Machame Route

7 Days
Duration
5,895 m
Uhuru Peak
$2,499
Per person sharing
The Route

The Scenic Whiskey Route

The Machame Route — often called the "Whiskey Route" — is among the most popular and scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching the mountain from the southern side, it offers a diverse trekking experience through lush montane forest, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone. The route typically takes 6–7 days, allowing for gradual altitude gain and better acclimatization compared to shorter routes.
This route offers a higher chance of reaching the summit. Its "climb high, sleep low" profile — most notably the ascent to Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp — aids acclimatization. It's also famous for breathtaking scenery: dramatic ridges, the iconic Barranco Wall, and sweeping views across the Shira Plateau. While slightly more challenging than some routes, Machame rewards climbers with a richer, more varied trek and strong summit success rates.

Day By Day

Day Route Altitude (Start – End) Habitat Accommodation Distance / Time
1 Machame Gate → Machame Camp 1,500 m / 4,921 ft – 2,835 m / 9,301 ft Montane Forest Machame Camp (3 meals) 11 km / 5–7 hrs
2 Shira Cave 2,835 m / 9,301 ft – 3,750 m / 11,303 ft Moorland Shira Cave Camp (3 meals) 11 km / 6–8 hrs
3 Barranco Camp via Lava Tower 3,850 m / 12,795 ft – 3,900 m / 12,960 ft Moorland Barranco Camp (3 meals) 12 km / 6–7 hrs
4 Barranco Wall → Karanga Camp 3,900 m / 12,960 ft – 3,995 m / 13,100 ft Alpine Desert Karanga Camp (3 meals) 5 km / 4–5 hrs
5 Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp 3,995 m / 13,100 ft – 4,667 m / 15,300 ft Alpine Desert Barafu Camp (3 meals) 5 km / 4–5 hrs
6 Summit Day! — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → descend 4,667 m – 3,100 m / 10,170 ft Ice Cap Mweka Camp (3 meals) 15.5 km / 7–8 hrs
7 Descend to Mweka Gate 3,100 m / 10,170 ft – 1,980 m / 6,500 ft Montane Forest — 12 km / 3 hrs
2026 & 2027 Package Price · Jan–Dec
$2,856
/ per person sharing
From 2 climbers and more. Single-climber rates on request.
View Route
What's Included
  • Transfer to / from the mountain
  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping / hut fees & rescue fees
  • Service of professional & qualified mountain guides
  • Cook and adequate porters to carry provisions & passengers' private bags
  • First-aid kit, oxygen systems and pulse oximeters
  • Free walking poles
  • 3 square meals daily (vegetarian options on request)
  • Camping equipment (tent, mats, dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, cutlery)
  • International certificate for a successful ascent
Not Included
  • International airfare, travel insurance, visas and vaccinations
  • Any increase in government taxes implemented before your trip
  • Personal expenses such as extra beverages, laundry, etc.
  • Tips & gratuities for your mountain crew
  • Personal mountain gear
  • Excess luggage over 15 kg per client while trekking
  • Cost of client-requested itinerary changes while trekking
Start Your Climb

Ready to Reach the Summit?

ell us your dates and fitness level and we'll match you to the right route - and build your acclimatization, gear and logistics around it.
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