An epic adventure to the top of Africa
The
Machame Routealso known as the "Whisky Route", is one of the most scenic and challenging options to reach the summit of the
Mount Kilimanjaro. During
7 days and 6 nightsYou will travel a route with breathtaking scenery, from tropical rainforest to arid alpine desert, before reaching the iconic summit of Kilimanjaro: the
Uhuru Peak (5895 m).
This route is ideal for hikers with a good level of fitness and looking for a real adventure. With more time for acclimatization and progressive ascents, the
Machame Route offers a higher summit success rate compared to other routes.
Featured destinations
- Arusha - Starting point of the expedition, where you will receive instructions before the hike.
- Moshi - Kilimanjaro base town, meeting point with the team of guides and porters.
- Kilimanjaro National Park - A journey through diverse ecosystems, from rainforest to snow-capped peaks.
What makes the Machame Route special
This route is famous for its scenic beauty and gradual ascent design, which facilitates better acclimatisation and a higher success rate. Unlike the
Marangu Routewhere people sleep in shelters, in the
Machame Route nights are spent in tents, adding an authentic touch of adventure.
Customisable itinerary
The route can be adapted to suit your pace and needs, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.
Dare to challenge the altitude and conquer Kilimanjaro with the Machame Route!
Contact us for more information and customise your adventure today.
Itinerary - Machame Route (7 days)
Day 1: Machame Gate (1490 m) - Machame Camp (2980 m)
Walking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 18 km
Habitat: Montane forest
Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45-minute drive from Moshi or Arusha (910m) to Machame village (1490m). Depending on the road conditions, it is possible to drive from the village to the entrance of Machame, but if not, the 3 km muddy walk will take about 1 hour. After checking in at the entrance office, you start the ascent and almost immediately enter the rainforest.
Day 2: Machame Camp (2980 m) - Shira Camp (3840 m)
Walking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Habitat: Páramo
You rise early at Machame Camp, and after breakfast, climb for an hour to the top of the forest, followed by 2 hours of walking at a gentler gradient through the moorland area. After a short lunch and rest, you continue along a rocky ridge to the Shira plateau. From here you can see the impressive Western Gap with its glaciers to the east. Finally, you arrive at the Shira camp at 3840 m.
Day 3: Shira (3840 m) - Lava Tower (4630 m) - Barranco Camp (3950 m)
Walking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 km
Habitat: Semi-desert
The route turns east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape surrounding the Lava Tower. After about 5 hours of walking, you reach an altitude of 4630m. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky path to the Lava Tower. This is the most difficult day so far, and this is where many climbers begin to feel symptoms of shortness of breath, irritability and headache.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950 m) - Barafu Camp (4550 m)
Walking time: 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 13 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
After spending the night at the Great Barranco Wall, you start the ascent of this impressive obstacle, which turns out to be easier than expected. Arriving just below the Heim Glacier, you appreciate the incredible beauty of Kilimanjaro. The route descends into the Karanga Valley, crosses ridges and valleys, and joins the Mweka route. Then, after another hour's walk, you reach Barafu Hut.
Day 5: Summit attempt - Barafu Camp (4550 m) - Uhuru Peak (5895 m) - Mweka (3100 m)
Walking time: 8 hours to Uhuru, 7-8 hours to Mweka
Distance: Approximately 7 km ascent, 23 km descent
Habitat: Rock slides and ice-covered summits
You wake up very early and, after a light breakfast, start walking in the dark. You ascend northwest up a steep slope to Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour trek is the most mentally and physically challenging. At Stella Point (5685m), you take a short break before continuing on to Uhuru Peak, the highest peak in Africa.
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3100 m) - Mweka Gate (1980 m)
Walking time: 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 km
Habitat: Forest
After an early and well deserved breakfast, it is a short 3 hour walk back to the park entrance. Here you will receive your summit certificates. From Mweka Gate, you will continue to Mweka village, normally a 3km muddy trek that takes 1 hour. At Mweka village, you will enjoy a delicious hot lunch before returning to Moshi or Arusha for a hot bath, dinner and celebrations.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100 m) - Mweka Gate (1980 m)
Altitude: From 10,065 feet to 5,380 feet
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
On the last day, you continue your descent to Mweka Gate, where you will collect your summit certificates. The terrain can be muddy and wet at lower altitudes. From Mweka Gate, you travel another hour to the village of Mweka, where you will be picked up and taken back to your hotel in Moshi.
English 
Spanish