A header image, featuring a campsite with several tents, in front of a large rock wall.

Kilimanjaro: Machame Route

The Machame Route, often referred to as the "Whiskey" route, is known for its challenging and scenic trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, with diverse landscapes ranging from lush rainforest to alpine desert. It offers a high success rate for summiting due to its longer acclimatization period.

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Total Duration:

Hiking Distance:

Elevation Gain:
Facilities:

Machame Gate, a southern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.

8 days (6 nights on Mount Kilimanjaro)

47,5 km (ascend), 20 km (descend)

4,095 m

Private portable toilets and high quality Mess tents for camping routes.

Difficulty:

Popularity:

Itinerary

Keep in mind that these itineraries are just examples and the first step in preparing yourself for your Stunning Kilimanjaro adventure.
We offer tailor-made Tours & Holidays that are fully customized, based on the hiking experience and preferences of our clients.

Arrival

After your landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your transfer will be ready to take you to your preferred hotel in Arusha, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Later that day, you’ll meet your certified Kilimanjaro guide for a detailed pre-climb briefing and a thorough gear check to ensure you're fully prepared.
Enjoy a meal, rest, and get ready for your exciting Kilimanjaro adventure.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After breakfast, your mountain support crew will drive you to Kilimanjaro National Park's southern entrance: Machame Gate (1,800 m).
After registrations and acquiring permits, you start your trekking by heading towards Machame Camp (2,835 m).
Be sure to pack your raincoat for this day, as the route takes you through a rainforest environment that often experiences rain, with the added possibility of spotting some fascinating wildlife.
Dinner and overnight awaits at Machame Camp and by the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, set up tents and cook dinner for you.

Altitude: 1,800 m - 2,835 m

Hiking distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

An early wake up, breakfast at Machame Camp (2,835 m), and a gradual trek upwards to Shira Cave Camp (3,750 m).
Physically speaking, the trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude.
During this passage you will emerge from the rainforest and you'll be able to see the stunning views of the Shira Plateau, for the first time.

After lunch and a short rest you will go on an acclimatization hike in the direction of Lava Tower Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude.
Back down at Shira Cave Camp (3,750 m) you will be served a hot dinner.

Altitude: 2,835 m - 3,750 m

Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Altitude: 3,750 m - 4,120 m - 3,750 m

Hiking distance: 2 km

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

The Lava Tower

After breakfast you will leave Shira Cave Camp (3,750 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m).
It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1 to 2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be served.

Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,900 m), where dinner and overnight awaits.
Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness.

Altitude: 4,600 m - 3.900 m

Hiking distance: 3 km

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

Altitude: 3,750 m - 4,600 m

Hiking distance: 7 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

The Great Barranco Wall

In the morning, after an early breakfast, start summiting the Barranco Wall (4,202 m). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour.
After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano and descend to Karangu Camp (3,995 m), where lunch awaits.

Then you will start an acclimatization climb in the direction of Barafu with the highest point at 4,270 m.
After this hike you will descend back to Karangu Camp (3,995 m) for dinner and overnight.

Altitude: 3,900 m - 4,202 m - 3,995 m

Hiking distance: 6 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Altitude: 3,995 m - 4,270 m - 3.995 m

Hiking distance: 2.5 km

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast at Karanga Camp (3,995 m), you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,673 m).
Barafu, meaning "ice" in Swahili, lives up to its name, with cold winds and freezing temperatures.
Your team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax.

After regaining strength, you have to complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp with its highest point being 4,800 m and then back to Barafu Camp (4,673 m).
At the camp you will be served a hot dinner and you it is best to spend the remaing part of the day resting and sleeping before the upcoming night summiting.

Altitude: 3,995 m - 4,673 m

Hiking distance: 4 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Altitude: 4,673 m - 4,800 m - 4,673 m

Hiking distance: 2 km

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Uhuru Peak (5,895m)

Departure from Barafu Camp (4,673 m) at night and start summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, ending up at Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
Upon summiting, you shall have an opportunity to walk on the nearby glacier.
Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude.
Celebrate your achievement and capture the stunning sunrise.

After a well-deserved rest back at Barafu Camp (4,673 m), you will spend the rest of the morning descending to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Descending goes a lot faster, but the trail can be steep and challenging, especially given the long morning of hiking.

Altitude: 4,673 m - 5,895 m

Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Altitude: 5,895 m - 4,673 m - 3,100 m

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 6-7 hours (2 hours rest at Barafu Camp excluded)

Congratulations!

Descend, with satisfaction of reaching the summit, through lush rainforests to the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m).
There we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you a transfer back to your chosen hotel in Arusha for a relaxing shower, dinner and overnight.
Depending on your flight schedule or if you're going to add a Safari or a Zanzibar Beach holiday, this marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure with us.

Altitude: 3,100 m - 1,640 m

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

All entrance fees including government taxes.
All activities (unless indicated as optional).
All accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary.
A professional driver and mountain guide.
3 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Unlimited bottles of drinking water.
Transportation to and from the base of the mountain.
Pick-up and drop-off by airport.
Camping equipment.
Porter services.

International or domestic flights.
Tips (for your crew).
Visa (50 USD for Tanzania).
Medical and/or travel insurance.
Local SIM card.
Personal expenses and/or items, such as souvenirs.
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees.
Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks.
Meals not specified as included.
Climbing gear (can be rented upon request).
Medical evacuation by helicopter.

Now it's Time to Tailor Your Adventure

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Kilimanjaro: Machame Route

Itinerary

Arrival

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

The Lava Tower

The Great Barranco Wall

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Uhuru Peak (5,895m)

Congratulations!

Depending on your flight schedule or if you're going to add a Safari or a Zanzibar Beach holiday, this marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure with us.

Now it's Time to Tailor Your Adventure

Where to Find Us

How to Contact Us

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