Machame Route (The Whiskey Route)
Scenic • Adventurous • High Success Rate
The Machame Route, also called the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers amazing scenery, a high summit success rate, and a great balance between challenge and altitude adaptation. This 6 or 7 day route is ideal for adventurous hikers who want a rewarding climb with time to acclimatize properly.
Why Choose Machame route?
Incredible Scenery
Hike through lush rainforest, alpine deserts, and even glaciers — every day brings new landscapes.
High Success Rate
The route’s longer duration and gradual incline give your body time to adapt, with one of the best summit success rates (85%).
Challenging but Rewarding
Great for those looking for a true adventure — not too easy, not extreme — but a real achievement.
- Distance: 62 km (37 miles)
- Duration: 6-7 days
- Success Rate: 85%
- Difficulty: ★★★★☆ (Challenging but manageable with good preparation )
- Inclination: 6% to 12% (steeper sections with a varied ascent)
- Start point Machame Gate: 1,800m
- Accommodation Camping: Tents
🏕️ Day-by-Day Itinerary – Machame Route
(7 Days on Mountain)
Day 1 – Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport. Our driver will wait for you and drive you to your hotel in Moshi. You can relax, take a shower, and rest after your flight. In the evening, our guide will come to check your gear and make sure you’re ready.
Day 2 – Start the climb
We pick you up after breakfast and drive to Machame Gate. You’ll meet the team, register, and begin your hike through the rainforest to Machame Camp — your first night on the mountain.
Day 3 – Into the clouds
Trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp. The forest opens into moorland, and you’ll start feeling the altitude. We go pole pole (slowly) and enjoy the views.
Day 4 – Acclimatization day
Climb high to Lava Tower (4,600m) and descend to Barranco Camp. This day helps your body adjust to the altitude and gives you better chances for the summit.
Day 5 – Barranco Wall
A fun challenge — climb the Barranco Wall! Then a steady walk to Karanga Camp. Beautiful views all day.
Day 6 – Summit base
Hike up to Barafu Camp. Early dinner and early sleep. Big day coming!
Day 7 – Summit day!
We start at midnight and walk slowly to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) the top of Africa. After celebration and photos, we descend to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 8 – Back to hotel
Walk down to Mweka Gate. Our car will wait for you and take you back to the hotel in Moshi. Shower, rest, and celebrate your summit!
Day 9 – Departure or safari
After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport or start your safari if you’ve booked one!
Contact us for a more detailed itinerary.
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