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.
Highlights
Lush montane forest & wildlife (colobus monkeys)
Lava Tower (4,640 m) acclimatisation walk
Karanga Valley – last water point before summit
Experienced mountain guides & porters
Spectacular views from the Shira Plateau
Challenging Barranco Wall & stunning views
Summit night under stars, sunrise at Uhuru Peak
All camping equipment, high-quality tents & meals
Sample Itinerary
100 % private & customizable
Direct with local Maasai guides
Day 1: Machame Gate - Machame Camp 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
Day 2: Machame Camp - Shira Camp 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
Day 3: Shira Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp 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
Day 4: Barranco - Karanga Camp 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
Day 5: Karanga - Barafu Camp 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
Day 6: Barafu - SUMMIT (Uhuru Peak) - Mweka Gate - Arusha 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
Inclusions
All national park fees & government taxes
Professional English-speaking mountain guide & assistant guides
Porters & cook – all salaries included
High-quality mountain tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, camping furniture
All meals on the mountain (freshly prepared)
Filtered water throughout the trek
Emergency oxygen & pulse oximeter
Transfer from Arusha to gate and back
Exclusions
International flights
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Tips for guides, porters & cook
Personal climbing gear (rental available)
Soft drinks, snacks, and alcoholic beverages
Accommodation in Arusha before/after trek