Nicknamed the “Whiskey” route because the route is popularized as somewhat difficult and more expensive than the Marangu route. On an overall comparison of the routes to scale Kilimanjaro, this is one of the best routes to take, both in terms of acclimatization and cost. The Machame route is considered a difficult route and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.

The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.

In certain sections this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding but is easier overall.

Great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities. Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones.

Good opportunity to split pre-summit day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting. Very popular trail.

ITINERARY

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1: Hotel to Machame Camp

Drive from Arusha/Moshi to Machame Gate takes about 45 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. We depart the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. 

At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

• Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3050m/9950ft
• Distance: 11km/7mi
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rainforest 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.

• Elevation: 3050m/9950ft to 3850m/12,600ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi
• Walking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. 

We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

• Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi
• Walking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall (elev 4250m/13,900ft), through the Karanga Valley (elev 4050m/13,250ft) to the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. 

You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp with views of the summit in the distance.

• Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
• Distance: 9km/6mi
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. 

This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
• Down to 3090m/10,150ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

• Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast