The scenic trail to the Roof of Africa
Famously known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is one of Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful
and varied trails. It winds through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacier — with
iconic landmarks like the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco Wall along the way.
This route offers excellent acclimatization and a higher summit success rate than most.
Ideal for trekkers seeking both challenge and reward.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by a Kilimanjaro Mavens representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. In the afternoon, your lead guide will conduct a comprehensive pre-trek briefing. This is a vital session where we discuss the “Pole Pole” philosophy, safety protocols, and perform a thorough gear check. If any equipment is missing, we will assist you in renting high-quality gear locally. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner, allowing you to meet your fellow climbers and rest before the adventure begins.
Your adventure begins after breakfast, when your guide collects you from your hotel for
the drive to Machame Gate — a 2 to 2.5 hour journey through local villages and the lower
cultivated slopes of Kilimanjaro.
After registration and weighing of luggage, the trek begins. The trail leads into lush
rainforest – Kilimanjaro’s second vegetation zone — home to colobus monkeys, blue
monkeys, and rare flora. The walk is steady and often steep, climbing throughout the day
through uneven terrain and exposed roots. We’ll take regular breaks, including lunch en
route depending on timing, and keep a manageable pace.
Machame Camp lies just above the forest edge, with views stretching over the treetops
toward the plains below. Tents are ready and dinner is served as you settle into your first
night on the mountain.
Elevation: 1,828m to 3,032m | Distance: 10.75km | Time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Today’s trek beings with a steep and steady climb as we leave the forest behind and enter
Kilimanjaro’s third vegetation zone — the Heath and Moorland. The forest gives way to
open slopes, giant heathers, and volcanic rock.
Along the way, you’ll pass striking flora like giant lobelia and if the skies are clear, you may
glimpse Kibo’s snowy summit and Mount Meru in the distance. The pace slows to support
acclimatization, and the air begins to feel thinner. Your guide will set a rhythm that allows
your body to adjust.
Shira Cave Camp sits on the Shira Plateau, with views of Kilimanjaro’s ancient third peak
– Shira Peak. Tents are ready on arrival and meals are served.
Elevation: 3,302m to 3,850m | Distance: 5.3km | Time: 4–6 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This is a key acclimatization day. The morning begins with a long trek crossing the Shira
Plateau as we head due east towards Kibo. It’s a photogenic trek, with the snowy summit
of Kilimanjaro constantly present ahead. You’ll climb high to Lava Tower — a dramatic
volcanic formation in the Alpine Desert zone – Kilimanjaro’s fourth vegetation zone –
where lunch will be served. Then we descend to sleep low at Barranco Camp. The
dramatic Barranco Valley, with its towering cliffs and giant groundsels, is unforgettable.
Expect breathtaking views, dramatic landscapes, and a chance to feel the altitude. Mild
symptoms like headaches are common and monitored closely by your guide.
Barranco Camp is one of the most scenic campsites en route, nestled beneath the south
face of Kibo and surrounded by giant senecio trees. Dinner is served in the evening.
Elevation: 3,850m to 3,986m (Lava Tower 4,530m) | Distance: 10.75km | Time: 6-8 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is a short day in terms of distance but it’s physically demanding as you enter high
altitudes. The day begins with a scramble up the iconic Barranco Wall. Taking over an hour
to climb— it’s a thrilling but safe ascent that may require you using your hands in places
Night 4: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit)
We begin the final push around midnight, reaching Stella Point (5,745m) on the rim of the
Kibo crater around sunrise. It’s a steep, slow, cold trek and a good test of your physical
and mental endurance This is a 5-6 hours walk, though it can be much longer depending
on your condition and pace.
From Stella Point we continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the highest
point in Africa!
Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m | Distance: 4.86km | Time: 7-8 hours
to pull yourself up the rocks. Don’t be over-concerned – this is not mountaineering and
your guide will support you every step.
From the top, the trail meanders through the Karanga Valley, a beautiful place where
malachite sunbirds jump from flower to flower. Karanga Camp is on the far side of the
valley, reached by a steep but short climb. We take lunch at Karanga Camp, then continue
for 3 more hours or so to Barafu Camp.
Barafu Camp sits on the southeastern shoulder of Kibo, in a stark lunar landscape. Dinner
is served early, and rest is essential before the summit push ahead.
Elevation: 3,986m to 4,640m | Distance: 8.5km | Time: 6-8 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After celebrating at the summit and a brief rest, we continue back down to Barafu Camp
– a tough walk given that you’ve used up almost your entire energy reserves going up. At
Barafu we take breakfast and relax for an hour, before continuing our walk down the
mountain, this time on the Mweka Trail to Mweka Camp. Note that, judging from your
condition after a long and brutal walk to the summit and down to Barafu, your guide will
decide on the final stop of the day between Millennium and Mweka Campsite.
Elevation: 5,895m to 3,106m | Distance: 11.5km | Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A gentle descent through the rainforest to the gate, where we celebrate with your
certificate and a well-earned rest. A bus will be waiting to take you to your celebratory
lunch and then back to your hotel for you to treat yourselves with warm showers and
cold beers. Your trek is at an end. Your guide will tell you what to do and you will have a
chance to say thanks to the whole team before you part ways.
Elevation: 3,106m to 1,633m | Distance: 9.1km | Time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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