Machame route

The Machame route is also known as the "Whiskey route". It is a wilderness route, which combines spectacular views and scenery and ample time for acclimatisation. It starts with a gradual ascent through the forest and expands into panoramic views of the moorland on Shira Plateau. The path continues along rocky trails and scree with stunning scenery and beautiful ice formations along the way. The different kinds of vegetation along the route makes it the most scenic of all the routes. Machame is perhaps the best of the standard routes on the mountain. Overnights are spent camping in tents.

Day 1:  Machame Gate – Machame Camp

1,828m (5,997ft) – 3,032m (9,948ft)
Sign the park register before you start your hike. The path follows a ridge through dense mountain forest. This is the most richly forested area on the mountain and also the zone from where 96 % of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. This area is very lush and beautiful on sunny days and especially during the dry season. It can also be a very muddy experience, particularly after recent rains! We have lunch at 'Halfway Clearing', a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the Machame Camp. We may get our first closer look at the glacial dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit.
Overnight at Machame Camp, Average hiking time: 7 hours

Day 2:  Machame Camp – Shira camp

3,032m (9,948ft) – 3,847m (12,621ft)
A shorter day that starts with a steep climb to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here, and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp at Shira Camp, which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro. Here we are close to the huge volcanic cone of Kibo and the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, with an uforgettable view of Mount Meru floating on the clouds.
Overnight at Shira Camp, Average hiking time: 5 hours

Day 3:  Shira camp – Barranco Camp

3,847m (12,621ft) – 3,985m (13,071ft)
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4500m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley, sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below.
Overnight at Barranco Camp, Average hiking time: 7 hours

Day 4:  Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp

3,985m (13,071ft) – 4,681m (15,358ft)
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb views of the southern Ice fields. Karanga Valley is the last water point on this route. Start your hike up the steep walk of the Karanga Valley. The terrain changes to scree and we climb steeply to reach the Barafu Camp late afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.
Overnight at Barafu Camp, Average hiking time: 7 hours

Day 5:  Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (SUMMIT!!)

4,681m (15,358ft) – 5,895m (19,341ft)

Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp (descend)

5,895m (19,341ft) – 3,090m (10,138ft)
We will start our ascent to reach the crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zigzag and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point in about six or seven hours. We will rest there for a short while to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. We’ll walk along the crater rim to the summit passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. SUMMIT!!!!! the highest peak in Africa. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite at the edge of Mweka Forest.
Overnight at Mweka Camp, Average hiking time to the summit: 7 hours, Average descending time: 5 hours

Day 6:  Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate

3,090m (10,138ft) – 1,641m (5,384ft)
The day is spent descending through moorlands and rain forest with lush undergrowth to the park gate at Mweka. Transfer to a nice shower and a real bed. Well done – you’ve conquered the mountain!
Average hiking time: 4 hours

*Hiking times are estimated only, but have been calculated to give the hiker a comfortable pace throughout the hike.

WHY BOOK WITH EXPLORE PLUS?

We offer you:

• A detailed itinerary, including graphics and altitude estimations;
• Practical advice based on our personal experience of the routes;
• All quotes include enough time for acclimatisation, as it plays a vital part in ensuring a successful attempt;
• Emergency assistance. Our team is available around the clock during your climb to ensure that you have all the support you need, both in Tanzania and South-Africa;