The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most scenic routes and the most popular camping route.  The start of this route involves a gradual climb through the rainforest, from 1,800 to 3,000 meters. The summit attempt is a long day, involving about 6 – 8 hours walking, most of it during the night.

Arrival Day:

Our driver will be waiting for you at Kilimanjaro Airport. Don’t worry if the clearance through the customs area takes time,  the driver will wait. We take you to your hotel in Moshi where you can relax for awhile. We will then go through a pre-climb briefing where all your questions and concerns will be answered. There will be an equipment check also. Any items that you are lacking may be rented locally of good quality at a reasonable price.

Day 1: Hike to Machame Camp

The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. You leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. You will continue a short distance until you reach the Machame Camp.

• Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Altitude : 1800m to 3000m
• Distance: 11 kilometers
• Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2: Hike to Shira Cave Camp

After breakfast, you will leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner and overnight at the Shira Campsite.

• Machame Camp to Shira Cave Camp
• Altitude:3000m to 3750m
• Distance: 5 kilometers
• Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

From the Shira Plateau, you will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, your direction changes to the southeast towards the Lava Tower (4600m), called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, you will enjoy your lunch and break for acclimatization.

You will continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3940m. Here you will rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the almost same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

• Shira cave Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Altitude: 3750m to 3940m
• Distance: 10 kilometers
• Hiking time: 6 to 8 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert

Day 4: Barafu Camp via Karanga Camp

After breakfast, you will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley last water point before arrive at campsite. Then you will stay for few minutes at Karanga Camp for acclimatization and enjoying your hot lunch before leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You will continue up to the Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here you can make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

• Altitude : 3940m to 4600m
• Distance: 9 kilometers
• Hiking time: 7 to 10 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 5: To Summit and descend to Mweka Hut

You will wake up around 11:00pm, for some tea and snacks, dress warm for the summit. You will start your summit attempt around 12:00am starting with steep rocks for about two to three hours, and then you will start crossing the zigzag area and keep moving to the crater rim and finally Stella Point, 5756 meters around 06:00am.

At Stella Point (5756m), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your one-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak (5895m), you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, you will now make your descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite, stopping at Barafu Camp for brunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

• Altitude :4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
• Distance: 5 kilometers ascent and 12 kilometers descent
• Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours ascent and 4 to 6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic route

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi

After breakfast, you will 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). From the gate you will sign out in Kilimanjaro National Park log book and your guide will collect your certificate for those who reached the summit and let you enjoy your lunch before get to our mini-bus and drive to your hotel in Moshi for hot shower and enjoyment.

• Altitude : 3100m to 1640m
• Distance: 10 kilometers
• Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Departure Day:

 Breakfast is included in your hotel package. Our driver will be available at any time to bring you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight home (or t0 Zanzibar?). Hotel checkout is at 10am but if you have a later departure, we can help you arrange a late checkout or book a dayroom for your comfort.