The "Whiskey Route" Overview
The Machame route, also called the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular way to climb Kilimanjaro. Its appeal lies in its scenic views. However, the trail is considered tough, steep, and challenging, especially because of its shorter itinerary. This makes the route better suited for more adventurous travelers or those with some experience in high-altitude hiking or backpacking.
The route starts from the south, beginning with a quick drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. It then leads hikers through rain forest to the Shira Plateau, where many of Kilimanjaro’s routes meet. Next, it turns east and crosses beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field along a path called the Southern Circuit before reaching the summit from Barafu. The descent is via the Mweka route.
Best Time to Use the Machame Route
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route is January to March and June to October. These months offer clear skies and stable weather. You can still climb during the short rainy seasons, but expect more mud, clouds, and possible snow.
Route Success Rates
Machame 6—Crater Rim: 92.0%, Uhuru Peak: 87.3%
Quick Route Note
Scenery
Excellent
Traffic
High
Difficulty
Medium
Price Per Person (6-Day Marangu Route)
| 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,270 | $2,030 | $1,960 | $1,910 | $1,870 |
DAY 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Camp (3,000m)
After breakfast, you’ll be driven from Moshi to the Machame Gate. Here, you will complete registration formalities, and your trekking permits will be checked. The trek begins through dense rainforest, a lush, green environment with towering trees, ferns, and possibly some wildlife like colobus monkeys. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are useful. After 5-7 hours of trekking, you will reach Machame Camp, where you’ll have dinner and overnight.
- Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation:
Machame Camp
Meal Plan:
Dinner and BreakFast
DAY 2: Machame Camp (3,000m) to Shira Camp (3,840m)
After breakfast, the trek continues with a steep climb out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. The landscape opens up, offering spectacular views of Mount Meru, Shira Plateau, and Kibo Peak. The trail becomes rocky and dusty, with giant heather plants and volcanic rock formations. Upon reaching Shira Camp, you can enjoy panoramic views of the plateau and surrounding valleys. The temperatures here are significantly cooler, especially at night. Dinner will be served at camp before you rest for the evening.
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation:
Shira Camp
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 3: Shira Camp (3,840m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
The day starts with a gradual ascent toward Lava Tower, a 4,630-meter-high volcanic rock formation. This is a significant acclimatization day as you reach a higher altitude than where you’ll sleep. The landscape becomes more barren as you enter the alpine desert, with only small shrubs and hardy plants surviving the harsh conditions. After lunch near Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the Barranco Valley, which brings you to Barranco Camp. The descent helps with acclimatization and prepares you for the upcoming challenges.
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Accommodation:
Barranco Camp
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m) via Karanga Camp
The day begins with a challenging climb of the Barranco Wall, a steep, rocky slope that requires some scrambling. Although the wall may look intimidating, the trail is manageable and offers breathtaking views as you climb. After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail follows a series of ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga Camp for a brief stop. The trail then continues to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Barafu Camp is set on a ridge, offering breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit of Kibo.
- Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation:
Barafu Camp
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 5: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
The summit attempt begins around midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, you’ll begin the challenging climb up steep scree and ice slopes. The climb to Stella Point is the most physically demanding part of the journey. Upon reaching Stella Point at sunrise, you’ll take a short rest and then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa. After celebrating at Uhuru Peak, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, and then continue the descent to Mweka Camp.
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles) ascent to Uhuru Peak + 12 km (7.5 miles) descent to Mweka Camp
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours to the summit, 4-6 hours descent to Mweka Camp
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Accommodation:
Mweka Camp
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
On the final day, you’ll continue descending through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail is gentle and surrounded by the sounds and sights of the forest, a stark contrast to the barren summit. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete park formalities and receive your summit certificates. After celebrating with your guides and porters, you’ll be driven back to Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest.
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation:
Mweka Camp
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner
Cost Inclusions
- All park fees, entrance fees, and Government Taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Certified and experienced English-speaking Guides
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Private cook speaking fluent English
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Trekking Cost Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure
- Visas & vaccinations
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent.
- International flights (can be booked for you on request)
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