The Machame Route, known as the "Whiskey" route, is one of the most scenic and popular routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It offers diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert, and a challenging climb.
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi or Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meet your guide for a briefing on the climb, equipment check, and final preparations. Enjoy dinner and rest in anticipation of the trek.
Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Drive to Machame Gate (1,800m) and complete registration formalities. Begin the trek through the rainforest, encountering streams and waterfalls along the way. Arrive at Machame Camp (3,000m) for dinner and overnight.
- Hiking time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 11 km
- Habitat: Rainforest
Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Continue the trek through the moorland zone. The trail ascends steeply, providing spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. Arrive at Shira Camp (3,840m) for dinner and overnight.
- Hiking time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
Trek through the alpine desert, passing the Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatization. Descend to the Barranco Valley, where you will camp beneath the Great Barranco Wall. Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp (3,960m).
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Climb the Great Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding section of the route. Traverse the Karanga Valley, crossing several ridges and valleys. Arrive at Karanga Camp (4,035m) for dinner and overnight.
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Continue the ascent to Barafu Camp (4,640m), the base camp for the summit attempt. The trail is steep and rocky, with stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi. Have an early dinner and rest before the midnight summit attempt.
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 4 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Start the final ascent at midnight, trekking through the night to reach Stella Point (5,735m) and then Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,110m) for overnight.
- Hiking time: 10-15 hours
- Distance: 20 km
- Habitat: Arctic
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Habitat: Rainforest
Includes:
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation before and after the trek
- Park fees
- Hut accommodations
- All meals on the mountain
- Professional guides, porters, and cook
- Rescue fees
Excludes:
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses