Known as the "Whiskey Route" for its challenging terrain and stunning views. Passes through diverse climate zones from rainforest to glaciers.
The Machame route, affectionately known as the "Whiskey Route," is one of the most popular trails on Kilimanjaro. It offers a diverse landscape ranging from lush rainforest to alpine desert, with the final ascent through the dramatic Barranco Wall.
This route is ideal for adventurers who want a challenging but rewarding experience. The 7-day itinerary provides excellent acclimatisation and a high summit success rate.
Maximum 8kg personal + 15kg porters. All excess equipment will be left at the hotel in Moshi and returned after your climb.
Some steep sections and uneven terrain. A good level of fitness is recommended.
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Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of booking. Pay just $100 deposit to secure your spot — the rest is due before your climb.
Each day is designed for optimal acclimatization on the Machame Route.
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your guide for a briefing and equipment check.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Half an hour drive from Moshi lies the gate to the Machame route, where you will complete park registrations, then you are off on your trek. The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.
Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha City in the distance.
Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4,600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of 'walk high, sleep low'.
After a good night's rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4,640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It's a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arrival we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for the summit push.
We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5,739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Another hour's walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). We descend back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before heading down to Millennium Camp.
Descend to Mweka Gate, transfer back to your hotel in Moshi. Celebrate your achievement!
Everything you need for a safe, comfortable climb.
Additional costs you should budget for.
Secure your spot with just $100 deposit
Common questions about the Machame Route.
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