7 Days Machame Route – The “Whiskey Route” to the Roof of Africa

The Machame Route is often called the most scenic path to climb Kilimanjaro, combining lush tropical forests, sweeping highland views, dramatic glaciers, and a steady acclimatization profile. Known as the “Whiskey Route” for its adventurous nature, it is the top choice for climbers seeking both challenge and beauty.

This 7-day itinerary provides the best balance between difficulty and success rate (about 85%) — perfect for those with reasonable fitness who want to maximize their chances of standing on Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters.

With Impala Explorer, every step is handled by experienced, certified local guides, skilled mountain chefs, and a dedicated team of porters — ensuring safety, comfort, and authentic Tanzanian hospitality from start to finish.

Day 1: Arrival – Transfer to Moshi

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Impala Explorer driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. After checking in, you will meet your professional mountain guide for a pre-climb briefing and gear check. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel, enjoying the pool, or exploring the friendly town of Moshi. Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Day 2: Machame Gate (1,490m) → Machame Camp (2,980m)

After breakfast, we drive for about 45 minutes to Machame Gate, where you register with TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority). Porters will arrange and weigh loads before you begin trekking through Kilimanjaro’s lush montane rainforest.

• The trail can be muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are useful.
• Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, tropical birds, and giant ferns.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Machame Camp, where your tent will be ready, and hot drinks and dinner will be served.
Distance: 11 km | ⏱️ 5–7 hrs |
Vegetation: Rainforest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner |
Accommodation: Camping

Day 3: Machame Camp (2,980m) → Shira Camp (3,840m)

Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest into the moorland zone. The climb is steeper but rewarded with breathtaking views. You’ll cross rocky ridges, small streams, and open heather landscapes. By midday, you’ll reach the Shira Plateau, a vast high-altitude desert with panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the Western Breach.

• Evening temperatures can drop well below freezing.
• Stunning sunsets over Shira Ridge are a highlight here.

📏 Distance: 9 km | ⏱️ 4–6 hrs | 🏔 Vegetation: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Camping

Day 4: Shira Camp (3,840m) → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,950m)

This is a key acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. You’ll trek slowly upward toward the iconic Lava Tower — a 300-foot volcanic rock formation. Lunch will be served here at 4,630m, where you may feel early effects of altitude. Afterward, descend into the Barranco Valley, one of the most beautiful spots on Kilimanjaro, framed by the towering Breach Wall and dotted with giant Senecio plants.
📏 Distance: 10 km | ⏱️ 6–8 hrs | 🌵 Vegetation: Alpine Desert to Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Camping

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m) → Karanga Camp (3,950m)

The day begins with the thrilling climb up the Great Barranco Wall — a 257m (843ft) scramble that is far less intimidating than it appears. At the top, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of Heim Glacier and the cloud-filled valleys below. You’ll then trek through gentle ups and downs to Karanga Camp, the last water point before the summit push.
📏 Distance: 5 km | ⏱️ 4–5 hrs | 🏞 Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Camping

Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,959m) → Barafu Camp (4,600m)

A short but steep climb brings you to Barafu Camp, your high camp before summit night. The landscape here is barren and rocky — a true alpine desert with minimal vegetation. The Swahili word barafu means “ice,” a fitting name for this frosty, wind-swept ridge. Your guide will brief you on summit night preparations. Have an early dinner and rest, as you’ll be awakened just before midnight for the final push.
📏 Distance: 4 km | ⏱️ 3–4 hrs | ❄ Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Camping

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,600m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Summit Day — the toughest yet most rewarding part of the climb.

• Wake up at 23:00–23:30 for hot tea and biscuits.
• Begin the climb by headlamp, slowly making your way up steep scree slopes to Stella Point (5,685m) for a spectacular sunrise.
• A final 1–2 hour trek along the crater rim takes you to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa!

After celebration photos, descend to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp through alpine desert, moorland, and back into forest.
📏 Ascent: 5 km | ⏱️ 6–8 hrs 📏 Descent: 12 km | ⏱️ 5–6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Camping

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,980m) – Return to Moshi

After breakfast, enjoy a farewell celebration with your crew — dancing, singing, and exchanging thanks. Descend for 3 hours to Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your climbing certificate (green for Stella Point, gold for Uhuru Peak). Drive back to Moshi for a hot shower, cold drinks, and a final celebration dinner.

📞 Book Your Kilimanjaro Adventure Now!

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro with confidence. Choose Impala Explorer for a safe, scenic, and unforgettable trekking experience via the Marangu Route.

Rates including VAT

Rates Including VAT
Price (USD)	Per Person	No. of Persons Traveling Together
$1880	Per Person	1
$1760	Per Person	2
$1700	Per Person	3
$1640	Per Person	4
$1600	Per Person	5
$1580	Per Person	6
$1500	Per Person	7 or more

Items Included in the Price & Not Included:

Items Included	Items Not Included
Transport from the arrival point to Moshi	Extras in the hotel
Transport from Moshi to the departure point	Drinks other than water
Accommodation before the climb	Tips to mountain crews
Accommodation after the climb	Meals in Moshi
All accommodations in huts on the mountain	Personal gear like sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.
Park fees on Kilimanjaro	Flights
Rescue fees on the mountain (by car)	Anything not listed above
3 meals daily on the mountain
Sleeping and dining huts
Guide and porters
Cooks and waiters
First aid kit
Service of an English-speaking mountain guide
Transportation to the mountain
Transportation from the mountain
All government taxes
Oximeter on the mountain