Trekking · Mount Kilimanjaro
The Whisky Route to the Roof of Africa
The Machame Route — also known as the Whisky Route — is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro. The trek climbs through rainforest and moorland to the Shira Plateau, traverses beneath the glaciated Southern Ice Fields, and joins the Barafu Route for the final push to the summit.
Its longer profile and gradual incline deliver higher summit success rates, and our full mountain crew — licensed guides, porters and cook — handle everything but the walking.
- Kilimanjaro's most scenic and popular route
- Excellent acclimatization — higher summit success rates
- 3 porters per climber, head guide with assistant
- Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover included
5,895 m
Uhuru Peak — 19,345 ft
6 Days
5 Nights on the Mountain
62 km
Total Trekking Distance
5 Zones
Rainforest to Arctic Summit
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Machame Gate to Machame Camp
After a 50-minute drive from Moshi, the trek begins through lush rainforest on a winding, often muddy path — gaiters and trekking poles recommended — ending at Machame Camp.
- ⛰️ 5,400 → 9,400 ft
- 📏 11 km
- 🕒 5–7 hrs
- 🌿 Rainforest
Day 2
Machame Camp to Shira Camp
A gradual ridge ascent through heather-covered moorland with stunning views, reaching the Shira Plateau for the night at Shira Camp.
- ⛰️ 9,400 → 12,500 ft
- 📏 5 km
- 🕒 4–6 hrs
- 🌾 Moorland
Day 3
Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
An eastward trek toward Lava Tower — the ‘Shark’s Tooth’ — followed by a descent to Barranco Camp. A crucial acclimatization day: climb high, sleep low.
- ⛰️ 12,500 → 13,000 ft via 15,190 ft
- 📏 10 km
- 🕒 6–8 hrs
- 🏜️ Semi-Desert
Day 4
Barranco – Karanga – Barafu Camp
Conquer the steep Barranco Wall, then continue through Karanga Camp to Barafu base camp, with towering views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Early to bed before the summit night.
- ⛰️ 13,000 → 15,000 ft
- 📏 9 km
- 🕒 8–10 hrs
- 🏔️ Alpine Desert
Day 5 · Summit
Barafu – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Hut
The summit push begins between midnight and 2 AM, ascending scree and glacier country to Stella Point for sunrise — then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend all the way to Mweka Hut.
- ⛰️ 15,300 → 19,345 → 10,000 ft
- 📏 5 km up · 12 km down
- 🕒 7–8 hrs up · 4–6 down
- ❄️ Arctic
Day 6
Mweka Camp to Moshi
A final rainforest descent to Mweka Gate to collect your summit certificate, then transport from Mweka Village back to Moshi for a well-earned celebration.
- ⛰️ 10,000 → 5,400 ft
- 📏 10 km
- 🕒 3–4 hrs
- 🌿 Rainforest
Cost
What Your Trip Covers
What’s Included
- Base and airport transfers
- Full-board trek accommodation & hotel before/after
- All park fees and government taxes
- Professional English-speaking guide, porters & cook
- Tents, mattresses & private chemical toilet
- Boiled water, first-aid kit & supplementary oxygen
- 3 porters per climber · head guide with assistant
- Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
Not Included
- Laundry, sleeping bags & climbing gear
- Beverages
- International flights, visas & taxes
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal items not listed
Get Your Tailored Quote
Rates vary with group size, season and accommodation level. Tell us your dates and party size and we’ll send a detailed, no-obligation quote within 24 hours — usually much faster on WhatsApp.
Map
Where You'll Be Travelling
Stand on the Roof of Africa
Tell us your dates and fitness level — we’ll prepare you for the summit of a lifetime.