Kilimanjaro Routes

Machame Route

Whiskey Route

Duration
6-7 Days
Difficulty
Challenging
Success Rate
85%
Start Elevation
1,800m
Summit Elevation
5,895m
Approach
South

About This Route

Whiskey Route

The Machame Route, affectionately known as the "Whiskey Route" (in contrast to the "Coca-Cola" Marangu Route), is the most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro and for good reason. It offers breathtaking scenery through five distinct ecological zones, from lush rainforest to alpine desert, and provides excellent acclimatization through its "walk high, sleep low" profile.

Starting from the Machame Gate at 1,800 meters, the route ascends through the southern slopes of the mountain, passing through dense rainforest, moorland, and the dramatic Shira Plateau before reaching the Lava Tower at 4,630 meters. The descent to Barranco Camp for the night provides valuable acclimatization. The next day includes the famous Barranco Wall scramble, a thrilling but non-technical climb that rewards with panoramic views.

The Machame Route joins the Mweka Route for the final summit push via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak. The route is best attempted over 6-7 days to allow for proper acclimatization. While more challenging than the Marangu Route, the Machame offers superior scenery, better acclimatization, and a higher success rate, making it the route of choice for most climbers.

Day by Day

Your Journey to the Summit

Begin your trek at Machame Gate (1,800m) and hike through lush montane rainforest. The trail is steep in places but well-maintained, passing through a canopy of giant heather and moss-draped trees. Arrive at Machame Camp on the edge of the moorland zone.

Elevation:1800m to 3000m
Distance:11km
Time:5-7 hours

Leave the rainforest behind as you climb through moorland and heath. The vegetation transitions to giant groundsels and lobelias. Cross the Shira Plateau to reach Shira Camp with stunning views of Kibo peak.

Elevation:3000m to 3840m
Distance:5km
Time:4-6 hours

Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp. This "walk high, sleep low" strategy is key to the route's high success rate. The dramatic Barranco Valley offers spectacular views.

Elevation:3840m to 4630m to 3960m
Distance:10km
Time:6-8 hours

Begin with the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling scramble up a steep rock face. Though it looks intimidating, it is non-technical and great fun. Continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.

Elevation:3960m to 3995m
Distance:5km
Time:4-5 hours

A shorter day to conserve energy for the summit push. Ascend through alpine desert to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight start.

Elevation:3995m to 4673m
Distance:4km
Time:3-4 hours

Depart around midnight for the summit push. Climb through the night via Stella Point (5,756m) to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. Descend via Mweka Route to Mweka Camp for overnight.

Elevation:4673m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance:17km
Time:12-15 hours

Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Elevation:3100m to 1640m
Distance:10km
Time:3-4 hours

Everything You Need

What's Included

✓ Included

  • Professional mountain guides
  • Porters and cook
  • Park fees and rescue fees
  • Camping equipment
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Filtered water
  • Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen
  • Airport transfers

✗ Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal gear
  • Tips/gratuities
  • Pre and post trek accommodation

Prepare for Your Climb

Training & Preparation

Physical Training

A 12-week training program is recommended. Focus on hiking with a loaded pack, regular cardio sessions, and leg strength exercises including squats, lunges, and step-ups.

Acclimatization

"Pole pole" (slowly, slowly) is the Kilimanjaro mantra. Staying hydrated (3-4 litres daily) and maintaining a steady pace are your best strategies for avoiding altitude sickness.

Gear

Quality hiking boots (broken in!) are essential. Bring a layering system for temperatures ranging from -20°C at the summit to +30°C in the rainforest.

Mental Preparation

Summit night is the toughest part. Mental resilience and a positive mindset will carry you when your body wants to stop.

Read Full Preparation Guide →
Preparing for Kilimanjaro climb

Common Questions

Kilimanjaro FAQs

You do not need to be an elite athlete to climb Kilimanjaro, but a reasonable level of fitness is essential. The climb is not technically difficult, but it is physically demanding due to the duration (5-9 days of trekking) and the altitude. We recommend starting a training program at least 8-12 weeks before your climb, focusing on cardiovascular fitness (hiking, running, cycling), leg strength, and endurance. Regular long walks with a loaded daypack on hilly terrain are the best preparation. Many successful climbers are regular recreational hikers and gym-goers rather than experienced mountaineers.
Essential gear includes: quality waterproof hiking boots (broken in before the trip), a warm down jacket rated to -15C, thermal base layers, waterproof outer shell jacket and trousers, warm hat and gloves, gaiters, trekking poles, a headlamp with spare batteries, a sleeping bag rated to -15C (or rent one from us), a daypack (25-30 liters), water bottles or hydration bladder, and high-SPF sunscreen. We provide a comprehensive gear list upon booking and can arrange rental of sleeping bags and trekking poles if needed. Do not buy brand new boots for the climb; break them in thoroughly first.
Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS) is the biggest challenge on Kilimanjaro. Key prevention strategies include: choosing a longer route with better acclimatization (7+ days), walking slowly ("pole pole" in Swahili), drinking 3-4 liters of water daily, eating well even when appetite decreases, and communicating any symptoms to your guide immediately. Some climbers use Acetazolamide (Diamox) as a prophylactic, which should be discussed with your doctor before the trip. Our guides carry pulse oximeters to monitor your blood oxygen levels and are trained to recognize AMS symptoms early.
No prior climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary to climb Kilimanjaro. The mountain is classified as a trek rather than a technical climb, meaning no ropes, harnesses, or specialized climbing skills are required. The Barranco Wall on the Machame and Lemosho routes involves some basic scrambling using hands and feet, but it is non-technical and guided. The most important factors for success are physical fitness, mental determination, proper acclimatization, and listening to your guide. Many of our successful summit climbers had never attempted anything like it before.
Our mountain cooks prepare fresh, nutritious meals designed to fuel your climb. Breakfast typically includes porridge, eggs, toast, fruit, tea, and coffee. Lunch is usually a packed lunch with sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit, snacks, and juice, eaten at a scenic rest stop. Dinner is a three-course meal including soup, a main course (pasta, rice, meat, or fish with vegetables), and dessert. We also provide plenty of snacks, hot drinks, and filtered water throughout the day. We can accommodate dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal diets with advance notice.
On most routes, we provide a private portable toilet for our climbing groups, ensuring hygienic and comfortable facilities throughout the trek. The portable toilet is carried by our porters and set up at each campsite in a private tent. Public toilet facilities (long-drop latrines) are available at campsites but vary in quality. The Marangu Route has flush toilets at its huts. We recommend bringing your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and biodegradable wet wipes for personal hygiene. Our commitment to Leave No Trace principles means all waste is carried down the mountain.
There is no electricity on Kilimanjaro (except at the Marangu huts which have limited charging points). We recommend bringing a portable power bank (10,000-20,000 mAh) to charge your phone and camera. Solar chargers can work but are unreliable due to cloud cover and limited sun exposure in the forest. Bring spare batteries for your camera, especially as batteries drain faster in cold conditions. To conserve phone battery, keep your phone in airplane mode and use it primarily for photos and emergency communication. Our guides carry satellite phones for emergencies.
Your safety is always our top priority. If you develop severe altitude sickness symptoms or are unable to continue for any reason, our guides will arrange a safe descent with a dedicated guide and porter escort. This decision is never taken lightly and is always made in consultation with you, but our guides have the final authority on safety decisions. Descending to lower altitude is the most effective treatment for altitude sickness, and most people recover rapidly. Even if you do not reach Uhuru Peak, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) or Gilman's Point (5,681m) is still an incredible achievement and you will receive a certificate.

More Options

Explore Other Routes

Lemosho Route

7-8 Days
Success Rate: 90%
Moderate-challenging

Marangu Route

5-6 Days
Success Rate: 65%
Moderate

Rongai Route

6-7 Days
Success Rate: 80%
Moderate

Northern Circuit Route

8-9 Days
Success Rate: 95%
Moderate

Umbwe Route

5-6 Days
Success Rate: 70%
Difficult

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