Machame Route
Tour Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its scenic beauty, the route provides a diverse range of landscapes and stunning views. It typically takes 7 days to complete, offering ample time for acclimatization.
Area to Visit
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp, Mweka Gate
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
Time: 5-7 hours
The trek begins at Machame Gate with registration. The trail winds through the lush rainforest, where you might spot colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species. The path is relatively steep but well-defined, leading to Machame Camp.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Habitat: Moorland
Time: 4-6 hours
The trail continues through the heath and moorland zone. The landscape changes dramatically as you leave the rainforest, with more rocky terrain and fewer trees. You will traverse a ridge, gaining elevation steadily until reaching Shira Camp, situated on the Shira Plateau.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Time: 6-8 hours
This day is essential for acclimatization. The trail heads east towards Lava Tower, a significant landmark at 4,630m. After reaching Lava Tower, you descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Time: 4-5 hours
The day starts with the challenging Barranco Wall, a steep climb that requires some scrambling but is generally non-technical. After surmounting the wall, the trail continues through the alpine desert, leading to Karanga Camp, providing excellent views of the surrounding valleys.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Time: 4-5 hours
The trail ascends steadily towards Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit push. The terrain is barren and rocky, and the air becomes thinner. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you will rest and prepare for the final ascent to the summit.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then to Mweka Camp
Distance: 17 km / 11 miles (round trip)
Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert
Time: 10-14 hours
The summit attempt starts around midnight. The steep climb to Stella Point (5,739m) is physically demanding. From Stella Point, it’s a gentle slope to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating the summit, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp through the alpine desert and moorland zones.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
Time: 3-4 hours
The final descent takes you through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The path can be slippery and muddy, so take your time. At the gate, you will receive your summit certificate and be transported back to your hotel.
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