7-Day Machame the Whiskey Route Kilimanjaro Climb

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Elevation:
• Machame Gate: 1,800 m
• Machame Camp: 3,000 m

Altitude Gain: +1,200 m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Early in the morning you will meet your professional mountain guide and support crew. A scenic drive takes you to Machame Gate, where park registration, permit processing, and luggage weighing are completed. During this time, porters organize equipment and supplies.

Once formalities are complete, the trek begins through dense montane rainforest, one of the richest ecological zones on Kilimanjaro. The trail winds beneath towering trees covered in moss, ferns, and lichens. Wildlife sightings may include blue monkeys and colobus monkeys. Due to humidity and rainfall, the trail can be muddy and slippery.

You will maintain a slow, steady pace, stopping regularly for water and rest. Lunch is served en route. By mid to late afternoon, you arrive at Machame Camp, where tents will already be pitched. Enjoy a hot dinner prepared by your cook and rest overnight.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Elevation:
• Machame Camp: 3,000 m
• Shira Camp: 3,850 m

Altitude Gain: +850 m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

After breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind and continue ascending into heath and moorland terrain. The vegetation changes noticeably, with heather plants, giant lobelias, and open landscapes replacing forest canopy.

The trail crosses small valleys and steep rocky ridges, gradually opening to wide panoramic views. As altitude increases, the air becomes cooler and drier. Regular breaks are taken to maintain a comfortable pace and aid acclimatization.

By afternoon, you reach Shira Camp, located on the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the oldest volcanic formations on Kilimanjaro. From camp, enjoy stunning views of Mount Meru, Kibo Peak, and the plateau below, especially during sunset.

Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira Camp - Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation:
• Shira Camp: 3,850 m
• Lava Tower: 4,600 m
• Barranco Camp: 3,960 m

Altitude Gain: +750 m
Altitude Loss: −640 m
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Today is a critical acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. After breakfast, trek eastward toward Lava Tower, crossing alpine terrain with volcanic rock formations and minimal vegetation.

As you ascend, altitude effects may become noticeable, and your guide will monitor your condition closely. You will stop at Lava Tower (4,600 m) for lunch, spending valuable time at high altitude to aid acclimatization.

After lunch, descend gradually into the lush Barranco Valley, arriving at Barranco Camp, situated below the imposing Barranco Wall. The descent helps reduce altitude stress and allows for recovery.

Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation:
• Barranco Camp: 3,960 m
• Karanga Camp: 4,035 m

Altitude Gain: +75 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

After breakfast, begin the day with the exciting ascent of the Barranco Wall. Although steep, this section is non-technical and involves light scrambling under the guidance of your lead guide. Upon reaching the top, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the glaciers and valleys below.

Continue trekking across undulating terrain, crossing ridges and valleys before descending slightly and then ascending again to Karanga Camp. You arrive in time for a hot lunch.

In the afternoon, take an optional acclimatization hike toward the southern ice fields, gaining additional altitude before returning to camp for rest.

Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation:
• Karanga Camp: 4,035 m
• Barafu Camp: 4,620 m

Altitude Gain: +585 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

After breakfast, continue ascending toward Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt. The trail is steep and exposed, with loose volcanic scree underfoot.

The environment transitions into a stark alpine desert, where temperatures drop and strong winds are common. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you will rest, hydrate, and organize your summit equipment.

An early dinner is served, followed by final briefing from your guide. You then rest and sleep until midnight.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (Summit Day)

Elevation:
• Barafu Camp: 4,620 m
• Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m
• Mweka Camp: 3,100 m

Altitude Gain: +1,275 m
Altitude Loss: −2,795 m
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours

You will wake around midnight for a light meal before beginning the summit ascent. Equipped with headlamps and warm layers, you climb steadily through steep scree and possible snow.

Reach Stella Point (5,861 m) around sunrise, then continue for approximately one hour along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photos and celebration, begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp for lunch and a short rest.

Continue descending to Mweka Camp, where oxygen levels are higher and recovery is easier.

Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation:
• Mweka Camp: 3,100 m
• Mweka Gate: 1,640 m

Altitude Loss: −1,460 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

After breakfast, descend through lush montane forest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be slippery, so caution is advised.

At the gate, you will sign out of the park and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. A vehicle transfer returns you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of the climb.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.