6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route: The Whiskey Route

The drive from Arusha to the park gate takes about 50 minutes, passing through the village of Machame on the lower slopes. From the gate the trail winds up a ridge through rainforest. Lower down it can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles earn their place today. A short further stretch brings you to Machame Camp.

Elevation: 1,830m to 3,100m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
Habitat: Montane forest

After breakfast you leave the rainforest behind on a steadily ascending path, crossing a small valley and following a steep rocky ridge covered in heather until the ridge runs out. The route then turns west onto a river gorge. Rest, dinner and overnight at Shira campsite.

Elevation: 3,100m to 3,840m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

From the Shira Plateau you continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards Kibo. The direction then swings south-east towards the Lava Tower, known as the Shark’s Tooth. Shortly past it a second junction leads up to the Arrow Glacier at 4,876m. From there you descend to Barranco Hut at 3,960m for dinner and overnight. You finish the day at close to the height you started, and that is the point: this is the single most valuable day on the route for acclimatisation.

Elevation: 3,840m to 4,630m to 3,960m
Distance: 15 km
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

You leave Barranco and climb the steep ridge of the Barranco Wall, then work through the Karanga Valley with lunch at 4,200m and on to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail, continuing up to Barafu Hut. You have now completed the South Circuit, which shows you the summit from several different angles. Make camp, rest and prepare for summit day; both Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from here.

Elevation: 3,960m to 4,600m
Distance: 13 km
Hiking time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Between midnight and 2am you set off for the summit, climbing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The line runs north-west up heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, and this is the hardest part of the trek both physically and mentally. At Stella Point, 5,685m, you stop briefly, and weather permitting you get a sunrise you will not forget. From there expect snow underfoot for the hour it takes to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. It can be bitterly cold overnight at these heights and quite warm by the end of the day, so carry clothing for both. From the summit you descend to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

After breakfast you continue down to Mweka Park Gate to collect your summit certificate. The lower ground can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and poles help again. Shorts and a t-shirt will usually be enough, but keep rain gear and something warm within reach. From the gate it is another hour to Mweka village, where a vehicle meets you for the drive back to your hotel in Arusha.

Elevation: 3,100m to 1,830m
Distance: 15 km
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Forest