Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
The 'whiskey' route
Machame Route
Known as the 'Whiskey' route, Machame is now the most popular route on the mountain — chosen by about half of all climbers. Compared with Marangu the days are longer and the walks steeper, so it is better suited to adventurous trekkers with some hiking experience.
The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing beneath Kilimanjaro's southern ice field before summiting. Hikers sleep in tents carried up the mountain by porters. The key to its success is its 'climb high, sleep low' topography, which aids acclimatisation.
The minimum is six days, although we strongly recommend seven days. The 7-day version breaks the trek from Barranco to Barafu into two days, leaving you better rested before the demanding summit night.
Day by day
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate takes about 50 minutes, passing through the village of Machame on the lower slopes. We leave the gate and walk through rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge — lower down it can be muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles help — until we reach Machame Camp.
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and ascend, crossing a little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until it ends. The route turns west onto a river gorge. Rest, dinner and overnight at Shira campsite.
From the Shira Plateau we head east up a ridge, then south-east towards the Lava Tower (the 'Shark's Tooth'). We climb to the Arrow Glacier junction at 16,000 ft before descending to Barranco Hut at 13,000 ft. Although you end the day at the same elevation you started, this 'climb high, sleep low' day is very important for acclimatisation.
We leave Barranco and climb the steep Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatisation, leaving you better rested before summit night.
We leave Karanga, meet the junction with the Mweka Trail and continue to Barafu Hut, completing the South Circuit. We make camp, rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the summit. Mawenzi and Kibo are both in view.
Around midnight we head north-west between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, ascending heavy scree towards Stella Point (18,600 ft) — the most challenging part of the trek. From Stella Point a one-hour ascent brings you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and a magnificent sunrise. We then descend to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
After breakfast we continue down to Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificates. A vehicle meets you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
The drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate takes about 50 minutes, passing through the village of Machame on the lower slopes. We leave the gate and walk through rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge — lower down it can be muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles help — until we reach Machame Camp.
After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and ascend, crossing a little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until it ends. The route turns west onto a river gorge. Rest, dinner and overnight at Shira campsite.
From the Shira Plateau we head east up a ridge, then south-east towards the Lava Tower (the 'Shark's Tooth'). We climb to the Arrow Glacier junction at 16,000 ft before descending to Barranco Hut at 13,000 ft. Although you end the day at the same elevation you started, this 'climb high, sleep low' day is very important for acclimatisation.
We leave Barranco and climb the steep Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley, then continue to the junction with the Mweka Trail and up to Barafu Hut. You have now completed the South Circuit. We make camp, rest and prepare for summit night.
Around midnight we head north-west between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, ascending heavy scree towards Stella Point (18,600 ft) — the most challenging part of the trek. From Stella Point a one-hour ascent brings you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and a magnificent sunrise. We then descend to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
After breakfast we continue down to Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificates. A vehicle meets you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
The fine print
Transparent inclusions and exclusions so you know exactly what your package covers.
Tell us your travel dates, preferred route and group size. Our Moshi-based team will build a practical, safe and unforgettable Tanzania adventure for you.
