7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking via Machame Route “Whiskey Route”

Upon your arrival to Kilimanjaro Int'l Airport, your adventure begins right away. Where you will head to Machame Gate (Altitude 1500m) then to Machame Camp (Altitude 3000m), the distance is about 18 km.
It is approximately a 45-minute drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. All your equipment and supplies are taken over by porters; a cook will prepare all your meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers tents only. After all, formalities have been taken care of at the gate, you will head into the forest and begin the 7-hour ascent to the first camp on the mountain, Machame camp (3000m).

Machame Camp (3000) to Shira Camp (3840), the distance is about 9 km.
Breakfast is served early in the mess tent and, weather permitting; you could take in your first view of the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro. The lunch stop will be reached at about 3600m. After this short lunch and an equally limited rest, you'll continue up the rocky ridge to the next camp on the mountain, Shira camp (3840).

Shira Camp (3840) to Barranco Camp (3950), distance is about 15 km.
The route now turns east into a semi-desert and rocky environment where you will reach an altitude of 4600m after a 5 hours walk to Lava Tower. As you ascend from the Shira camp (3950m), there are good views of the Shira Plateau to the west, Oehler Ridge to the northeast and the Western Breach to the east. This day, you will climb high and steep low.

Shira Camp (3840) to Barranco Camp (3950), the distance is about 15 km.
The route now turns east into a semi-desert and rocky environment where you reach an altitude of 4600m after a 5-hour walk to Lava Tower. As you ascend from the Shira camp (3950m), there are good views of the Shira Plateau to the west, Oehler Ridge to the northeast, and the Western Breach to the east. This day you will climb high and steep low.

You will leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You will continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here you will make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Very early in the morning (around midnight), you will begin your push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. You will ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, you will arrive at Uhuru Peak —the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, you'll now make your descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you'll enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

On your last day, you will continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, you will continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back for preparations for your departure.