The "Whisky Route" — steep, dramatic and rewarding. 100km through montane forest, moorland, semi-desert and alpine ice to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres — the highest point on the African continent.
Popularly known as the "Whisky Route" due to its steep elevation gain, the Machame is widely considered the most scenic of all Kilimanjaro routes. This 8-day challenge climb covers 100km through the whisky route, demanding all it takes to conquer the tallest free-standing mountain in Africa — rising to 5,895 metres above sea level within the Tanzanian savannah. Our destination: Uhuru Peak.
You don't need to be an experienced mountaineer to attempt this — you simply need to be reasonably fit, have the proper equipment and a determined mindset. The ascent takes you through extraordinary vegetation zones: lush rainforest, open heathland, rocky landscapes, alpine desert and finally the snow-capped glaciers near the summit. From the Shira plateau, a breathtaking view extends all the way to the glaciers at Western Breach, while Stella Point provides the perfect location to witness a burning horizon sunrise at 5,685 metres.
Depart at 8:00am aboard the shuttle bus from Nairobi, with lunch en route. Cross the Namanga border into Tanzania and continue to Arusha — the gateway town to Kilimanjaro. Spend the afternoon organising any gear or equipment you may need for the trek. Overnight at hotel in Arusha on bed and breakfast. Lunch and dinner on own arrangement.
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. 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.
Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. Continue up through the lush montane forest — a world of giant ferns, ancient trees and mountain birds — until reaching the Machame Camp. Dinner and overnight at camp.
After breakfast, 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 into a river gorge — the vegetation has now transitioned to open moorland, with giant lobelias and groundsels unique to Kilimanjaro's highland zones.
The Shira Plateau comes into view — an ancient, flat volcanic plateau sitting at nearly 4,000m with extraordinary views of the summit cone above and the Tanzanian plains far below. Rest, dinner and overnight at Shira campsite.
From the Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. Direction changes southeast towards the Lava Tower — also known as the "Shark's Tooth" — a dramatic volcanic plug rising from the arid semi-desert landscape. Shortly after the tower, a second junction brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at 4,876m.
From the Shira Plateau, there is a breathtaking view all the way to the glaciers at Western Breach. Now descend to the Barranco Hut at 3,860m. Although you end the day at roughly the same elevation as you started, this day is critically important for acclimatisation — your body preparing for the summit push. Rest, dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.
After breakfast, leave Barranco and tackle the famous Barranco Wall — a steep rock face that is the most dramatic scramble on the Machame Route. While it looks intimidating, it is not technically difficult and your guides will assist at every step. The views from the top of the wall are extraordinary.
Continue through the alpine desert zone to the Karanga Valley campsite — an important acclimatisation rest day before the final push to high camp. The summit looms increasingly close, and the glacier ice is now clearly visible. Rest, dinner and overnight at Karanga Valley camp.
After breakfast, continue on the steep ridge through the Karanga Valley — lunch at 4,200m — and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail, then up to the Barafu Hut. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles throughout the day.
At Barafu Camp, make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner — then prepare carefully for the summit day tomorrow. Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are clearly visible from this position. Sleep as much as possible; the midnight wake-up call comes early. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Very early in the morning — midnight to 2am — begin the final ascent between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically demanding portion of the entire trek.
At Stella Point (5,685m), stop for a short rest — rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, weather permitting. From Stella Point, continue through possible snow on the 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest point on the entire continent of Africa. The views extend for hundreds of kilometres across Tanzania and Kenya.
From the summit, descend to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Bring gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the way down. Mweka Camp sits in the upper forest where mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
After breakfast, continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificate — proof of your extraordinary achievement. At lower elevations it can be wet and muddy; gaiters and trekking poles are helpful, while shorts and a t-shirt will be plenty (keep rain gear handy).
Continue another hour from the gate to Mweka Village, where a vehicle meets you to drive back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Congratulations — you have climbed the highest mountain in Africa and the fourth highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Important
Personal travel insurance including high-altitude coverage is essential. Consult your doctor about altitude sickness medication (Diamox) before the climb.
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