The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey” Route, is a six or seven day camping route and is most popular camping route on Kilimanjaro. This trail offers stunning views, a good challenge, and is a well designed route for altitude acclimitazation.
According to statistics from Kilimanjaro National Park approximately 35% of all climbers on the mountain use it.
Machame Route Itinerary
Duration: 6 nights /7 days Climb
Arrival Day
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) you will see our driver waiting for you just outside the secured customs area - with a Kilifortune Expeditions sign with your name on it. From there you will be drive to your hotel in Moshi. After allowing some time to settle in, there will be a climb briefing with your guide. Here all questions will be answered. There will also be an equipment check. If you are lacking any items, they can be rented locally of good quality at a reasonable price. If you have a nightime arrival, these things can be done early the next morning.
Day 1: Machame Hut Camp
After breakfast at your hotel, we take a drive to the Machame trailhead (1,800M). After check-in proecdures
with the park rangers are finished, we will hike up through the montane
forests, winding up the mossy jungle, making our way to Machame Hut Camp.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11KM
Overnight Altitude: 2,835M
Day 2: Shira Plateau
After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest. We will take our time,
soaking in the scenery as we make our way through the moorlands. We will be treated
to spectacular views of Kibo Peak.
Hiking: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5KM
Overnight Altitude: 3,750M
Day 3: Barranco Camp
Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep low. We
will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (4,600M) for lunch, before
descending to the Barranco Valley. For those who have energy, and if time and
weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The
scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain.
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Distance: 10KM
Overnight Altitude: 3,800M
Day 4: Karanga Camp
Today you’ll continue to acclimatize and let your body adjust to these higher
altitudes, in preparation for your upcoming summit push. Climb the steep Barranco
Wall and then go up and down several ridges and valleys before arriving at Karanga
Camp. There will likely be time for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6KM
Overnight Altitude: 3,995M
Day 5: Barafu Camp
Today you’ll continue your circuit and arrive at your final camp before the summit
(Barafu camp). Some ups and downs along ridges and valleys along the way. You’ll
have an early supper, sleep for a few hours, and then arise at about 11:00 PM to
start tomorrow’s summit ascent.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Distance: 4KM
Overnight Altitude: 4,673M
Day 6: Summit and Mweka Camp
Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to
Stella Point and then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and
will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, we
descend down to Mweka Camp.
Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descent.
Summit: 5,895M
Distance: 7.5KM
Overnight Altitude: 3,100M
Day 7: Mweka Park Gate (1,640M) to the Hotel
We make the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi where you will say farewell to your mountain crew before enjoying a shower, relaxation, and celebration!
Hiking: 3-5 hours
Distance: 10KM
Departure Day
Breakfast at the hotel in included in your climb package. If you have booked a safari we will leave after breakfast. Otherwise our driver will be available to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) at any time necessary for your flight. Hotel checkout is at 10am. If you have a flight leaving later in the day, we can try to arrange a late checkout or a day room (there would be an extra charge for a dayroom).