Kilimanjaro’s Most Scenic Trek

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route”, is one of the most popular and successful paths to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is renowned for its stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization profile, following the mountaineering principle: “climb high, sleep low.”

This route features a steeper initial ascent and a dramatic climb to Lava Tower (~4,600 m / 15,000 ft) before descending to Barranco Camp (~3,900 m / 12,700 ft) on the same day. This strategy improves acclimatization and increases summit success rates.

Unlike the Marangu Route, the Machame trek requires camping in tents, carried and set up by porters. The journey is best completed in 7 days, though it can be done in 6.

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Machame Route Itinerary

Day 1: Machame Gate (1800 m) – Machame Camp (2835 m)

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 11 km

Altitude Gain: 1035 m

Depart Arusha and drive to Machame Gate. Begin trekking through lush rainforest, where the trail can be muddy and slippery. Ascend gradually along a winding ridge until reaching Machame Camp for overnight stay.

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Day 2: Machame Camp (2835m) – Shira Camp (3750 m)

Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

Distance: 5 km

Altitude Gain: 915 m

Leave the rainforest and climb into heather moorland. The trail ascends steep ridges and crosses small valleys before reaching Shira Camp on the plateau.

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Day 3: Shira Camp (3750 m) – Lava Tower (4600 m) – Barranco Camp (3900 m)

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 10 km

Altitude Gain/Loss: +850 m / -700 m

Hike towards the Lava Tower, also known as “Shark’s Tooth,” at 4,600 m before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,900 m. Although you end at a similar elevation to where you started, this “climb high, sleep low” day is crucial for acclimatization.

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Day 4: Barranco Camp (3900 m) – Karanga Camp (3995 m) – Barafu Camp (4673 m)

Trekking Time: 7-8 hours

Distance: 9 km

Altitude Gain: 773 m

Climb the dramatic Barranco Wall, then trek through valleys to Karanga Camp before continuing upward to Barafu Camp. From here, you can see both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Prepare for the midnight summit push.

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Day 5: Barafu Camp (4673 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3100 m)

Summit:

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 5 km

Altitude Gain: 1222 m

Descent:

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours

Distance: 12 km

Altitude Loss: 2795 m

Begin the summit attempt at midnight, climbing steep switchbacks through scree to Stella Point (5685 m), where you’ll witness a breath taking sunrise. Continue for about an hour to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – the highest point in Africa.

Descend back via Barafu to Mweka Camp (3100 m) for a final night on the mountain.

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Day 6: Mweka Camp (3100 m) – Mweka Gate (1640 m) – Arusha/Moshi

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Distance: 10 km

Altitude Loss: 1460 m

Continue the descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

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