6-Day Machame Route – “The Whiskey Route” Kilimanjaro Climb
Overview
Short Description:
Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route” for its challenging yet rewarding climb, the Machame Route
is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic trekking paths. Over six days, experience lush rainforests,
sweeping moorlands, dramatic ridges, and the icy summit of Uhuru Peak. Perfect for
adventurous hikers seeking stunning views and a solid acclimatization profile, this route
approaches from the southwest and descends via the Mweka Trail. Highlights include Shira
Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and Kilimanjaro’s southern ice fields.
Included/Exclude
- Two nights’ accommodation (before & after the climb)
- Professional mountain guides, porters & cook
- All park fees & rescue fees
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining setup)
- Drinking water during the trek
- Airport transfers (JRO–Arusha–JRO)
- International flights
- Tanzania entry visa
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, etc.)
- Tips for guides & porters (recommended $250–300 per climber)
- Travel & medical insurance
- Optional single-room supplement
Tour Plan
Day 0 – Pre-Trek Briefing in Moshi
Arrive in Moshi at least one day before your trek. Meet your guides for a briefing, review your
gear, and rent any missing equipment. Optional airport transfers available from Kilimanjaro or
Arusha Airport.
Accommodation: Moshi hotel (optional add-on)
Meals: None
Day 1 – Moshi to Machame Camp
Drive from Moshi to Machame Gate (~45 min) through the scenic Machame Village. Trek
through lush montane forest to Machame Camp for your first night.
Elevation: 1,830m → 3,050m
Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Leave the rainforest and enter moorland terrain. Climb a ridge and continue to Shira Plateau,
with panoramic views of Kibo Peak.
Elevation: 3,050m → 3,850m
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Ascend to Lava Tower (“Shark’s Tooth”) for acclimatization, then descend into Barranco
Valley. This “climb high, sleep low” day prepares you for the summit push.
Elevation: 3,850m → 4,650m → 4,000m
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Climb the iconic Barranco Wall, traverse the Karanga Valley, and ascend to Barafu Camp,
base for the summit attempt.
Elevation: 4,000m → 4,700m
Distance: 9 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to
Mweka Camp
Start just after midnight, climb to Stella Point for sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak
(5,895m). Descend to Barafu for lunch, then to Mweka Camp for your final night.
Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,090m
Distance: 5 km up / 13 km down
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree, ice-capped summit, forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
Descend through forest to Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificate, then return to Moshi
for a hot shower and relaxation.
Elevation: 3,090m → 1,680m
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
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