Machame Route

Machame Route · 7 days

Package Overview

Known as the Whiskey Route for its reputation as one of the tougher paths up Kilimanjaro, Machame rewards climbers with dramatic scenery every single day — rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and glacier. Seven days on the mountain, camping throughout, with the iconic Barranco Wall scramble on day four.

Highlights

• Climbs through five ecological zones
• The famous Barranco Wall scramble
• Camping under the Southern Circuit stars
• Panoramic views of the Western Breach

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 • Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Machame Camp

Register at Machame Gate and trek through montane rainforest to Machame Camp.

Day 1 Accommodation, Machame Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 2 • Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Climb out of the forest onto moorland, arriving at Shira Camp with views of Kibo.

Day 2 Accommodation, Shira Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 3 • Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Ascend to Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending to Barranco Camp.

Note: Acclimatization tip: the altitude gain at Lava Tower helps your body adjust before you sleep lower, at Barranco.

Day 3 Accommodation, Barranco Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 4 • Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Tackle the Barranco Wall scramble, then cross to Karanga Camp.

Day 4 Accommodation, Karanga Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 5 • Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

A short trek to Barafu, your base camp for the summit attempt.

Note: Early dinner and lights-out — the summit push begins around midnight.

Day 5 Accommodation, Barafu Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 6 • Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp

Uhuru Peak, sunrise

Overnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), followed by a long descent to Mweka Camp.

Day 6 Accommodation, Mweka Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 7 • Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate and transfer back to your hotel.