Machame Route
The Whiskey Route
The popular favourite: diverse, scenic and rewarding.
Overview
The "Whiskey Route" is Kilimanjaro's most popular path for good reason: ever-changing scenery, a "climb high, sleep low" profile that aids acclimatisation, and a genuinely adventurous feel. More demanding than the hut routes, but the panoramas of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau make every step worthwhile.
Why climbers love it
- ▲ The most scenic and varied of the popular routes
- ▲ Excellent "climb high, sleep low" acclimatisation
- ▲ The thrilling Barranco Wall scramble
- ▲ Views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau
Day by day
Your 6–7-day itinerary
A typical schedule, which we'll tailor to your group, pace and dates.
- 1
Machame Gate → Machame Camp
A 5–7 hr ascent through rainforest from 1,800 m to roughly 3,000 m.
- 2
Machame Camp → Shira Camp
Leave the forest for moorland and the Shira Plateau at 3,840 m.
- 3
Shira → Barranco (via Lava Tower)
Key acclimatisation day: up to Lava Tower (4,630 m), down to Barranco (3,960 m).
- 4
Barranco → Karanga Camp
Climb the steep but non-technical Barranco Wall to Karanga at 4,035 m.
- 5
Karanga → Barafu Camp
Cross alpine desert to summit base camp at 4,640 m and prepare for the night ascent.
- 6
Summit attempt → Mweka Camp
Set off at midnight for Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
- 7
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Descend through the rainforest to 1,640 m and your certificate of achievement.
Free, no-obligation quote
Climb the Machame Route with us
Share your dates and group size for a free, tailored quote. Tumaini will reply personally, usually within a day.
- ✓ A local, licensed team born and raised on Kilimanjaro
- ✓ Tailored itineraries and honest, transparent pricing
- ✓ A genuine commitment to your safety and summit success