Machame Route Overview

Referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” the Machame route is one of the most popular paths to the summit of Kilimanjaro, boasting a high success rate. This route offers stunning, varied landscapes, beginning with a scenic trek through the rainforest and featuring a gradual ascent that helps with acclimatization. Camping in portable tents is the only form of accommodation throughout the climb. A key feature of the Machame route is the ascent to Lava Tower on day 3, followed by a descent to Barranco Camp for the night. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is essential for acclimatization, contributing to the route’s high summit success rate. Typically, the Machame route is completed in a minimum of 6 days and 5 nights on the mountain.

Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Pasema Adventures. From the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Later, you’ll meet your guide for a briefing about your upcoming trek and undergo an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary gear for the climb. Any missing items can be rented at this time.

  • Hotel: Bed & Breakfast

Day 1: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
Your trek begins with a drive from Moshi to Machame Gate, about an hour away. At the gate, you’ll meet your trekking team, including guides, porters, and your cook. After registration and park formalities, you’ll start your hike through dense and beautiful rainforest. The trail is often wet and muddy and less traveled, offering a sense of adventure as you make your way to Machame Camp.

  • Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
  • Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Zone: Rainforest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)
On the second day, you’ll start early and continue your trek through the forest before ascending to the Shira Plateau. The trail becomes steeper as you enter the moorland zone, characterized by grasslands and open terrain. Shira Camp offers your first view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak, Kibo, and stunning views of Mount Meru to the east.

  • Distance: 5.4 km / 3.4 miles
  • Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira Camp (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
The landscape changes drastically as you trek through high moorland on day three. You’ll pass beneath the Lava Tower, climbing up to an altitude of 4600m before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is crucial for acclimatization, making it one of the most important days on your trek, even though you end at a similar elevation as the previous day.

  • Distance: 10.8 km / 6.7 miles
  • Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
  • Zone: Low Alpine Zone / High Alpine Zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
On day four, you’ll descend into the Great Barranco Valley and then tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable climb. The trail leads you beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers and through the Karanga Valley, which is your last water source before the summit. For the 7-day route, trekkers spend the night at Karanga Camp for additional acclimatization. You’ll continue up to Barafu Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for the summit.

  • Distance: 8.5 km / 5.3 miles
  • Trekking Time: 8 hours
  • Zone: High Alpine Zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) & down to Mweka Camp (3100m)
Summit day begins at midnight with a steep ascent to the summit glaciers. You’ll climb scree for several hours before reaching Stella Point (5739m) at the crater rim just as the sun rises. After a final push, you’ll reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5895m. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, then continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

  • Distance: 16.4 km / 9.6 miles
  • Trekking Time: 13-15 hours
  • Zone: Glacial Zone / All preceding zones
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
On the final day, you’ll make a gentle descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificate as a reward for your achievement. Afterward, a vehicle will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate.

  • Distance: 9.1 km / 7.5 miles
  • Trekking Time: 3 hours
  • Zone: Rainforest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Departure
On this day, you’ll prepare for your onward journey. Whether you’re departing for the airport, continuing your adventure on a safari, or heading to Zanzibar for a beach holiday, we can arrange your plans accordingly. Our team will ensure you reach your next destination, or take you to the airport in time for your flight.

  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 1: Machame Gate (1790m) to Machame Camp (3010m)
Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, about an hour away. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your trekking team, including guides, porters, and a cook. After the park registration is complete and the gear is ready, you’ll begin your ascent through the lush, dense rainforest. The trail is less crowded, making it a bit overgrown and often wet and muddy, but the views are worth it.

  • Destination: Machame Camp
  • Distance: 11km / 7 miles
  • Trekking time: 5-7 hours
  • Zone: Rainforest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp (3010m) to Shira Camp (3845m)
Day two starts with an early rise. The path takes you further through the forest, leading to a steeper ascent onto the Shira Plateau. As you leave the rainforest behind, you’ll enter the low alpine zone, characterized by moorlands and grasslands. At Shira Camp, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo and Mount Meru.

  • Destination: Shira Camp
  • Distance: 5.4km / 3.4 miles
  • Trekking time: 5 hours
  • Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira Cave (3845m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
On day three, the landscape transforms into high moorland as you traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro. Passing beneath the iconic Lava Tower, you’ll ascend to nearly 4600m before descending to Barranco Camp. Though you finish the day at a similar altitude to where you began, this “climb high, sleep low” strategy is crucial for acclimatization.

  • Destination: Barranco Camp
  • Distance: 10.8km / 6.7 miles
  • Trekking time: 8 hours
  • Zone: Low Alpine / High Alpine Zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
The day begins with a descent into the Great Barranco Valley, followed by a steep climb up the Barranco Wall. Though physically demanding, this section offers spectacular views of the Heim and Kersten glaciers. After crossing the Karanga Valley, you’ll arrive at Karanga Camp. If you’re feeling strong, a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek will take you to about 4200m before returning to camp for the night.

  • Destination: Karanga Camp
  • Distance: 5.5km / 3.4 miles
  • Trekking time: 5 hours
  • Zone: High Alpine Zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp (3963m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
Day five involves a steady climb from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, your final stop before summit night. The route becomes increasingly rugged as you continue into the high alpine zone. Once at Barafu, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the midnight ascent to the summit.

  • Destination: Barafu Camp
  • Distance: 3km / 1.9 miles
  • Trekking time: 3 hours
  • Zone: High Alpine Zone
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) & down to Mweka Camp (3100m)
Summit day begins at midnight. You’ll start the steep climb to the glaciers, trekking through scree fields for about 4 to 5 hours. As the sun rises, you’ll reach Stella Point (5739m) and continue another hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend back to Barafu for breakfast and then continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.

  • Destination: Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp
  • Distance: 16.4km / 9.6 miles
  • Trekking time: 13-15 hours
  • Zone: Glacial Zone / Previous Zones
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
Your final day on the mountain is a gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. After completing park formalities and receiving your certificates, you’ll be met by vehicles that will transfer you back to Moshi. Once at your hotel, you can finally enjoy a hot shower and celebrate your achievement with a well-earned drink.

  • Destination: Mweka Gate
  • Distance: 9.1km / 7.5 miles
  • Trekking time: 3 hours
  • Zone: Rainforest
  • Hotel: Bed & Breakfast

Day 8: Departure from Tanzania
After breakfast, you’ll either be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or continue your adventure with a safari or beach holiday in Zanzibar. If heading to the airport, a vehicle will be arranged for your transfer at your preferred time.

  • Location: Moshi
  • Meals: Breakfast

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Price Included

  • Two nights accommodation in Hotel
  • Private transport to / from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi
  • professional guides with mountain crew
  • National park fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees and services
  • All camping equipment; mountain tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats
  • All camping equipment; mountain tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats
  • Transport & rescue fees
  • Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
  • First aid kit, emergence oxygen & Pulse oximeter
  • Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authorit

Not Included in Price

  • Flights
  • Visa
  • Insurance
  • Tips to mountain crew
  • Personal items
  • Laundrary services
Scroll to Top