8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – The Scenic Machame Route

An Epic Trek to the Roof of Africa via One of Kilimanjaro’s Most Beautiful Trails

The Machame Route, often referred to as the "Whisky Route," is widely considered the most scenic and picturesque path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Ideal for adventurous trekkers, this route offers a rich diversity of landscapes—from lush rainforests and moorlands to alpine deserts and glacial peaks—making it a true photographer’s paradise. Though no technical climbing skills are required, a good level of fitness is essential. You'll be supported by a dedicated mountain crew, including porters who carry your gear and a cook who prepares fresh, nourishing meals. As a full camping experience, Machame is perfect for those seeking both adventure and immersion in nature. One of the key advantages of the Machame Route is its excellent acclimatization profile, offering hikers a higher chance of reaching the summit safely. From breathtaking sunsets at Shira Plateau to the dramatic views of Kibo from the Barranco Wall, every step on this route is a step closer to the Roof of Africa—and an unforgettable experience.

Trip Description

The Machame Route is widely considered the most beautiful and rewarding path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the "Whisky Route" due to its challenging nature compared to the "Coca-Cola Route" (Marangu), Machame is ideal for those seeking adventure, stunning landscapes, and a richer wilderness experience. This route does not require any technical climbing skills, but a good level of physical fitness is essential. Trekkers are accompanied by a dedicated support team—porters carry your gear, and an experienced cook prepares fresh, hearty meals each day. Nights are spent camping under the stars, offering an authentic and immersive mountain experience. Trekkers are treated to ever-changing scenery: from dense montane rainforests to expansive moorlands, lava ridges, alpine deserts, and breathtaking glaciers near the summit. Highlights include sunset views over Shira Plateau, the dramatic climb up the Barranco Wall, and the awe-inspiring approach to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. One of the greatest advantages of the Machame Route is its excellent acclimatization profile, increasing the chance of a successful summit. Whether you choose the 7-day or the more gradual 8-day option, this route is a favorite among seasoned trekkers and nature photographers alike.

Accomodation

1. Panama Garden Resort or Similar 2. Machame Camp 3. Shira Camp 4. Barranco Camp 5. Barafu Camp 6. Millennium Camp 7. Panama Garden Resort

Stay program

day 1:
JRO Airport – Moshi town - BB
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport; meet by our knowledgeable driver guide, after greetings and double-check your bags will transfer you to Moshi town (45 minutes’ drive). Briefing will be provided by your Kilimanjaro professional and experienced guide. Your Kilimanjaro guide will also check your climbing equipment’s. Anything missing can be rented for you. Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort or Similar
day 2:
Machame Gate – Machame Camp - FB
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance: Machame Gate (1,800 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp (3,010 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes, but also your raincoats. This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on: • Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine • Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently) • Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies. At night, you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness. Change in Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800 m) — Machame Camp (3,010 m) Hiking distance: 5km Hiking time: 5-6 hours Accommodation: Machame Camp
day 3:
Machame Camp – Shira Camp - FB
After breakfast, you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp (3,845 m). On this day, you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Physically speaking, the trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp, you will be served a hot dinner. Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness. Trekking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp: Change in Elevation: Machame Camp (3,010 m) — Shira Camp (3,845 m) Hiking distance: 5 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) — Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m) Hiking distance: 2 km Hiking time: 1–2 hours Accommodation: Shira Camp
day 4:
Shira Camp – Barranco Camp - FB
After breakfast, you will leave Shira Camp (3,845 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be. Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail. Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters. Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) — Lava Tower (4,630 m) — Barranco Camp (3,960 m) Hiking distance: 11 km Hiking time: 6–8 hours Accommodation: Barranco Camp
day 5:
Barranco Camp – Barafu Camp - FB
Early wake-up, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp, you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to complete ascend to Barafu Camp (4,640 m) where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting. Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp: Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) — Barafu Camp (4,640 m) Hiking distance: 11 km Hiking time: 8–10 hours Accommodation: Barafu Camp
day 6:
Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Millenium Camp - FB
Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically, the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m). Note: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails. Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Millennium Camp (3,820 m) Hiking distance: 15 km Hiking time: 8-12hours Accommodation: Millennium Camp
day 7:
Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi Town - FB
The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel. Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) — Mweka Gate (1,640 m) Hiking distance: 12 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort or Similar
day 8:
Moshi Town – JRO Airport - BB
After breakfast at your hotel today, we shall have a short walk around Moshi town then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport to connect with your flight back home. Or connect with a local flight to Zanzibar. Note: while most hotels have an 10:00 AM check-out policy, they also offer late check-out for those with evening or night flights. The fees are moderate. End of tour!