Overview
The 6-day Machame Route, often called the “Whiskey Route,” is the second most popular trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its diverse scenery and trekking experiences.
The journey begins at Machame Gate on the mountain’s southern side, leading trekkers through lush rainforest and across all ecological zones—ending in the icy summit region. For more details about Kilimanjaro, you can explore resources from UNESCO or TANAPA.
Well-equipped camps along the trail support gradual acclimatization. On day three, the Machame Route converges with the Lemosho and Umbwe trails at Barranco Camp. Upon arrival in Tanzania, guests are picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and taken to their hotel. There, a seasoned guide will provide a trek briefing and check your gear to ensure you’re fully prepared. The evening concludes with a restful overnight stay and included meals: breakfast and dinner.
Highlights
- Trek through 6 ecological zones—from rainforest to arctic summit
- Climb the Barranco Wall with panoramic views
- Camp under the stars with full porter and guide support
- Cross alpine desert and summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895m
- Enjoy stunning vistas from Shira Plateau and Stella Point
- High success rate due to optimal acclimatization profile
Itinerary
- Elevation: 1811m/5942ft to 3021m/9911ft
- Altitude Gained: 1210m
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
All meals are included
- Elevation: 3021m/9911ft to 3839m/12,595ft
- Altitude Gained: 818m
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite. Temperatures begin to drop.
All meals are included
- Elevation: 3839m/12,595ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude Gained: 147m
You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp and then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization and further your understanding of the mountains' weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.
All meals are included
- Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude Gained: 676m
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude Gained: 1233m
- Descent To: 3106m/10,190ft
- Altitude Lost: 2789m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
- Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
- Altitude Lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Cost
The Cost Includes
- All transfers are as per the itinerary and government expenses.
- One night accommodation at the hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
- All Kilimanjaro Park fees.
- Trained guides in altitude physiology and wilderness first responder (WFR).
- Top-quality food for the duration of the climb, considering maximum nutritional needs. Three meals a day.
- Safety equipment, including an oxygen tank and portable altitude chamber (PAC) for the entire climb. Camping equipment, including top-quality mountain tents and standard bathroom facilities.
- Safety communication, such as satellite phones and cell phones.
- Flying Doctors evacuation within the area.
- Day room on the last day at the hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
- Mattresses and tents.
The Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to your home country)
- Tips for your guide, cook and crew.
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Extra accommodation before and after tour
- Extra activities not mentioned on the itinerary
- Beverages, laundry, personal gear or clothing rental, etc.
- Any charges resulting from an early descent, such as additional hotels, transfers, etc. (This applies if a guest descends before finishing the climb.)
FAQs
Yes, it’s considered moderately challenging due to steep sections and rapid altitude gain. Good fitness and acclimatization are key.
All accommodation is in tents at designated campsites. No huts like on the Marangu Route.
You’ll pass through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial summit zones—some of Kilimanjaro’s most stunning landscapes.
It saves time and cost, but offers less acclimatization, which may increase the risk of altitude sickness.
Typically: guides, porters, park fees, meals, camping gear, and airport transfers. Always confirm with your tour operator.
With proper preparation, the 6-day Machame Route has a high success rate—often reported between 85% and 95%.
