Kilimanjaro’s Scenic Challenge

Duration: 7 Days | Optional 6-Day Version | Camping Route

Often referred to as the “Whiskey Route”, the Machame Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular and visually stunning trails. Unlike the gentler Marangu Route, Machame offers a more demanding yet richly rewarding climb — crossing diverse ecosystems, from lush cloud forests and moorlands to the stark alpine desert of the Lava Tower and the icy heights near Uhuru Peak.

Day 1: Arusha – Machame Gate – Machame Camp (3,000 m)

After an early breakfast, depart Arusha for Machame Village, where the adventure begins. Once permits are processed at the park gate, embark on a 5–7 hour hike through the verdant rainforest. This mystical trail winds through ancient fig trees and moss-draped ferns before opening up to the first campsite at Machame Camp.
🚶 Distance: 10 km | ⏱️ Time: 5–7 hours | ⛰️ Ascent: +1,200 m

Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3,840 m)

Today’s trek ascends through moorland where heathers and volcanic rock dominate the landscape. As you leave the forest behind, the trail narrows and climbs over ridges toward the expansive Shira Plateau, an ancient lava flow that offers stunning panoramic views.
🚶 Distance: 6 km | ⏱️ Time: 5–7 hours | ⛰️ Ascent: +840 m

Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp (3,950 m)

This is a day of high-altitude acclimatization. Hike upward to the imposing Lava Tower (4,630 m), then descend into the Barranco Valley for camp. Though elevation gain is modest at day’s end, the climb to Lava Tower plays a key role in adapting to the thin air — following the golden mountaineering rule: climb high, sleep low.
🚶 Distance: 10 km | ⏱️ Time: 6–7 hours | ⛰️ Net Ascent: +110 m (to 3,950 m)

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (4,200 m)

Your day begins with an exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep yet non-technical scramble that rewards you with breathtaking vistas. Traverse glacial valleys and ridges before arriving at Karanga Camp, perched above the clouds.
🚶 Distance: 4.5 km | ⏱️ Time: 3–4 hours | ⛰️ Ascent: +250 m

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (4,700 m)

Continue your ascent across arid alpine terrain to reach Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for an early midnight departure to Uhuru Peak.
🚶 Distance: 4.5 km | ⏱️ Time: 3 hours | ⛰️ Ascent: +500 m

Day 6: Barafu – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

Summit day begins in the darkness and cold of night. You’ll trek slowly and steadily by headlamp toward Stella Point and then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. As the sun rises, the glaciers glow and the vast horizon opens beneath your feet — a life-changing moment. After photos and celebration, begin your long descent to Mweka Camp, where you’ll rest under the forest canopy.
🚶 Ascent: 5 km | ⏱️ 6–7 hours | +1,195 m
🚶 Descent: 12 km | ⏱️ 5–7 hours | -2,795 m

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Return to Arusha

The final stretch is a gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. After receiving your summit certificate, a short drive takes you back to Arusha for a hot shower and well-deserved rest.
🚶 Distance: 10 km | ⏱️ 3–4 hours | ⛰️ Descent: -1,500 m

Optional 6-Day Variation

For those short on time or confident in their acclimatization, Day 4 and Day 5 can be combined, reducing the climb to six days. However, we recommend the 7-day itinerary for better altitude adjustment and summit success.

Why Choose the Machame Route?

• Diverse landscapes and habitats
• Higher summit success rate due to better acclimatization
• Stunning views of Shira Plateau, Lava Tower & Barranco Wall
• Ideal for adventurous and physically fit climbers