scramble up on Day 5. While it looks intimidating, it's actually quite manageable with proper guidance and adds excitement to the climb.
How does this route compare to others?
The Machame Route offers the best combination of scenery, challenge, and success rate. It's more demanding than Marangu but provides better acclimatization and more rewarding views.
Route Map
The Machame Route offers the most scenic and diverse approach to Kilimanjaro's summit, with excellent acclimatization opportunities and stunning views throughout the climb.