Overview
The Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route,” is a popular choice for trekkers due to its scenic diversity and success rate. This route offers challenging yet manageable trekking with breathtaking views across different ecological zones, providing excellent acclimatization over 6 to 7 days.
- Duration: 6 to 7 Days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Best Time to Trek: January to February, August to October
Distance: 11 kmElevation Gain: 1,640 m to 2,850 mTrek Time: 5-7 hoursTerrain: RainforestDescription: Start the journey from Machame Gate with registration and begin trekking through lush rainforest, home to a variety of birds and primates. The path is often misty and humid, adding a sense of adventure as you ascend to Machame Camp for your first night on the mountain.
Distance: 5 kmElevation Gain: 2,850 m to 3,810 mTrek Time: 4-6 hoursTerrain: MoorlandDescription: Leaving the dense forest behind, the trail ascends into the moorland, offering stunning views of Kibo Peak. The trek leads across a rocky ridge toward Shira Plateau, where you’ll camp for the night, enjoying the expansive landscape and distant peaks.
Distance: 10 kmElevation Gain: 3,810 m to 4,600 m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,960 mTrek Time: 6-8 hoursTerrain: Alpine DesertDescription: This acclimatization day takes you up to Lava Tower, an iconic volcanic rock formation. After a short break, descend to Barranco Camp. This day allows your body to adapt to the altitude, while the descent into the Barranco Valley rewards with views of the lush valley below.
Distance: 5 kmElevation Gain: 3,960 m to 4,035 mTrek Time: 4-5 hoursTerrain: Rocky Trails and Alpine DesertDescription: Begin the day with an exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, followed by a series of ridges and valleys. The route leads into the Karanga Valley, where Karanga Camp provides an ideal resting point for further acclimatization.
- Distance: 4 km
- Elevation Gain: 4,035 m to 4,673 m
- Trek Time: 4-5 hours
- Terrain: Alpine Desert
- Description: A short, steep climb brings you to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit. Rest and hydrate here in preparation for the midnight ascent, taking in the surrounding rugged landscape as you prepare for the final push to the summit.
Distance: 17 kmElevation Gain: 4,673 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,068 mTrek Time: 12-14 hoursTerrain: Arctic, then Descent through Alpine Desert and ForestDescription: Starting around midnight, embark on the challenging summit ascent to Uhuru Peak. Witness the sunrise from the peak, the highest point in Africa, before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest, marking the most challenging and rewarding day of the journey.
Distance: 10 kmElevation Loss: 3,068 m to 1,640 mTrek Time: 3-4 hoursTerrain: RainforestDescription: A final descent through the rainforest brings you back to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive summit certificates before departing the mountain.
