Kilimanjaro

Machame Route

The Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is an exhilarating trekking path that stands out for its stunning scenery and diverse landscapes. Also referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is a rewarding journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak.

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The Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a renowned and exhilarating trekking path that stands out for its stunning scenery and diverse landscapes. Due to its gradual ascent profile, Machame allows for better acclimatization and increased chances of summit success, making it one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro. Also referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is a rewarding journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak. This route takes trekkers through dense rainforests teeming with exotic flora and fauna, gradually transitioning into alpine meadows as they ascend the Shira Plateau. One of the Machame Route’s distinct features is the dramatic Barranco Wall, a towering rock face that provides an exhilarating scramble. The route also offers breath-taking vistas of the surrounding landscapes, including the striking glaciers on Kilimanjaro’s summit. Campsites along the way provide trekkers with opportunities to rest, acclimatize, and soak in the awe-inspiring views. The exhilarating summit push brings trekkers to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, where breath-taking panoramas and a sense of accomplishment await.

Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by staff from Active Kilitop and Safaris and transported to your accommodation. This is also where you will meet with your guides for a pre-climb briefing, gear check and final preparations.

Day 1: Machame Gate (1800m) to Machame Camp (3000m)

  • After breakfast you’ll be transported to the Machame Gate. (The drive goes through Machame Village on the lower slopes of the mountain)
  • Park registration will be completed at Machame Gate before the trek begins.
  • You’ll begin the hike through a dense forest of fig and rubber trees, begonia flowers and other tropical vegetation.
  • A stop for lunch will be made halfway to the evening’s campsite.
  • After lunch the ascent will continue as the tropical forest gives way to tall grasses and giant heather. You will be walking on a ridge between the Semira and Weruweru streams.
  • You’ll arrive at Machame Camp in the late afternoon, where you’re camp will be set up near to the ranger hut and dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 2: Machame Camp (3000m) to Shira Camp (3840m)

  • Wake-up call will be around 6am. You’ll be greeted with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
  • The day’s trek will take you up a steep track through a savanna of tall grasses, volcanic rock and bearded heather.
  • Lunch will be taken just below the Shira Plateau, about 2-4 hours from Shira Camp.
  • You’ll encounter giant groundsels as the hike continues through a ghostly landscape of volcanic lava, caves and foamy streams.
  • You’ll arrive at Shira Camp in the early afternoon where you’ll be greeted with stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.
  • The evening will be spend relaxing at camp where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner.

Day 3: Shira Camp (3840m) to Barranco Camp (3950m)

  • Upon waking the entire Shira Plateau will greet you with sweeping vistas across to Meru and the Shira Needles.
  • The day’s trek will take you on a steady hike up to the pass at Lava Tower (4630m) for acclimatization.
  • You’ll enjoy lunch at Lava Tower while soaking in the breath-taking views.
  • Crossing the Bastains Stream you’ll begin to descend towards Barranco Camp. The descent takes you along an immense canyon called Grand Barranco.
  • You’ll arrive at Barranco Camp in the late afternoon. Barranco is almost at the same altitude as Shira Camp and lies beneath the towering Barranco Wall.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950m) to Karanga Camp (4035m)

  • You’ll start the day with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall, a highlight of the Machame Route.
  • Once up the ‘Wall’, you’ll traverse the undulating landscape towards Karanga Camp, nestled beneath the southern ice fields of Kilimanjaro.
  • There is hardly any altitude increase to Karanga Camp to allow time for rest and to adjust to increasingly higher altitudes.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4035m) to Barafu Camp (4600m)

  • The day’s trek is through alpine desert landscape with sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak to the right and Kibo Peak overhead.
  • Lunch will be taken at Barafu Camp, also known as the base camp for the final summit push.
  • You’ll spend the afternoon resting and hydrating, before an early dinner and bedtime in preparation for the summit bid.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4600m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka Camp (3100m)

  • You’ll begin your summit attempt in the pre-dawn hours, following the rocky path towards Stella Point (5685m) and onwards to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa.
  • Celebrate your achievement at the summit and soak in the panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see.
  • You’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshment before continuing down to Mweka Camp where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon for a well-deserved dinner and a final night under the stars.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1640m)

  • The day’s descent will take you back through the lush rainforest where you can savour the sights and sounds of the vibrant ecosystem one last time.
  • You’ll receive your summit certificates at Mweka Gate where you’ll bid farewell to your mountain crew and be transferred back to your accommodation for a hot shower, delicious meal, and a chance to reflect on your incredible journey.

Rest and celebrate your accomplishment, knowing you’ve conquered the Roof of Africa.

Trek Dates