The “Whiskey” Route – A Scenic Challenge to the Summit!

Nicknamed the "Whiskey Route" for its tougher, wilder edge compared to the more gradual "Coca-Cola Route" (Marangu), the Machame Route is a favorite for those seeking adventure, challenge, and the most stunning scenery on Mount Kilimanjaro. Sleep under the stars in tents, dine in the heart of the wilderness, and take on an epic 7-day journey to the Roof of Africa.

This route offers great acclimatization over 7 days and a high summit success rate. Ideal for fit hikers with a sense of adventure! Descent is via the Mweka Route, and we spend the last night at Mweka or Millennium Camp.

Private treks available any day. Group departures offered on select dates.
Pair your climb with a Tanzanian safari for the ultimate African experience!

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Moshi

Day 2: Drive to Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp 

Day 3: Hike Machame Camp to Shira Camp 

Day 4: Hike Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp 

Day 5: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Day 6: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 

Day 7: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp 

Day 8: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi 

Day 9: Depart Moshi 

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in either Moshi or Arusha. Meet your guide for a full briefing and equipment check.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Not included

Day 2: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

After breakfast, drive to the park gate and begin trekking through the lush rainforest to Machame Camp.

• Elevation: 1,830m to 3,050m

• Distance: 11 km

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Rainforest
  Overnight: Machame Camp
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Today’s trek takes you out of the forest and into the moorland zone, with wide views and unique plant life.

• Elevation: 3,050m to 3,850m

• Distance: 5 km

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Moorland
  Overnight: Shira Camp
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)

Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend into the Great Barranco Valley for the night.

• Elevation: 3,850m to 4,650m (Lava Tower), then down to 4,000m

• Distance: 10 km

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Semi-desert
  Overnight: Barranco Camp
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Climb the Barranco Wall and traverse glacial valleys to reach Karanga Camp.

• Elevation: 4,000m to 4,050m

• Distance: 5 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine desert
  Overnight: Karanga Camp
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

A short but steep hike brings you to Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt.

• Elevation: 4,050m to 4,700m

• Distance: 4 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine desert
  Overnight: Barafu Camp
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Descend to Mweka Camp

Begin your summit push at midnight. Reach the summit by sunrise, then descend back to Mweka Camp.

• Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (summit), then down to 3,090m

• Distance: 5 km ascent / 13 km descent

• Hiking Time: 10–13 hours

• Habitat: Arctic to forest
  Overnight: Mweka Camp
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Hotel

Finish your trek with a descent through the rainforest. Receive your summit certificate and return to your hotel.

• Elevation: 3,090m to 1,680m

• Distance: 10 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Forest
  Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Departure or Safari Extension

Transfer to the airport or continue your trip with a wildlife safari or beach holiday.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

• Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook

• All meals and purified drinking water during the trek

• Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

• Tents and camping gear

• Pre- and post-climb hotel accommodation

• Airport and trailhead transfers

• Emergency oxygen and first aid kit

What’s Not Included

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees

• Tips (approx. $400–$700 per climber)

• Personal trekking equipment (available for rent)

• Extra hotel nights if needed

• Portable toilet (available on request)

• Bottled and alcoholic beverages