📅
7 DaysDuration
🏔
5,895 mSummit Height
💰
$2,200From / Person
⭐
85%Summit Success
📏
ModerateDifficulty
The Whiskey Route
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Machame Route Overview
Sometimes called the Whisky Route. This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Icefields to join the Barafu Route to the summit.
An extra day could be added on the Shira Plateau. Camping at Karanga river is available for large groups. The Mweka Route is used for descent. Accommodation uses tents pitched by porters. This is a steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.
📅
7 DaysDuration
🏔
5,895mMax Altitude
💰
$2,200Per Person
⭐
85%Success Rate
Why Choose
Machame Route Highlights
Rainforest Entry
Begin in the lush Kilimanjaro rainforest with towering trees and rich birdlife.
Shira Plateau
Trek across the vast, open Shira Plateau with panoramic views in all directions.
Lava Tower (4,630m)
Acclimatise at the iconic Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp.
Barranco Wall
A thrilling scramble up the dramatic Barranco Wall — a highlight for every climber.
Summit Night
A midnight push to Stella Point and on to Uhuru Peak as the sun rises over Africa.
Sunrise at Summit
Witness one of the most spectacular sunrises on Earth from the Roof of Africa.
Day by Day
Full Itinerary
Click each day to expand the full details of that stage of the climb.
The adventure begins at Machame Gate. Trek through dense rainforest, passing giant heather trees and colourful birds, arriving at Machame Camp in the late afternoon.
Machame Camp (3,020m)
Leave the forest behind and enter the open moorland. The trail ascends steeply before levelling across the Shira Plateau with sweeping views of the summit above.
Shira Camp (3,840m)
A crucial acclimatisation day. Trek up to Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch — then descend to Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" approach is key to success.
Barranco Camp (3,960m)
The day begins with the exhilarating Barranco Wall scramble — a highlight of the entire route. Hands-on climbing on solid rock with incredible views, followed by a short descent to Karanga.
Karanga Camp (4,035m)
A shorter day to Barafu Base Camp. Rest, hydrate and eat well in preparation for the summit push. Briefing with your guide. Sleep early — summit night begins at midnight.
Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Summit day! Start at midnight and ascend through Stella Point (5,739m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) as the African sunrise breaks. Descend all the way to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Mweka Camp (3,100m)
The final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate, bid farewell to the mountain, and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Know Before You Go
Difficulty & Success Rate
Difficulty: Moderate
EasyModerateVery Difficult
- ✓ Previous trekking experience recommended
- ✓ Good physical fitness required
- ✓ Acclimatisation schedule built into itinerary
- ✓ Guides and porters provided throughout
85%
Summit
Success
Success
The Machame Route has one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro, thanks to its gradual acclimatisation profile.
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- All meals (full board) during the climb
- Experienced certified mountain guide
- Porters and cook
- All park fees and rescue fees
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent)
- Drinking water during the trek
- Summit certificate on completion
Not Included
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Visa to enter Tanzania
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bag, clothing)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
- Beverages other than drinking water
- Hotel accommodation before/after the climb
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
The nickname "Whiskey Route" was given to contrast it with the easier Marangu "Coca-Cola Route". It implies the route is tougher and more adventurous — though the main difference is terrain variety and camping versus huts. The name has become a badge of honour for Machame climbers.
Our guided Machame Route achieves approximately 85% summit success rate. The 7-day itinerary builds in excellent acclimatisation days, particularly the Lava Tower approach on Day 3, which significantly reduces altitude sickness.
The Barranco Wall is a hands-and-feet scramble rather than technical climbing. No ropes or harnesses are required. Our guides assist every climber through the key sections. It is one of the most exciting and memorable moments of the entire climb.
The Machame Route uses camping throughout — premium quality tents, sleeping mats, and dining tents are provided by our crew. All cooking equipment, meals, and drinking water are arranged by our experienced porters and cooks.
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