The Machame Route is the “Whiskey” route if Marangu is the “Coca Cola” route. It is one of the most beautiful trails on the mountain and the second most well-known.

Since it is spread out over six days, acclimation is made simpler, and the success rate is not too low. It is intended for physically fit individuals with some hiking background. The final night on the mountain is spent in the Mweka or Millennium camp before descending the Mweka trail.

Day 1 – Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Machame Gate, Hike to Machame Camp

Driving takes roughly 45 minutes from Moshi to Machame Gate. The route goes past the Machame town, which is situated on the mountain’s lower slopes.

We leave the park’s entrance and go up a ridge along a meandering track through a rain forest. The trail could be slick and muddy at lower altitudes. Here, gaiters and hiking poles are wise ideas. We travel a short distance before arriving at the Machame Camp.

Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast, we depart from the rain forest’s glades and proceed on an ascending path that crosses a valley along a steep, rocky slope. The path now takes a river gorge to the west, where it continues until we reach the Shira campground.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

We proceed eastward from the Shira plateau along a ridge, past the intersection leading to Kibo’s peak. As we proceed, we turn to the south-east in the direction of the lava tower, also known as the “Sharks Tooth,” which has an elevation of 4650 meters (15250 feet). We soon reach the second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier, after passing the tower. Moving on, we descend to the Barranco Camp. Even though you’ll end the day at roughly the same altitude as you started, it’s still crucial for acclimatization and will assist your body get ready for summit day.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

Following breakfast, we depart Barranco and travel the steep Barranco Wall through the Karanga Valley until we reach the intersection with the Mweka Trail. We keep going until we reach Barafu Camp. You have finished the South Circuit, which gives numerous perspectives of the top. With views of the summit in the distance, this is where we set up camp.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

We proceed to the peak between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers very early in the morning. You move northwest and climb across steep stone scree in the direction of Stella point on the crater rim. The hardest part of the walk both physically and mentally is this section. You’ll take a little break at Stella Point, where you’ll be rewarded with the most breathtaking dawn you’ve ever seen. On your hour-long journey to the summit from Stella Point, you might run into snow the entire way. You have reached Mount Kilimanjaro’s highest point when you reach Uhuru Peak.

From the summit, we will make our way down to Mweka Camp, stopping for lunch along the way at Barafu. For the loose gravel coming down, gaiters and trekking poles can be useful. We reach Mweka Camp and take in our final night on the mountain.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

We continue to descend to the Mweka Park Gate after breakfast so you can pick up your summit certificates there. It could be muddy and damp at lower altitudes. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. Most likely, there will be enough to wear: shorts and t-shirts (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

At Mweka Gate, our vehicles will be waiting to transport you back to your Moshi hotel (about 30 minutes).

Breakfast