6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route: The Whiskey Route

The drive from Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate takes about 50 minutes, passing through the village of Machame on the lower slopes of the mountain. We leave the park gate and walk through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach Machame Camp.

• Elevation: 1,830m to 3,100m
• Distance: 18 km
• Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
• Habitat: Montane forest

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a little valley and walking along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the ridge ends. The route then turns west onto a river gorge. Time for rest, dinner and overnight at Shira campsite.

• Elevation: 3,100m to 3,840m
• Distance: 9 km
• Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

From the Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the south east towards the Lava Tower, called the Shark’s Tooth. Shortly after the tower we come to a second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at 4,876m. We now continue down to Barranco Hut at 3,860m, where we rest, enjoy dinner and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for summit day.

• Elevation: 3,840m to 4,630m to 3,860m
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert

After breakfast we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley with lunch at 4,200m, and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

• Elevation: 3,860m to 4,600m
• Distance: 13 km
• Hiking time: 8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2am, we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a north westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, 5,685m, you stop for a short rest and are rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, weather permitting. From Stella Point you may encounter snow all the way on the 1 hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Kilimanjaro and on the continent of Africa. It can be very cold at night at these elevations but quite warm by the end of the hiking day, so bring clothing for both extremes. From the summit we descend straight down to Mweka Hut camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

After breakfast we continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka village where a vehicle will meet you to drive back to your hotel in Arusha.

• Elevation: 3,100m to 1,830m
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
• Habitat: Forest