Kilimanjaro · Machame Route

Trip overview

The Machame Route — the "Whisky Route" — is the most scenic way up Kilimanjaro, winding through rainforest, moorland and alpine desert before the midnight push to Uhuru Peak. Seven days gives your body the time it needs to acclimatise, dramatically raising your summit chances.

Trip highlights

• Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise
• Cross five distinct climate zones
• Camp beneath the southern stars

Day by day

1. 1
   Day 1

   Machame Gate to Machame Camp

   Trek up through dense montane rainforest to your first camp at 2,835m.

2. 2
   Day 2

   Shira Plateau

   Climb out of the forest onto the moorland and the open Shira Plateau.

3. 3
   Day 3

   Lava Tower & Barranco

   Climb high to 4,600m then descend to sleep low — key for acclimatising.

4. 4
   Day 4

   Summit & descent

   A midnight start to stand on the roof of Africa at dawn, then descend to camp.