The Whiskey Route: A Trek up the Kilimanjaro
|9 Days, 2 Destinations |Starts from Kilimanjaro International Airport
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Duration

9 days

Max Group Size

100

Departure Type

Scheduled

Guiding Method

Fully guided

Physical level

hard

Operated In

Age Requirement

15 - 0 Ages

Tour Overview

The Machame Route is a popular trekking path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Known as the "Whiskey Route" for its challenging terrain, it features steep inclines and descents, requiring strong fitness and stamina.

This scenic route offers a variety of landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. The trek typically takes 6-7 days to complete and is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a rewarding challenge. Contact us today to start planning your adventure.

CampingAdventureExplorerHiking & TrekkingSightseeing

Route

Starts from

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Ends in

Kilimanjaro

Tour route map

Itinerary

Start your adventure on the right foot with a comfortable stay at Weruweru River Lodge. We'll take care of your pickup and transfer so you can relax and enjoy your first night in Tanzania. Book your trip now and look forward to a great start to your Kilimanjaro trekking experience.

Altitude change 1800m to 3000m, distance 11kms/5/7hrs trekking time

After breakfast, we'll drive you to Machame Gate, where you'll register with the park authorities. From there, you'll start trekking on a winding trail through the rainforest for 5-7 hours, before reaching Machame Camp, where you'll spend the night at 3100m.

Dinner and overnight at Machame camp on full board basis

Altitude change 3000m to 3850m, distance 9kms/4/6hrs trekking time

After a hearty breakfast, we leave the lush rainforest behind and continue our ascent on an ascending path through the moorland zone. The path crosses a small valley and winds along a steep rocky ridge covered with heather until the end of the ridge. Then, we head west towards the river's gorge. Our camp for the night is at Shira Camp, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night.

Dinner and overnight at Shira camp on full board basis

Altitude change 3850m to 4600m to 3950, distance 12kms/6/7hrs trekking time

On this day, we prioritize acclimatization to prepare for the summit day ahead. It is an intense day, and altitude symptoms may be felt as we ascend until reaching Lava Tower at 4600m. Here, we take a break for lunch and rest before descending to the Barranco campsite, where we will spend the night.

The camp is nestled in a picturesque valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, offering a memorable sunset view that's perfect for photography. The semi-desert environment also adds to the unique experience of staying at this campsite.

Dinner and overnight at Barranco camp on full board basis

Altitude change 3950m to 3930m, distance 9kms/4/6hrs trekking time

On this day, you will embark on a trek to ascend the top of Great Barranco Wall. From there, you will cross over the scree and proceed to Karanga Valley, which is situated at an altitude of 3930 meters. The valley is located beneath the icefalls of Kersten, Heim, and Decken glaciers.

The scenic beauty of this place is breathtaking and worth capturing in your cameras. It's a challenging yet rewarding day of trekking on your journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Dinner and overnight at Karanga camp on full board basis

Altitude change 3930m to 4600m, distance 6kms/3/hrs trekking time

After leaving Karanga camp, we'll continue our trek towards the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail for descent. From there, we'll continue until we reach the Barafu Hut, marking the completion of the Southern Circuit. At Barafu Hut, we'll enjoy some dinner and rest before attempting the summit.

This campsite provides stunning views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks from different angles, set against the backdrop of the alpine desert environment. Don't forget to take some time to appreciate the breathtaking scenery.

Dinner and overnight at Barafu camp on full board basis

Altitude change 4600m to 5895m(peak) to 3100m, distance 7kms ascend/6/8/hrs trekking time/ 23kms descent/6/7hrs descent

We will wake you up at 11:30 PM and serve you tea and cookies before embarking on the challenging hike to the summit. Our destination is the peak between the Ratzel and Rembman glaciers, which is the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5895m).

The hike is physically and mentally demanding, especially as we ascend through scree to Stella Point (5732m), where we will stop to rest and witness a breathtaking sunrise if weather permits.

From there, we continue to the summit, and then begin our descent to Mweka campsite (3100m) via Barafu, where we will have lunch. The loose gravel requires trekking poles for a safe descent. At Mweka campsite, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest. Remember to bring warm clothes as it gets really cold during the night, but it'll be warm at the end of the day's hike.

The environment will be Stone scree, ice-capped summit / Alpine desert.

Dinner and overnight at Mweka camp on full board basis

Altitude change 3100m to 1800m, distance 8kms/3/4/hrs trekking time

On the final day of the trek, we will descend from Camp Mweka to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate.

The trail may be muddy and wet as we enter the lower altitude Montane forest, but trekking poles and gaiters will be helpful. We recommend keeping rain gear and warmer clothes on hand, even if you opt for t-shirts and shorts for this portion of the trek.

From the gate, We will pick you up and transfer you to Gold Crest Hotel for an overnight on bed and breakfast basis

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before we bid you farewell and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance with your onward travel arrangements.

Trip includes

Included

  • Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi town on bed and breakfast Basis
  • Camping tents
  • 1 night at House of West Kili – bed and breakfast basis
  • 1 night at Gold Crest Hotel – bed and breakfast basis

  • Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters

Guiding Method
Fully guided


  • Full board accommodation during the trek – 3 meals daily

  • Evacuation Insurance – Amref Flying Doctors
  • 2-way airport transfers - 1 on arrival and 1 on departure
  • Transportation to & from the mountain gate

Excluded

International flights and Visa

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