Climb Kilimanjaro – Machame Route (Whiskey Route)
Route Overview
The Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is the most popular trail on Kilimanjaro. It offers incredible scenery, a well-paced acclimatization profile, and a higher summit success rate than Marangu. This camping-only route is more physically demanding but rewarding for those ready to take on the challenge.
🌟 Route Highlights
Scenic route with varied ecosystems
Excellent acclimatization (climb high, sleep low)
Higher summit success rate
Requires camping (no huts)
Summit via Stella Point and Uhuru Peak
Begins at Machame Gate, ends at Mweka Gate
📅 Itinerary (7-Day Recommended)
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) – Machame Camp (3,000m)
Drive from Arusha/Moshi to park gate
Hike through rainforest zone (5–6 hrs)
Overnight at Machame Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camp (tents)
Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3,840m)
Climb out of forest into moorland zone
Pass through heather landscapes and valleys
Overnight at Shira Plateau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camp
Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization
Descend to Barranco Camp for overnight
One of the most important acclimatization days
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Climb the Barranco Wall — a fun scramble
Short, scenic hike to Karanga for lunch and rest
Good acclimatization before summit push
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Steady climb to base camp (Barafu)
Early dinner and rest ahead of summit night
Prepare gear for midnight ascent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camp
Day 6: Barafu – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Midnight start for summit push via Stella Point
Reach Uhuru Peak around sunrise
Celebrate, then descend to Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha/Moshi
Final descent through rainforest to gate
Receive your summit certificate
Transfer back to hotel in Arusha or Moshi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Climbing Booking
Park fees, camping equipment, rescue fees
Transfers from/to Arusha or Moshi
Professional mountain guide, porters & cook
All meals and purified water on the mountain
Tents, sleeping mattress, mess tent
Summit certificate
Flights and Tanzania visa
Sleeping bags and personal gear (can be rented)
Tips for crew (guides, porters, cooks)
Hotel in Arusha or Moshi before/after climb
Alcoholic drinks and snacks
Travel insurance