Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route”, Machame is one of the most scenic and adventurous paths up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, varied ecosystems, and dramatic views of glaciers, this route has become the most popular choice for trekkers worldwide.
Unlike the Marangu Route, Machame offers a greater challenge with longer and steeper stages – perfect for adventure lovers and hikers seeking the ultimate bucket-list climb. Starting in the lush southern rainforest, the route winds eastward across moorlands and alpine deserts, before circling the mountain’s southern icefields on the way to the snow-capped summit of Uhuru Peak (5895m).
Get ready for unforgettable panoramas, star-filled skies, and the ultimate achievement of standing on the roof of Africa!
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your Tanzania Wild
Expeditions driver greets you with a warm welcome. Transfer to Planet
Lodge in Arusha to relax after your long journey. Enjoy a peaceful evening
as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
• Accommodation: Planet Lodge, Arusha
• Meal Plan: Dinner
• Journey: 55 km / 1 hour
Day 2: Arusha – Machame Gate – Machame Camp
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate (1640m) where your trek officially begins! Meet your friendly guides, porters, and cooks before heading into the lush rainforest. Hike through towering moss-covered trees, spot colorful flowers, and listen for exotic birds.
Reach Machame Camp (2972m) by late afternoon, where dinner awaits under the African sky.
• Accommodation: Machame Camp (tents)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
• Journey: 5–6 hrs / 11 km
Day 3: Machame Camp – Shira Plateau (Shira Caves Camp)
Today, climb above the forest canopy into the heath and moorland zone. The hike is shorter but steeper, with sweeping views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau. Spot giant lobelias and unique volcanic rock formations.
Arrive at Shira Caves Camp (3804m) in time to admire stunning vistas and the Shira Cathedral before sunset.
• Accommodation: Shira Caves Camp (tents)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
• Journey: 4–6 hrs / 5 km
Day 4: Shira Plateau – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
A thrilling day of high-altitude trekking! Hike to the Lava Tower (4630m), enjoy lunch at this otherworldly volcanic landmark, then descend to Barranco Camp (3950m). This “climb high, sleep low” strategy is excellent for acclimatization.
End the day gazing at the southern glaciers of Kibo.
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
• Journey: 6–8 hrs / 10 km
Day 5: Barranco Wall – Karanga Valley – Barafu Camp
Start the morning with an epic scramble up the Barranco Wall, rewarded with panoramic glacier views. Descend into the beautiful Karanga Valley for lunch, before pushing on to Barafu Camp (4556m) – your base camp before the summit attempt.
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Hot Lunch, Dinner
• Journey: 8–10 hrs / 10 km
Day 6: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
The toughest and most rewarding day of your journey! Rise at midnight for the final ascent. Hike through the cold, starry night to Stella Point (5756m), then continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m) – the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate with unforgettable sunrise views over the Great Rift Valley before descending back to Barafu, then onward to Mweka Camp (3100m) for a well-earned rest.
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents)
• Meal Plan: Midnight Tea, Brunch, Dinner
• Journey: 11–14 hrs / 17 km
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Enjoy your final breakfast in the mountains before descending through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1640m). Receive your official summit certificate before driving back to Arusha for a celebratory evening.
• Accommodation: Planet Lodge, Arusha
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
• Journey: 3–4 hrs walking / 10 km + 3 hrs drive
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or continue on safari.
• Meal Plan: Breakfast
Climb Kilimanjaro with us and experience the adventure of a lifetime! Whether you’re chasing the challenge, the breathtaking landscapes, or the thrill of standing on the highest free-standing mountain in the world – the Machame Route delivers it all.
Ready to conquer Africa’s highest peak? The Machame Route, also called the “Whiskey Route”, is the most scenic and popular trail up Mount Kilimanjaro. This 7-day journey takes you through lush rainforests, across dramatic valleys, and up into the alpine desert before you stand triumphantly at the Roof of Africa (19,341 ft / 5,895 m).
With professional guides, porters, and a full support team, this trek balances adventure with comfort, giving you the best chance of a successful summit.
Trip Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
(Option to shorten to 6 days by skipping Karanga Valley overnight)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Your adventure begins with a short drive to the Machame trailhead (5,380 ft). After park registration, trek through the lush montane rainforest alive with birds, monkeys, and mossy trees until you reach Machame Camp.
• Hiking: 5–7 hours
• Overnight Altitude: 9,350 ft
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Plateau
Leaving the forest behind, the trail opens up into moorland with sweeping views. Watch as Kilimanjaro’s peaks come into view, especially the striking Kibo summit.
• Hiking: 4–6 hours
• Overnight Altitude: 12,500 ft
Day 3: Shira Plateau to Barranco Camp (via Lava Tower)
A big day for acclimatization. Hike up to the iconic Lava Tower (15,190 ft) before descending into the breathtaking Barranco Valley. Optional scramble to the top of Lava Tower for adventurous climbers!
• Hiking: 6–8 hours
• Overnight Altitude: 13,044 ft
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Climb the famous Barranco Wall—a highlight of the Machame Route—before trekking across ridges and valleys. Afternoon acclimatization hike optional.
• Hiking: 4–5 hours
• Overnight Altitude: 13,106 ft
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
A shorter trek today as you reach Barafu Camp (Base Camp), perched on a ridge with incredible views. Early dinner and rest before your midnight summit attempt.
• Hiking: 3–4 hours
• Overnight Altitude: 15,331 ft
Day 6: The Summit! Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
At midnight, begin your final push with headlamps guiding the way. After a challenging climb, celebrate at Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa! After photos and soaking in the moment, descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
• Hiking: 6–7 hours up, 6–9 hours down
• Overnight Altitude: 10,500 ft
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha
Make your final descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Enjoy a hot lunch, say farewell to your mountain crew, and head back to Arusha for a celebratory dinner and hot shower.
• Hiking: 3–5 hours
Why Choose the Machame Route?
The Machame Route is considered the most beautiful path up Kilimanjaro, with diverse landscapes and excellent acclimatization. It’s a true adventure that rewards climbers with the best views, camaraderie, and the ultimate summit experience.
Climb Kilimanjaro. Touch the sky. Make memories that last a lifetime.
Your journey begins on Kilimanjaro’s western side, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Mount Meru and Kenya’s Amboseli plains. The trail winds through lush rainforest alive with colobus monkeys, opens into golden moorlands, and finally leads you across vast alpine deserts toward the icy summit. Unlike shorter treks, this 8-day itinerary includes an extra acclimatization day, giving you more time to adapt to the altitude while soaking in the beauty of Kilimanjaro. Nights are spent under the stars in comfortable tents, creating a true wilderness adventure.
This route is perfect for trekkers who want a well-paced climb, dramatic scenery, and the best possible chance of standing proudly at Uhuru Peak, 5,895 meters above sea level.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Arusha
Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our driver greets you with a warm Tanzanian welcome. Transfer to the charming Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa in Arusha, relax by the pool, or explore the lively town before meeting your guides for a pre-climb briefing.
Day 2 – Arusha – Lemosho Gate – Big Tree Camp (2,780m)
After breakfast, head to Lemosho Gate to begin your adventure. Trek through a lush rainforest where birds sing and monkeys leap through the canopy. Arrive at Big Tree Camp in the afternoon for dinner under the forest canopy.
Day 3 – Big Tree Camp – Shira Camp 1 (3,500m)
Leave the forest behind as the trail opens into Kilimanjaro’s moorland. Strange plants like giant lobelias dot the landscape. By afternoon, arrive at Shira Camp 1 and take in your first clear views of the snow-capped summit.
Day 4 – Shira Camp 1 – Shira Camp 2 (3,900m)
A shorter, gentler day for acclimatization. Cross the Shira Plateau, an expansive and surreal landscape, before reaching Shira Camp 2 in the afternoon. Enjoy the tranquility and wide-open views.
Day 5 – Shira Camp 2 – Lava Tower (4,640m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Climb to the dramatic Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending into the lush Barranco Valley. The trek is challenging, but the scenery — from strange alpine plants to towering cliffs — makes it unforgettable. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 6 – Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Conquer the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble with panoramic views, then trek along ridges toward Karanga Camp. The afternoon is for rest, storytelling, and preparation for summit day.
Day 7 – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Today’s trek takes you to Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt. The terrain becomes more rugged and dramatic. Enjoy an early dinner and rest well — tomorrow is the big day.
Day 8 – Summit Day: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
Rise at midnight for the most exhilarating climb of your life. Under a sky full of stars, ascend slowly toward Stella Point, then push onward to Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa. Watch the sun rise over the endless plains before descending to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain.
Day 9 – Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
After a celebratory farewell with your mountain crew, trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Transfer back to your hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, a delicious meal, and a well-earned rest.
Why Choose Tanzania Wild Expeditions?
Expert Guides – Our team knows every path, challenge, and secret view of the Lemosho Route.
High Success Rates – The extra acclimatization day boosts your chances of reaching the summit.
Comfort in the Wild – Quality tents, comfortable mats, and fresh meals keep you energized.
Personalized Care – We handle every detail, so you can focus on the adventure.
Unforgettable Scenery – From rainforest to glaciers, this route showcases Kilimanjaro at its finest.
Trip Overview:
• Start/End: Arusha, Tanzania
• Duration: 8 Days climbing + arrival & departure
• Theme: Hiking & Adventure
• Minimum Age: 10 years
• Physical Level: Moderate to Challenging
• Group Size: Flexible – solo travelers welcome
Step by step, day by day, this climb takes you higher — until you’re standing on top of Africa.
✔ Professional, English-speaking guides (Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified)
✔ Full support crew: cooks, porters & guides
✔ Pre & post-climb accommodation (2 nights B&B)
✔ Airport transfers
✔ All park fees, permits, and taxes
✔ Meals & drinking water throughout trek
✔ Complimentary oxygen cylinder
✔ Private portable toilet & porter
✔ Quality imported camping equipment
What’s Not Included
✘ International flights
✘ Tanzanian visa fees
✘ Travel & medical insurance (required)
✘ Tips for guides & porters
✘ Personal gear rental (sleeping bags, trekking poles, etc.)
✘ Extra lodge nights if early descent
