Given its reputation for being a challenging ascent, the Machame route—also known as the Whiskey route—is distinguished from the simpler Marangu path, which is known as the Coca-Cola way. Contrary to the Marangu Route’s moderate rise and hut accommodations, climbers on Machame trek steeper paths over greater distances while camped out in tents.

It takes a minimum of six days (five nights) to complete the Machame Route climb. For a better altitude acclimation plan, it is typically completed over seven days (six nights).

The trek starts at Machame Gate, which is situated in the lush, productive rainforest at the mountain’s southern foot.

Day 1 – Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

You will be met by a mountain guide at the hotel in Arusha town after being picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. The mountain guide will give you a briefing on your forthcoming trip and conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the appropriate mountain gear.

Before departing for Kilimanjaro, the missing gear can be rented on this day or the following morning.
Arusha hotel with breakfast included.

Day 2 – Arusha – Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)

The entrance to the Machame path is about an hour’s drive from Moshi. Here, we complete park paperwork, meet our team of porters, and begin the climb! The initial part of the course ascends gradually and travels through a stunning, heavily forested area.

Since this walk is seldom used, it can become fairly overgrown in some spots and is frequently muddy and moist to the touch. Dinner is served at night, and you spend the night in Machame Camp.

Day 3 – Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)

Until we reach the difficult rise onto the Shira Plateau, where there are spectacular views of the mountain, our journey continues up through the forest. You can see Mt. Meru rising above the town of Arusha in the distance if you turn around and look back.

Day 4 – Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.

Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)

We begin our day by descending into the Great Barranco, a sizable ravine. The Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeast slopes of Kibo, is then climbed steeply as we leave. It’s a long and taxing climb over granite that requires minimal technical skill. We move in the direction of the Karanga valley while passing beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers. From here, it is a difficult ascent from Karanga valley to our overnight camp at 3963m-elevation Karanga camp. If enough people are up for it, we’ll take an afternoon acclimatization hike up to about 4200 meters before returning to camp for the night.

Day 6 – Karanga Camp (3963) to Barafu Camp (4640m)

We started our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m after a restful night’s sleep and breakfast. We will traverse barren screen slopes during the ascent with no flora in sight. The altitude makes the steep walk much more challenging. After arriving at camp, we eat and take the afternoon to relax before a hard night and the following day. It’s crucial to stay warm and hydrated. We have dinner early and then try to get some rest because we have to get up between 11 and 12 in the morning to begin the ascent.

Day 7 – Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)

Around midnight, we set out on a difficult ascent to the summit glaciers. We will spend 4 to 5 hours ascending scree but cover a modest distance to reach spectacular heights. The vistas are breathtaking. As the sun rises, we should be near Stella Point (5739m), on the crater rim. We are surrounded by stunning ice cliffs inside the crater, and we have breath-taking vistas of the craggy Mawenzi mountain and beyond. We must hike for an additional hour to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). After leaving Stella Point, we start our descent by making our way back to Barafu Camp for breakfast before making our way down to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.

Day 8 – Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m) – Arusha

A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates. At the park gate, our driver will be there to transfer you to the hotel in Arusha.

Day 9 – Depart Tanzania

After the hike, you have the rest of the day to relax before your trip home. You might visit Moshi town and buy some souvenirs before going to the airport, depending on your travel schedules.

Hotel with breakfast included in Moshi or Arusha.