Kilimanjaro Machame Trekking Overview

The Machame Route, often referred to as the Whiskey Route due to its challenging nature, stands in contrast to the easier Marangu Route, also known as the Coca Cola Route. Unlike Marangu’s gradual inclines and hut accommodations, Machame trekkers face steeper trails, longer distances, and nights spent in tents.

Duration and Acclimatization

While the Machame trek can be completed in a minimum of six days (five nights), we highly recommend a seven-day (six-night) journey to allow for better altitude acclimatization. This route is the second most popular on Kilimanjaro and is renowned for its stunning scenery.

Trek Initiation at Machame Gate

Starting at Machame Gate on the mountain’s southern base, the trek kicks off in a lush rainforest. The descent follows the Mweka trail, with the final night spent at either Mweka or Millennium camp.

Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transported to a hotel in Arusha. Here, you will meet your mountain guide, who will brief you on the trek and conduct an equipment check. Any missing gear can be rented at this time or the following morning before departure.

Hotel in Arusha: Bed and breakfast included.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Machame Gate – Machame Camp

After a one-hour drive from Moshi, you’ll arrive at the Machame gate. Here, park formalities are completed, and you meet your crew of porters. The trek begins with a steady climb through dense rainforest. This less-trodden path can be overgrown and often muddy. Your reward at Machame Camp is a stunning view of the Shira peaks and Mount Kibo.

• Elevation: 1790 m / 5872 ft to 3010 m / 9875 ft
• Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

The route continues through the forest, ascending onto the Shira Plateau, where you are treated to views of the mountain and distant Mt Meru rising above Arusha.

• Elevation: 3010 m / 9875 ft to 3845 m / 12614 ft
• Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
• Walking Time: 4-5 hours
• Meals: Included

Optional Day 3: Shira Cave to Barranco Camp

Traversing the high moorland, the trek passes underneath the Lava Tower and Western Breach, finally reaching Barranco Camp. This day’s high-altitude experience follows the mountaineering principle of ‘walk high, sleep low’ for better acclimatization.

• Elevation: 3845 m / 12614 ft to 3960 m / 12992 ft
• Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
• Walking Time: 6-7 hours
• Meals: Included

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

The day starts with a descent into the Great Barranco, followed by a steep climb up the Great Barranco Wall. Passing under the Heim and Kersten glaciers, you head towards the Karanga valley and then climb to Karanga Camp. An optional afternoon acclimatization trek is available.

• Elevation: 3960 m / 12992 ft to 3963 m / 13001 ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
• Walking Time: 3-4 hours
• Meals: Included

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you head to Barafu Camp at 4640m. The tough, steep walk across desolate slopes is made more challenging by the altitude. Upon arrival, you rest and prepare for the upcoming summit attempt.

• Elevation: 3963 m / 13001 ft to 4640 m / 15223 ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
• Walking Time: 3-4 hours
• Meals: Included

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Down to Millennium Camp

Starting around midnight, the steep ascent to the summit begins. After 4-5 hours, you reach Stella Point at the crater rim just as the sun rises. Another hour’s walk brings you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The descent follows the same route back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, and then down to Millennium Camp for rest.

• Elevation: 4640 m / 15223 ft to 5895 m / 19340 ft and down to 3890 m / 12762 ft
• Distance: 16 km / 9 miles
• Walking Time: 12-14 hours
• Meals: Included

Day 7: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate – Arusha

The final day involves a steady descent through dense rainforest to Mweka Gate, where park formalities are completed, and certificates are issued. From here, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha.

• Elevation: 3890 m / 12762 ft to 1630 m / 5347 ft
• Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
• Walking Time: 3-4 hours
• Meals: Included