The "Whiskey Route" — Kilimanjaro's most popular and scenic path, with an extra acclimatisation day.
The Machame Route, fondly known as the "Whiskey Route", is the most popular path up Kilimanjaro for good reason. It approaches the mountain from the south-west, traversing all five climate zones, and offers some of the most dramatic scenery on the mountain, including the Barranco Wall and the Lava Tower.
Our 7-day version of Machame includes an extra acclimatisation day at Karanga Camp, which significantly improves summit success rates compared to the 6-day version. Tents and equipment are provided; you sleep in two-person tents at established camps along the route.
Transfer from Moshi (about 45 minutes) to the Machame Gate for registration and briefing. Begin the trek through dense, lush rainforest dripping with moss and lichen — keep an eye out for blue monkeys and colobus. Lunch is served en route. Arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon for hot drinks, dinner and your first night on the mountain.
Leave the rainforest behind and climb a steep ridge onto the moorland zone covered in giant heather and lobelia. The route opens up onto the Shira Plateau with stunning views of Kibo summit and the western breach. Arrive at Shira Camp for lunch and a relaxed afternoon at altitude.
A classic acclimatisation day: climb high, sleep low. Ascend gradually through the alpine desert to the Lava Tower for lunch, then descend into the spectacular Barranco Valley with its giant senecio trees and a clear view of the Western Breach Wall.
The famous Barranco Wall scramble — non-technical but exhilarating — is your morning warm-up. The trail then undulates through the Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp. A short day designed for further acclimatisation.
A steady climb across alpine desert to Barafu, the high camp on the south-eastern flank of Kibo. Early dinner and lights out by 7pm — you will be woken just before midnight for the summit push.
Departure around midnight for the steep ascent past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa — for sunrise. After photos and celebration, descend back through Barafu and onward to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
An easy descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you collect your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower, a celebration meal, and your first cold drink in a week.
From $1,840 per person — contact us to confirm dates and group size.