Overview
Many climbers call Machame the most beautiful way up Kilimanjaro. Its nickname, the Whiskey Route, comes from being tougher than Marangu: steeper ridges, a walk beneath the Southern Icefields and scenery that changes from rainforest to alpine desert.
This is our standard six-day plan, camping in tents every night. You climb to the Shira Plateau, cross below the Southern Icefields and head for the summit from Barafu Camp. It suits reasonably fit walkers with some hiking behind them, as it does not include the extra rest day of our 7-day version.
Check our Kilimanjaro weather guide, or talk to us about booking your Machame climb.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (7 days)
ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
Our driver meets you at the airport and brings you to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. At 5:30 pm your guide holds a pre-climb briefing, checks your gear and confirms your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP
The trek begins at Machame Gate (1,830 m) and climbs steadily through the lush rainforest on Kilimanjaro's lower slopes, rich in plants and birdlife. You reach Machame Camp at about 3,000 m and, if the evening clouds clear, may get your first close view of Kibo's glaciated dome.
Machame Gate to Machame Camp (3,000 m): about 6-7 hours on foot. All meals included.
MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP
A shorter day starts up a steep ridge to a small curved cliff known as the Picnic Site, then eases into a gentler climb through low alpine moorland, known for its wildflowers. Shira Camp offers some of the finest views of Kibo on the whole route.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,840 m): about 4-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
BELOW LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO VALLEY
A gradual climb with wide views takes you across the south-western side of the mountain, beneath Lava Tower and the upper Western Breach. After a hot lunch at the foot of Lava Tower (4,600 m), you walk down into the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m).
Shira Camp to Barranco Valley: about 5-7 hours on foot. All meals included.
BARRANCO WALL TO BARAFU CAMP
You start with a steep climb below the Heim Glacier and scramble up the Great Barranco Wall onto Kibo's south-eastern slopes, then drop into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley for a hot lunch. A steep climb out of Karanga is followed by an easier path on firm scree through dry, empty country to Barafu Camp, where both Kibo and Mawenzi are in view. Rest for the remainder of the day before the summit night.
Barranco to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): about 7-9 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT DAY, THEN DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP
You leave before midnight and climb slowly by head torch up the scree to Stella Point (5,735 m) on the crater rim, resting there as the sun rises over Mawenzi. Those feeling well continue about two hours return to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa's highest point. The descent to Barafu is quick; after refreshments you continue down to Mweka Camp.
Barafu to the summit and on to Mweka Camp (3,100 m): about 13-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
MWEKA GATE AND RETURN TO ARUSHA
An easy walk down through the rainforest ends at Mweka Gate, where successful climbers collect their summit certificates. After lunch you drive back to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: about 3-5 hours on foot. Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included, followed by your departure transfer.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.