The famous "Whiskey Route" – stunning scenery, challenging trails, and an unforgettable summit
The Machame route, known as the "Whiskey Route", is one of the most scenic and popular paths up Kilimanjaro. This 6-day trek offers diverse landscapes – from lush rainforest to alpine desert – and a high summit success rate due to good acclimatisation. Ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking a beautiful and challenging climb.
Accommodation: Machame Camp (tented camp)
Description: After registration at Machame Gate (1,640 m), trek through dense rainforest on a steep, sometimes muddy trail. Enjoy lush vegetation and birdlife. Arrive at Machame Camp (2,850 m) for dinner and overnight.
Distance: ~11 km | Trekking time: 5–7 hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira Camp (tented)
Description: The trail leaves the forest and enters heath and moorland zone. Ascend a steep ridge with panoramic views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau. Arrive at Shira Camp (3,840 m) for overnight.
Distance: ~8 km | Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tented)
Description: A challenging day for acclimatisation. Trek east towards Lava Tower (4,640 m) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). The "climb high, sleep low" principle helps your body adjust. Stunning views of the Breach Wall.
Distance: ~10 km | Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (tented)
Description: Start with the exciting Barranco Wall climb (non-technical but steep). After the wall, traverse up and down through the Karanga Valley, with stunning views of the southern icefields. Reach Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – the last water point before summit.
Distance: ~5 km | Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tented)
Description: Follow the ridge to Barafu Camp (4,673 m). This is your last camp before the summit. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for an early start. Your guide will brief you on summit night.
Distance: ~4 km | Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Not included (drop‑off in Arusha)
Description: Start around midnight: ascend steeply in the dark to Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – the roof of Africa! Enjoy sunrise and glaciers. Descend to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for a hot lunch. Finally hike to Mweka Gate (1,650 m) where you receive your summit certificates. Drive back to Arusha (arriving late afternoon/evening).
Ascent/Descent: ~7 km ascent, ~15 km descent | Total time: 12–15 hours
Meals: Breakfast (box), Lunch & Dinner
Book your 6-day Machame trek or ask our mountain experts
