Machame Route

7 days—WHISKEY ROUTE

$800-1000 USD

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Safari summary

The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route, given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accomodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents.The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days on the mountain.

However, it is most often tackled over seven days, for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rain forest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Airport transfers
Meals
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Accommodation
Park fees
Tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Kilimanjaro

• Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft • Distance: 11 km/7 miles • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours • Habitat: Rain Forest The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp. Meals: B,L,D

Machame Camp

Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp

Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft • Distance: 5 km/3 miles • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours • Habitat: Heath We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira Cave Camp. Meals: B,L,D

Shira Cave Camp

Shira Cave Camp to Lava Tower

Kilimanjaro

• Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft • Distance: 10 km/6 miles • Hiking Time: 8 hours • Habitat: Alpine Desert We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Kilimanjaro

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft • Distance: 5 km/3 miles • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours • Habitat: Alpine Desert We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp.

Karanga Camp

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft • Distance: 4 km/2 miles • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours • Habitat: Alpine Desert We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Barafu Camp

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft • Distance: 5 km/3 miles • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peakthe highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Mweka Camp

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Kilimanjaro

• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft • Distance: 10 km/6 miles • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours • Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Moshi town

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