Overview

The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is a popular and challenging trail leading adventurers to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned for its diverse scenery and high success rates, this route is favored by those seeking both a thrilling trek and a successful summit experience.

The journey begins at Machame Gate, where trekkers pass through lush rainforests teeming with unique flora and fauna. As the trail ascends, the landscape transforms, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The route traverses through the Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and Karanga Valley, each presenting its own set of challenges and breathtaking vistas.

One of the notable features of the Machame Route is its strategic acclimatization profile, allowing trekkers to adapt gradually to the increasing altitude. This careful approach enhances the chances of reaching the Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point.

The descent follows the Mweka Route, completing the circuit around Kilimanjaro.

Embark on the Machame Route with Eyes on Kilimanjaro for an adventure that combines the thrill of challenging terrain with the beauty of diverse ecosystems, all leading to the triumphant summit of Africa’s highest peak.

Day 1 :

Arrival Kilimanjaro airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we can assist you to organize a private airport transfer for you at an additional cost. If so, our driver will be waiting to welcome you and escort you comfortably to your hotel.

This first day is dedicated to arrival and relaxation. Settle into your accommodation, unwind after your journey, and begin soaking in the unique atmosphere of Tanzania. Taking time to rest is essential before the climb begins.

For those who wish to optimize their experience, we highly recommend booking an additional rest day before the ascent. This extra day allows your body to recover from the flight, adjust to the new environment, and begin acclimatizing — significantly increasing your chances of reaching the summit.

Please note: Accommodation for this first night is not included, allowing you complete flexibility. We are pleased to assist you with accommodation recommendations and help you choose the option that best suits your preferences and budget, from simple and comfortable hotels to more luxurious lodges.

Day 2 :

Machame Gate (1,800 m/ 5,905 ft) - Machame Camp (3,000m/ 9,840 ft)

Elevation gain: 1200 m/ 3,937 ft | Distance: 5 km. | Hiking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Environment: Rainforest

Our guide will pick you up from the hotel in the morning and take you to Machame Gate, where your ascent begins! Today the route leads you through a beautiful undisturbed tropical rainforest. The climate is humid on this side of the mountain, which is why nature thrives and it is very green. After five to six hours of hiking you will reach Machame Camp on the edge of the forest area with heath zone.

This is your first day at this altitude, so it is recommended that you follow the instructions of the guides and don't forget to drink as much water as possible.

Day 3 :

Machame Camp (3,000m/ 9,843 ft) to Shira Camp (3,840m/ 12,600 ft)

Elevation gain: 840 m/ 2,723 ft | Distance: 5 km. | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: easy| Environment: moorland

Today you will start with another nice climb that is a little steeper, but quickly rewards you with a stunning view. Keep in mind the increase of altitude and more importantly, walk at the right pace. Our experienced guides will assist you with that. The first part of the hike leads to a small circular cliff known as the picnic rock. Here you can enjoy stunning views of Kibo (a peak of Kilimanjaro) and Shira (one of the other volcanic peaks). From the picnic rock you hike on to Shira Camp via a beautiful route.

Day 4 :

Shira Camp (3,840 m/ 12,600 ft) - Lava Tower (4630 m/ 15,190 ft) - Barranco Camp (3,960 m/ 12,960 ft)

Today’s hike leads from Shira Camp to the beautiful Lava Tower. This is one of the most important days for acclimatization. This part of the climb has many ascents and descents and offers beautiful views along the way. It is a longer hike and you might feel a bit uncomfortable due to the increased altitude. It is therefore important to remain at Lava Tower for one to two hours in order for your body to acclimatize. Therefore lunch will be taken here. After lunch, you can take an acclimatization walk towards the Lava Tower (to an altitude of 4120 meters and a distance of 2 km).

Afterwards, you descend to Barranco Camp known for its picturesque valley and towering cliffs. Here you will encounter strange looking flowering plants that grow up to five meters high!

The descent helps your body adjust to altitude, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. It’s a long day, but vital for preparing for the summit.

Day 5 :

Barranco Camp (3,960 m/12,631 ft) to Karanga Camp (4,035 m / 13,238 ft)

Elevation Gain: 59 m / 194 ft (with many ups and downs) | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: ~5 km | Difficulty: Medium to Challenging | Environement: Alpine desert

You start the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a dramatic and steep rock face that looks intimidating but is quite manageable with some light scrambling and careful footing. It's one of the most fun and memorable sections of the trek. After reaching the top, the trail rolls through several small valleys and ridges. The views of Kibo Glacier, the southern ice fields, and the looming summit are incredible. Karanga Camp sits in a sheltered spot on a ridge, where you’ll rest and prepare for your final ascent to base camp the following day.

Day 6 :

Karanga Camp (4,035 m / 13,238 ft) to Barafu Camp (4,640 m / 15,223 ft)

Elevation Gain: 605 m / 1,985 ft | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: ~4 km | Difficulty: Moderate | Environment: Alpine desert

Today’s hike is shorter but steep as you make your way through rocky, windswept alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the final base before summit night.

The trail is barren and dry, and temperatures drop significantly. You’ll arrive at camp by midday, have lunch, and spend the afternoon resting and preparing your gear.

An early dinner is followed by a few hours of sleep—you’ll wake around midnight for your summit attempt. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, and the conditions here reflect the name: expect cold temperatures and high winds.

Day 7 :

Barafu Camp (4,640 m/ 15,223 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/ 19,340 ft) to Mweka Camp (3,820 m/ 12,532 ft)

Tonight you depart from Barafu Camp to ascent to the top of Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak)! The climb leads over good trails, the most challenging part is the high altitude. There is 1 personal guide per 2 climbers in order to closely monitor the climbers’ physically and mentally wellbeing.

Once you reach the summit you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a small party at the top, you can descend to the nearest glacier if you wish. You return to Barafu Camp and start the descent to Mweka Camp after two hours of rest. When descending pay close attention to where you step in order to prevent an injury.

Day 8 :

Mweka Camp (3,820 m/ 12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,381 ft)

Elevation loss: 3090 m/ 10,150 feet | Distance: 10 km | Hiking time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: easy | Environment: rainforest

The Mweka camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will experience a pleasant feeling due to the reduction in altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After breakfast you go to the park exit.
After the descent the whole group comes together to congratulate each other.

Note : The accommodation is not included in the price but we would be happy to help you choosing the hotel according to your wishes

Day 9 :

to Kilimanjaro airport or let's discover Tanzania

After this amazing experience, you can choose to fly home on the day after or choose to discover what esle Tanzania has to offer you such as safaris, several day trips or going to relax on the beautiful coasts rather on the Mainland or on Zanzibar. We will be glad to help you to choose within all those possibilties.